2009 BMW F800 GS problems

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · Engine · 36,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2009 BMW F800 GS. The contact stated while riding 70 MPH, the motorcycle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the motorcycle. After restarting the motorcycle, the motorcycle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Dec 2, 2020 · Fuel system · 31,920 miles · MO

The plastic fuel tank on this motorcycle is known to have a material or manufacturing defect in the form of a lateral crack all the way around the tank. The fuel tank is positioned directly over the exhaust system under the seat. I discovered this defect on my machine after smelling gas during a casual ride in my neighborhood. A quick search online for "f800gs fuel tank crack" immediately returned several discussions and owners' documentation of the exact same issue, including some discovered bikes still on the showroom floor. I am concerned that this issue could result in riders being burned and possibly killed. I also have a walk around video that shows the problem very well, please let me know if I can get that to you. Thank you

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Lights · TX

Headlight reflector has burned causing diminished nighttime visibility. Oem style bulbs have been the only equipment used.

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 9,712 miles · CA

I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 75 MPH when traffic started to slow down. As I rolled off the throttle to slow down the engine completely died. I had to coast through multiple lanes of high speed freeway traffic to get to the shoulder. I saw that no warning/ check engine lights had come on, the fuel gauge indicated that it had approximately 3/4 of a tank, the kill switch was in the run position, and the kick stand was securely up. While coasting to the shoulder I noticed that the tachometer showed about 1,000 RPM even though the clutch was in and the engine was completely dead. The tachometer jumped to zero once I increased the throttle. The motorcycle had to be fully cycled from off to on using the key before it would start. After restarting it in first gear, I began accelerating, when I reached approximately 35-45 MPH the engine died again. I noticed that the longer I kept the bike off the longer it would let me ride before dying. The info display indicated that the engine was running at normal operating temperature. I have read multiple complaints in the federal safety agency database as well as on owner websites, that multiple other riders have experienced this exact same scenario. I bought the motorcycle used with approximately 9,600 miles. I contacted bmw who informed me that the previous owner had also complained about this same scenario, at 108 miles and 8,995 miles. Both times bmw reported repairing and/or replacing components and not being able to duplicate the situation after the repair.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 39,040 miles · CA

Stator / flywheel no longer charging battery. Ran on battery power until engine quit on freeway at 65 MPH. Coasted to shoulder and waited for tow. 2nd time this happened. First time at 28,000 miles.

Filed Oct 5, 2013 · Fuel system · 5,000 miles · TN

The gas tank is cracked on the right side of the bike. This is a known problem that is happening on many bmw f800's.

Filed Sep 21, 2013 · Body · 10,250 miles · NY

While cleaning the motorcycle yesterday, I noticed the fuel tank is breaking at its seam on both left and right sides of the tank. The crack in the tank is well over 12 inches on each side. I also noticed today that a number of people have experienced this in the past and even after having the fuel tank replaced, the cracks to the plastic develop once again. The cracks are linear and along the seam of the tank. My warranty expired approximately 2 months ago.

Filed Jul 21, 2013 · Electrical · 31,250 miles · VT

Experienced a failure of the charging system resulting in stalling the inability to restart the motorcycle. This failure happened in heavy traffic, leaving me stranded in the middle of a multilane highway in rush hour traffic. The bike started after jump starting, but a test with a multimeter showed no increase in system voltage with the engine running, resulting in no charge being applied to the battery, preventing the efi and ignition systems from functioning. In the week leading up to this incident I experienced intermittent surging, sputtering, and stalling, although it was not until the incident on the highway where I experienced a failure to start the bike. This failure left me stranded in dangerous traffic, requiring me to push the bike across multiple lanes of traffic and down the side of a highway to get assistance.

Filed Apr 19, 2013 · Electrical · 28,900 miles · CA

Riding home at night in traffic, my motorcycle stalled and died locking up all systems including lights. I found myself at a dead stop in traffic with no lights for visibility. It was quite dangerous.

Filed May 16, 2012 · Electrical · 21,126 miles · FL

The stator of the alternator fried, so the battery started discharging and when empty the computer and the engine stalled. I had the stator rewinded and the same problem repeated 5000 miles later. I had it rewinded a sencond time and it happened again. I am into my 3rd rewind and just expecting the problem to reappear...