2002 BMW R1150GS Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 57%of 21 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 BMW R1150GS, 57% of the 21 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,300 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“This motorcycle is equipped with a linked ABS brake system. The rear wheel and front wheel work together. The motorcycle was without brakes for an undetermined period of time.”
NHTSA complaint #10071616, filed 2004-06, 16,400 miles“Reference Bmw service bulletin, dated march 2002, bulletin no: 34 001002 (012). My motorcycle is early VIN which has the ABS brake modulator that is to be replaced per this service bulletin. I want Bmw to update my motorcycle's brake system per their service bulletin, cost to be covered by existing mfg. Warrantee.”
NHTSA complaint #766209, filed 2002-08“The front and rear brakes are linked on this motorcycle. When braking hard on rough road conditions, the excess force applied to the rear brake by the linked system can cause the ABS to modulate unexpectedly which has the effect of eliminating braking at a critical moment. I am concerned that this effect may cause me to have an accident at some time in the future. I am aware that Bmw redesigned the brakes to address this issue for models manufactured after mine was manufactured. Refere to Bmw motorcycles service bulletin no: 34 001 02 (012).”
NHTSA complaint #766544, filed 2002-09“Two problems related to the integral ABS system: 1) the rear pedal is too sensitive and grabs the front brakes hard, causing unexpected stops and caused me to drop my bike once on the left side. Since then, I have had to refrain from using the rear pedal completely. 2) when braking hard, especially on downhill bumpy roads, the weight is transferred off the rear wheel, causing the rear ABS to cycle. Occasionally, when braking very hard, when the rear ABS cycles, the front ABS also cycles causing a completely unexpected out-of-control condition. This has happened about ten times to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #766148, filed 2002-08“Abs activates under normal braking on rough surface- the modulator senses incorrect information. Potentially life threatening situation on a motorcycle. Bmw has issued a service bulletin in march 2002 #34-001-02(012) but will not repair under warranty or recall.”
NHTSA complaint #766204, filed 2002-08Related recalls
- 01V246000Jul 31, 2001Vehicle description: motorcycles. The distance between the brake line and the speedometer drive cable could be too small. Due to compression and rebound of…Covers: BMW R1150GS 2000–2002
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 12 | 57% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW R1150GS
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW R1150GS
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