2011 BMW R1200 GS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 29%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW R1200 GS, 29% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 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.
“After few km (16.700) a lot of noise comes from gear box. I search on the web if somebody else had the same problem and I found a lot. Many customer claims that out of warranty the gear fault causing serious noise and in some case crash and injuries. The problem consist in a fault of the of the shaft in the gearbox that can cause the rear wheel locking. In fact, this motorcycle had a rigid transmission made with a shaft. When the shaft of the gearbox crack, some small metal parts can simply lock the transmission. Bmw well know the problem due to several maintenance job. I'm writing from italy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10916708, filed 2016-10, 14,000 miles“While under hard acceleration to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, the engine power suddenly cut out completely that created a dangerous situation and suddenly put me at risk for a collision. Fortunately, the vehicle I was passing noticed I had a malfunction and reduced speed allowing me to return back into my lane and safely coast to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was able to idle only, but turning the throttle had no effect as if the throttle cable had snapped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11641830, filed 2025-02Related service bulletins
- 10248094Dec 13, 2023Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1…
- 10236237Apr 24, 2023Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic…
- 10218351Jul 28, 2022Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic…
- 10149276May 1, 2017During the course of the quality analysis carried out by BMW Motorrad, it has been determined that for the R 1200 models with the gearshift assistant (SA X222A) OE, a few faulty…
- 10149274May 1, 2017Customer complains about an operating failure on the left or right multifunction switch.
- 10151392Jun 1, 2016BMW Motorrad has determiend in th ecourse of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel…
- 10151238Mar 1, 2016BMW Motorrad has determined in the course of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel…
- 10151430Aug 1, 2015Shift assist does not function after performing SIB 23 001 15 (017) DME software upgrade. This is due to a progrm fault in ISTA/p version 3.56.0.
- 10148016Mar 1, 2014Difficulty retrofitting the gear shift Assistant Pro. Early prodction and incorrect integration level.
- 10150153Mar 1, 2013Swinging arm gaiter to gearbox is split or collapsed.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 8% |
| 2014 | 4 | 29% |
| 2013 | 2 | 17% |
| 2012 | 3 | 30% |
| 2011 | 2 | 29% |
| 2010 | 2 | 25% |
| 2009 | 6 | 20% |
| 2008 | 5 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2005 | 16 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW R1200 GS
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW R1200 GS
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