Owners have filed 51 complaints
about the 2000 BMW K1200LT with NHTSA between 2002 and 2019.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the BMW K1200LT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 78
46% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Differential Unit
830.8%
Driveline
623.1%
Center Support Bearing
311.5%
Axle Assembly
311.5%
Floor Shift Assembly
27.7%
Rear
27.7%
Hubcap/Cover
13.8%
Valve
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
919.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2350.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
715.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
48.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
24.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2002peak 4Jun 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 BMW K1200LT
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP12001Opened 20 Jan 2012Closed 20 Jun 2013POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
M/C final drive ball bearing failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition requesting that it open an investigation into model year (MY) 1998-2009 BMW KLT series motorcycles for final drive bearing failures.The petitioner asked NHTSA to issue an order that [BMW] be required to recall the affected models for inspection ofcomponent wear and proper assembly of the [final drive] bearing.ODI has reviewed the petition, assessed relevant consumer complaints, and gathered other data in the course of investigating this issue.Based on its review, ODI does not believe that a safety-related defect trend current...
PE03054Opened 1 Dec 2003Closed 23 Jan 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A RECALL (04V-028).AN INFORMATION REQUEST(IR)RESPONSE WAS NOT RECEIVED. UPON BMW'S RECEIPT OF THE IR, AND AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH ODI, BMWDETERMINED THAT A RECALL WAS NECESSARY. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING CONTAINED WITHIN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED.FURTHER, THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN ALSO RESULT IN A SMALL FUEL LEAK.DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS.ALSO ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED.IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT...
Recalls on the 2000 BMW K1200LT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20040262,527 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorcycles, the crimp-type hose clamps along the fuel line may not have been installed properly and could leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect, and if necessary, adjust all crimp-type hose clamps.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 111,500 milesHyde Park, NY
TIRES
AVON STORM 3 MOTORCYCLE FRONT TIRE DEVELOPED A FLAT AREA AFTER ONLY 1500 MILES. TIRE IS OUT OF ROUND.
NHTSA complaint #11221970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesHyde Park, NY
POWER TRAIN
DP12001 THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED AT 74,000 MILES WITH THE BEARING FAILING AND THE SEAL LEAKING OIL ONTO THE REAR WHEEL. AFTER REPAIR AT AN AUTHORIZE BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALER THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED A SECOND TIME AT 91,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10817228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,800 milesKress, TX
POWER TRAIN
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I NOTICED A NEW RHYTHMIC VIBRATION TRANSMITTED THROUGH FOOTPEGS, VARIED SPEED & VIBRATION RATE ALSO VARIED. STOPPED, CHECKED WHEELS & TIRES, NO DEFECTS NOTED, CONTINUED TO DESTINATION. PARKED MOTORCYCLE ON IT'S CENTER STAND, REMOVED HELMET, GLOVES, JACKET & STOWED. VISUALLY INSPECTED MOTORCYCLE APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES LATER & FOUND FINAL DRIVE LUBE DRIPPING FROM FINAL DRIVE, REAR BRAKE CALIPER ONTO REAR WHEEL, RUNNING DOWN RH SIDE OF REAR TIRE AND DRIPPING ON THE FLOOR. FLUID LOSS AT THAT POINT ESTIMATED TO BE APROX. 1 TEASPOON. ROTATING REAR WHEEL FOUND ROTATION "NOTCHY"/NOT SMOOTH, TURNING FASTER BY HAND COULD HEAR RUMBLE. SUSPECT CROWN BEARING CAGE FAILURE, FURTHER DAMAGING SEAL. DRAINED FINAL DRIVE, FOUND FLUID VERY DARK WITH METAL PARTICLES SUSPENDED IN FLUID. MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG COATED WITH FLAKES & SLUDGE OVER 1/4 INCH THICK. EXAMINED DRAINED FLUID & FOUND PIECES OF SEAL MATERIAL. PHOTOGRAPHED ALL FINDINGS. FINAL DRIVE HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR REPAIRS. FINAL DRIVE HAS HAD REGULAR, SCHEDULED FLUID CHANGES WITH NO ABNORMALITIES NOTED, LAST CHANGE AT 52K MILES, NEXT CHANGE WOULD HAVE BEEN 60K MILES. A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CROWN BEARING COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND POTENTIALLY SERIOUS INJURY TO A RIDER &/OR PASSENGER. SUSPECT THAT THE PRELOAD ON THE BEARING WAS SET TOO HIGH FROM THE FACTORY & THAT THE DAMAGE PROGRESSION CAUSED BY THIS ERROR WAS EXPONENTIAL OVER TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10682576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,870 milesHyde Park, NY
POWER TRAIN
THE FINAL DRIVE FAILED AND THE BEARING SEAL LEAKED OIL ON THE REAR TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10544316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,035 milesBoise, ID
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW K1200 LT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE AS IF THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FINAL DRIVE BALL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,035 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,500.
NHTSA complaint #10526460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,378 milesGlen Burnie, MD
POWER TRAIN
I WAS TRAVELING WITH FRIENDS BACK HOME FROM A 200 MILE TRIP. THE BIKE STARTED MAKING NOISE IN THE REAR AND ONE OF THE RIDERS WITH ME SAID THAT MY BIKE WAS NOT ACTING WRIGHT. WE STOPPED LOOKED AT MY REAREND AND OIL WAS LEAKING. I GOT BACK ON BIKE TO MAKE IT HOME AND THE LONGER I RODE THE MORE NOISE IT MADE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MY REAREND BEARINGS HAD GONE OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10507402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,537 milesGlen Burnie, MD
POWER TRAIN
I HAD TAKEN A TRIP TO ATLANTA, GA 700 MILES ONE WAY AND THE FOLLOWING WEEK WAS RIDING TO AND FROM WORK. THERE WAS A NOISE THAT I COULD NO IDENTIFY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD A REAR BEARING PROBLEM. THIS WAS THE SECOND REAR BEARING TO GO OUT ON ME.
NHTSA complaint #10507404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,300 milesTopeka, KS
POWER TRAIN
MY FINAL DRIVE MAIN BEARING FAILED AS I WAS TRAVELING ON THE TURNPIKE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS AWARE OF THIS POTENTIAL AND HAD INSTALLED A CHIP DETECTOR IN THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT. THAT ALERTED ME OF THE FAILURE BEFORE IT BECAME AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO ME. SUBSEQUENT REBUILD OF THE UNIT SHOWED THAT THE ORIGINAL BEARING HAD BEEN OVER-SHIMMIED TO .30MM WHEN THE FACTORY SPECIFICATION CALLS FOR .05MM TO .10MM. AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, THIS WAS DONE AT THE FACTORY. THIS MEASURED OVER-SHIM IS ALSO CONSISTENT WITH THE GALLING OF THE INNER RACE WHICH WAS VISIBLY OFF CENTER AND AT ABOUT 45 DEGREES TO THE AXIS OF THE BEARING WHERE THE LOAD SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE RACE. I HAVE RETAINED THE RACE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10483257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,500 milesPayson, AZ
POWER TRAIN
A LOW FREQUENCY, RUMBLING NOISE STARTED SLOWLY AT EAR OF MOTORCYCLE. THE NOISE INCREASED IN INTENSITY FOR APPROXIMATELY 500 MILES, WHEN AT THAT POINT IT BECAME A FULL, METAL-TO-METAL GRINDING NOISE, AT THAT POINT, THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PARKED AND RIDDEN NO FURTHER.
NHTSA complaint #10481339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,550 milesAndover, MN
POWER TRAIN
THE FINAL DRIVE ON THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED. IT WAS SUDDEN, STARTED WITH A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR END, AND THE TIRE THEN HAD A SLIGHT "WOBBLE". THE FLUID MUST HAVE LEAKED ONTO THE SENSORS ON THE REAR BRAKES AS THE ABS LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I PULLED THE BIKE OVER AND NOTICED FLUID DRIPPING FROM THE FINAL DRIVE. I GOT THE BIKE OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO TRAILER IT HOME.
NHTSA complaint #10472881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,500 milesE. Brunswick, NJ
POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING I FELT REPETITIVE KNOCKING NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE MOTORCYCLE, WHICH SHOOK THE FRAME AND GOT WORSE AND WORSE THE MORE I DROVE, UNTIL I COULD DRIVE NO FURTHER.
NHTSA complaint #10472434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,822 milesWaukesha, WI
POWER TRAIN
THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING AND SHIMS AND SEALS FAILED, REQUIRING EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, AND TWO WEEKS WITHOUT RIDING.
NHTSA complaint #10457952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesCharlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN
2000 K1200LT BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A SAFE STOP, DISCOVERED THE REAR BRAKE DID NOT WORK, WHICH FORCED TO USE THE FRONT BRAKES ONLY, WHICH EXTENDED HIS STOPPING DISTANCE. WAS ABLE TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION, REALIZED THE REAR BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THEY WERE SATURATED IN GEAR OIL, THAT LEAKED FROM THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT AFTER THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING SEAL FAILED. THE FINAL GEAR CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILED, ALLOWING THE OIL TO LEAK. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILED ON HIS BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10449901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesCharlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN
2000 K1200LT BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A SAFE STOP, DISCOVERED THE REAR BRAKE DID NOT WORK, WHICH FORCED TO USE THE FRONT BRAKES ONLY, WHICH EXTENDED HIS STOPPING DISTANCE. WAS ABLE TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION, REALIZED THE REAR BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THEY WERE SATURATED IN GEAR OIL, THAT LEAKED FROM THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT AFTER THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING SEAL FAILED. THE FINAL GEAR CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILED, ALLOWING THE OIL TO LEAK. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE SECOND TIME THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILED ON HIS BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10449902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,500 milesCharlotte, NC
POWER TRAIN
2000 K1200LT BMW MOTORCYCLE FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. WHEN ATTEMPTED TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A SAFE STOP, DISCOVERED THE REAR BRAKE DID NOT WORK, WHICH FORCED TO USE THE FRONT BRAKES ONLY, WHICH EXTENDED HIS STOPPING DISTANCE. WAS ABLE TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION, REALIZED THE REAR BRAKES FAILED BECAUSE THEY WERE SATURATED IN GEAR OIL, THAT LEAKED FROM THE FINAL DRIVE UNIT AFTER THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING SEAL FAILED. THE FINAL GEAR CROWN GEAR BEARING FAILED, ALLOWING THE OIL TO LEAK. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS THE THIRD TIME THE FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILED ON HIS BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10449903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,696 milesRochester, MN
POWER TRAIN
REAR DRIVE FAILURE OCCURING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10447190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,500 milesCrownsville, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2000 BMW K1200LT MOTORCYCLE - ABS SYSTEM IF PRONE TO FAILURE. MINE FAILED. THE FIX COSTS $3,000. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLES. THE MODULATOR HAS MANY FAILURE MODES AND CAN OCCUR EVEN IF THE UNIT IS BLED FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10361762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,491 milesMadison, VA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILURE RESULTING IN GEAR OIL LEAKING ONTO BRAKE PADS AND DISC. THUS RENDERING THE REAR BRAKE INEFFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10280434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,500 milesMadison, VA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILURE. THIS INITIALLY CAUSED AN UNSTABLE SIDE TO SIDE MOTION OF THE VEHICLE. BEFORE BEING ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE REAR WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY LOCKED UP. THEN GEAR OIL LEAKED ONTO THE BRAKE PADS AND DISC RENDERING THEM INEFFECTIVE. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF FINAL DRIVE BEARING FAILURE IN THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED TO THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. THIS BEARING HAD ONLY 26,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10280436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesPflugerville, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FINAL DRIVE OF BMW MOTORCYCLE - 2000 K1200LT FAILED RESULTING IN FAILURE OF ABILITY TO DRIVE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10259615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesWest Seneca, NY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
REAR DRIVE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10240795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,500 milesChelseam, MI
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
FINAL DRIVE FAILURE RESULTING IN REAR WHEEL SEIZURE AND TOTAL LOSS OF POWER TO REAR WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10240734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesSnellville, GA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
I PURCHASED MY K1200LT LAST MONDAY (24 JULY 2006) FROM A RESIDENT IN OHIO. DROVE THE BIKE HOME TO GEORGIA. I FELT A SLIGHT VIBRATION OVER THE LAST 100 MILES OR SO. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE ROAD. T HE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE BIKE OUT, VIBRATION AND A RUBBING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE REAR END. WHEN I GOT THE BIKE HOME I NOTICE OIL LEAKING FROM WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE REAR BRAKE. TOOK BIKE TO BMW THEY SAID IT WAS FINAL DRIVE FAILURE. BIKE IS STILL IN THE SHOP. I ONLY OWNED THE BIKE FOR TWO DAYS AND ALREADY A MAJOR PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10164170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,064 milesWatersmeet, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FIRST INDICATION OF FAILURE WAS MASSIVE LEAKING OF OIL ON REAR WHEEL AND TIRE, CAUSING INSTABILITY AND REDUCED BRAKING POWER. STOPPED AT GAS STATION AND TRAILERED BIKE TO NEAREST BMW DEALER. DEALER'S ANALYSIS: FINAL (REAR) DRIVE FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED FINAL (REAR) DRIVE AND OIL-SOAKED BRAKE PADS.
NHTSA complaint #10162095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,500 milesNEW Hope, MN
SUSPENSION:REAR
REAR DRIVE BEARING FAILURE TWICE NOW. 2000 BMW K1200LT REPORTING SECOND INCIDENT BELOW.
NHTSA complaint #10161135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.