2005 BMW K1200 S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 BMW K1200 S, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2005 Bmw k1200s motorcycle frequently slips out of second gear and into neutral. Occasionally, I cannot shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear, the transmission will stay in neutral. The clutch has been replaced under warranty less than 500 mi. Ago and the transmission is still acting as described above.”
NHTSA complaint #10175694, filed 2006-12, 15,000 miles“While at freeway speed (65-75 MPH) an audible change to the overall sound and feel of the motorcycle occurred. Disengaging the clutch had no affect on the sound. The tone was impacted by slowing down and was no longer audible at rest. Shortly after, my speedometer and odometer completely failed. Pushing the bike backwards resulted in the gearing being jammed preventing reverse travel. Pushing forward was possible. Upon removal of the final gear (angle drive) housing cover, I discovered that 2 teeth on the ring gear had broken off causing additional damage to the pinion gear and the housing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762992, filed 2015-09, 75,000 miles“Bmw motorcycle rear drive failure. I have had two failures of the rear drive unit on my 2005 Bmw k1200s motorcycle over the past 45,000 miles. First failure (12,000 miles) resulted in lateral play of about 1/2 inch at the tire contact zone. Unit was replaced under warranty. Second failure (40,000) was of the input bearing resulting in damage to all bearings. Online forums are full of people complaining of these issues. This rear drive design is common to all current production shaft drive motorcycles from Bmw. …”
NHTSA complaint #10303862, filed 2010-02, 12,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW K1200 S
7 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW K1200 S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology