2013 BMW R1200 GS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 17%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,010miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 BMW R1200 GS, 17% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,010 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.
“Dealer notified me that a floating shaft exists in the gearbox, meaning the shaft moves back and forth axially, as opposed to radially. This is typically caused by incorrect torque procedures or a design flaw to the nut holding the clutch basket on the shaft. The nut would loosen, and causes the shaft to start moving back and forth. Catastrophic failure could result in death or serious injury as it can lock the rear wheel during highway speeds in traffic. The floating shaft issue is due to no fault of the rider/owner. …”
NHTSA complaint #11331074, filed 2020-06, 26,021 miles“The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the motorcycle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over to inspect the motorcycle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact started to slowly exit the highway, the drive shaft, rear drive, and swing arm failed and fractured apart with the rear wheel locking up. Due to the failure, the contact had the motorcycle towed to a dealer where the failure was confirmed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11603471, filed 2024-07, 46,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V211000Apr 18, 2014BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 R 1200 GS motorcycles manufactured November 2012 through August 2013. Pressure inside the…Covers: BMW R1200 GS 2013
Related 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.
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 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.
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 2013 BMW R1200 GS
6 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW R1200 GS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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