BestCarRank
Bmw

2019 Bmw R 1250 GS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Bmw R 1250 GS has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.4x the segment average of 9. The most common issue is brakes problems (59% of all complaints), specifically: just got a new 2019 r1250 gs demo with 140 miles on it, drove an additional 200 miles and after the bike was parked for a few days, i noticed brake fluid dripping off the left front caliper / fork and wetness from the seam on the right front caliper. i called the dealer and alerted them to the pr. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

22

Total Complaints

4

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

2.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

BRAKES

13 complaints
59%
  • JUST GOT A NEW 2019 R1250 GS DEMO WITH 140 MILES ON IT, DROVE AN ADDITIONAL 200 MILES AND AFTER THE BIKE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING OFF THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER / FORK AND WETNESS FROM THE SEAM ON THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ALERTED THEM TO THE PR
  • FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS LEAKING. BMW ARE NOT ABLE TO SUPPLY PARTS. DEALER UNABLE TO FINALIZE SALE AND DELIVERY OF MOTORCYCLE. DEALER UNABLE TO ADVISE WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. MOTORCYCLE IS UNSAFE IN THIS CONDITION.
  • - DRIVING BRAND NEW 2019 BMW R 1250 GS MOTORCYCLE ON WELL-MAINTAINED, RURAL, TWO-LANE ROADS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA - UPON BRAKING WHILE APPROACHING A SLOW-SPEED RIGHT-HAND TURN, THE BRAKES LOST ALL PRESSURE (APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN 2ND GEAR) - THE FRONT TIRE THEN LOCKED/ RELEASED ERRATICALLY THRO
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

JUST GOT A NEW 2019 R1250 GS DEMO WITH 140 MILES ON IT, DROVE AN ADDITIONAL 200 MILES AND AFTER THE BIKE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING OFF THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER / FORK AND WETNESS FROM THE SEAM ON THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ALERTED THEM TO THE PR

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Bmw R 1250 GS

Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 5K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
10
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
7
30-60K
0
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER13/08/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Risk: Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Bmw R 1250 GS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,143
Full coverage / month
$179
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+28%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw R 1250 GS Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2019 R 1250 GS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BRAKES: JUST GOT A NEW 2019 R1250 GS DEMO WITH 140 MILES ON IT, DROVE AN ADDITIONAL 200 MILES AND AFTER THE BIKE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING OFF THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER / FORK AND WETNESS FROM THE SEAM ON THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ALERTED THEM TO THE PR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: THE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WOR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: THE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WOR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: 4/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any i

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Bmw R 1250 GS — Year Comparison

How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
22
Recalls
4
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
9

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Bmw R 1250 GS