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2004 BMW R1150 RT problems

The most common problem on the 2004 BMW R1150 RT is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 33,095 miles. It has 3.6 times the complaints of a typical R1150 RT model year.

Typical year3.6x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
5
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2004 BMW R1150 RT problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Recalls 1

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported June 23, 2004 · 181 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, an incorrect sealing ring was mounted to the piston of the rear brake master cylinder.
Risk
If only the rear brake were applied during riding, insufficient braking pressure would be available to slow the motorcycle, which could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder. The recall began july 16, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 04V304000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2004 BMW R1150 RT

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 BMW R1150 RT 5

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2004 BMW R1150 RT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 15, 2022 · Brakes · NY

Total brake failure .I could not stop the motorcycle.I went rite through an intersection,thank god there was no vehicles driving through the intersection at the same time.

Filed Jun 11, 2017 · Fuel system · CA

My motorcycle kept losing fuel. I never leave it low on gas, but on numerous occasions went to ride it and the tank was empty. Since then I found a youtube video showing how to replace what bmw never should have installed, saying this is common in ca because bmw did not use metal quick disconnects on the fuel lines; our gas eats the plastic. At least 10 gallons of gas disappeared over 4 months last summer. This is a major fire hazard and I am lucky to be alive, I guess. It also is not cheap to fix. The parts are around $100. Bmw should fix this, or pay for parts so I can do it.

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Fuel system · 14,000 miles · VA

Fuel line quick disconnects on both supply and return failed causing fuel leak on to engine and exhaust. Extreme fire potential. Quick disconnect seals and components are insufficient to handle exposure to raw fuel, it is a poor design and bmwna should recall r1150rt's due to this failure and fire risk.

Filed Jul 18, 2012 · Transmission · 33,095 miles · WI

The rear tire became oil covered and slick because of a failed oil seal in the final drive. The oil seal had failed as results of the final drive bearing failure. These failures caused an unsafe condition as there was excessive movement in the rear wheel and the rear tire was oil soaked from the seal failure. The failure gave little advanced warning as road and tire noise changes and sound similar. I have had two final drive failures on the same motorcycle, the first 06/04/2006 at 33,095 miles at 25 MPH and the second 07/13/2012 at 74,341 miles at 65 MPH on the interstate system.

Filed Jul 10, 2012 · Transmission · 17,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw r1150rt motorcycle. The contact stated that the final drive assembly failed. The failure caused the rear end to severely knock. The contact stated that oil spilled out from the vehicle as well. The contact was told by the dealer that there was a 3-6 month back order on the part that was needed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 17,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2012 · Transmission · 100,500 miles · CA · crash

Final drive, crown gear bearing failed. No early warning of oil leakage, just went suddenly when on cross country trip while in co. Failed catastrophically causing the rear wheel to wobble significantly, the oil seal to fail and rear lube oil leaked all over rear wheel. (have picture) same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001.

Filed Feb 3, 2012 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · MA

Failure of final drive crown gear bearing. The bearing shattered causing the seal to be damaged with oil loss.

Filed Feb 3, 2012 · Transmission · 66,126 miles · MA

Motorcycle final drive gear bearing failure. Gear oil leaking from final drive.

Filed Jan 8, 2012 · Transmission · 35,680 miles · WA

On I-5 southbound in bellingham wa, left lane at 60mph. Up shifted transmission and heard grinding noise, on clutch release. Managed to get to right road shoulder and push bike to next exit. Found clutch disk splines stripped and transmission input shaft splines very worn. There was no warning of problem until the splines stripped. Upon research of this problem, found it was a common problem of the bmw r1150rt.

Filed Nov 25, 2011 · Transmission · 16,491 miles · MA

Lost transmission splines and clutch disk splines going down the road shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. Lost all drive to rear wheel and had to coast to side of road, thankfully traffic was light.

Compare the 2004 BMW R1150 RT

Other model years

200220032004

Questions about the 2004 BMW R1150 RT

Is the 2004 BMW R1150 RT reliable?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2004 BMW R1150 RT, 3.6 times a typical R1150 RT model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW R1150 RT?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 12 complaints, typically around 33,095 miles. Next is fuel system (4).

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW R1150 RT have?

1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

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