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Bmw

2016 Bmw R1200 RS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Bmw R1200 RS has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is electrical problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: the engine control unit is activating "limp mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. first events (4~5 times) occurred in may 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. the engine control unit (ecu) had stored fault codes, 21f961 & 21f971 ".

9

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

ELECTRICAL

2 complaints
22%
  • • The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "
  • • Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommen
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ENGINE

2 complaints
22%
  • • The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "
  • • Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommen
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "”

— NHTSA complaint filing

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints
22%
  • • The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "
  • • Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommen
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "”

— NHTSA complaint filing

TIRES

1 complaints
11%
  • • MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

OTHER

1 complaints
11%
  • • The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was t
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact owns a 2016 BMW R1200 RS Motorcycle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the rear reflex reflectors were inoperable. The contact was informed by another motorist that the reflector lights were not illuminating as needed. The motorcycle was t”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
TIRES(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ☐
    ELECTRICAL: The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "

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

  • ☐
    ENGINE: The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "

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

  • ☐
    FUEL SYSTEM: The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "

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

  • ☐
    TIRES: MC 120 / 70R 17W While riding, i noticed a shake in the front of my motorcycle. Upon stopping I noticed a bulge in the center of the tread that was approximately 1.5" higher than the rest of the tread in an area that was about 1/3 the circumference of the tire. I attempted to ride the four miles

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

  • ☐
    General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Bmw R1200 RS — Year Comparison

How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2016
9Excellent Reliability
Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
80

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2016 Bmw R1200 RS

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