1998 BMW K1200RS Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1998 BMW K1200RS. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: BMW K1200RS 1998–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. A spring-loaded thermostatic element in the oil thermostat housing is held in place by a cover that is retained by a snap ring. The snap ring may not have been properly installed during production. During vehicle operation, the snap ring could unseat, allowing the cover to loosen or detach, resulting in loss of the entire oil volume.
Possible consequence: Engine damage could occur if the engine is not immediately switched off. In addition, oil could travel along the engine cover and ultimately contact the rear tire, reducing its traction and affecting the stability of the motorcycle, possibly resulting in a crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the snap ring installation and if the snap ring is not fully seated, the complete oil pump intermediate flange will be replaced.
- Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: BMW K1200RS 1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The cylinder head contains two sealing plugs covering holes in the area near the spark plugs. One or both plugs may not have been fully seated during vehicle assembly. Either or both of the sealing plugs could loosen or completely detach from their mounting point during vehicle operation.
Possible consequence: This condition could allow coolant to escape, travel along the engine cover, and contact the rear tire, reducing its traction and affecting the stability of the motorcycle. In addition, the loss of coolant could lead to increased engine operating temperature and possible overheating.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sealing plugs with a stainless steel plug design.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: BMW K1200RS 1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. During extended operation in high ambient temperature conditions, the area of the pump mounting surface of the fuel tank can deform, forming a gap between the tank mounting surface and the gasket, allowing fuel to escape from the tank at that area.
Possible consequence: If an ignition source was present, a fire could occur resulting in personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump-to-tank gasket.
- Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: BMW K1200RS 1998, R1200C 1998
Reported issue: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The adjusting screw for the pressure point of either the brake or clutch levers may not be sufficiently tight, due to grease contamination of the threads.
Possible consequence: The screw(s) can back out over time while the vehicle is being operated causing a change in the pressure point of the master cylinder for the clutch and/or front brake increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will check the adjustment screws of the front brake and clutch levers for movement. If the screws are tight, no further action will be taken. If a screw is found to be loose, it will be removed, cleaned and reinstalled with new loctite.
NHTSA investigations
- PE98047FUEL TANK LEAKClosed · Aug 27, 1998
- SQ97023Reduced clutch and brake effectivenessClosed · Nov 14, 1997
← All problems reported for the 1998 BMW K1200RS
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.