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2004 BMW R1200 GS problems

The most common problem on the 2004 BMW R1200 GS is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical R1200 GS model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
87/100
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
59
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2004 BMW R1200 GS problems

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

  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported May 15, 2006 · 13,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of ABS capability could temporarily occur.
Risk
Temporary loss of ABS braking could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 06V164000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported April 24, 2006 · 9,260 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the ABS sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled, the sensor cable can come into contact and rub against the front brake disc. Overtime, if the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the ABS function.
Risk
Loss of ABS function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.
Remedy
Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the ABS sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 06V134000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported March 3, 2005 · 3,084 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, the defect involves a water leak around the fuel pump that is integrated within the fuel tank. An o-ring seal attached to the pump's electronic housing does not meet specifications and water can bypass this seal and contact the pump electronics.
Risk
Engine stalling, or a failure to start, could occur without prior warning. If stalling were to occur while the motorcycle was being driven, the rider would be unable to maintain speed or accelerate and a crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace a sealing ring. If the fuel pump electronic unit is corroded, it will be replaced free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2005. Additional my 2005 r1200 gs motorcycles were added to this recall in december 2005. Owners of my 2005 motorcycles will receive a notification during february 2006 through august 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.

Recall number 05V082000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2004 BMW R1200 GS

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 BMW R1200 GS 59

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

See all 59 bulletins for the 2004 BMW R1200 GS

What 2004 BMW R1200 GS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 15, 2011 · Brakes · 45,000 miles · 00

Riding the bike slowly (about 40 kph) and braked heavily. Disintegration of rear wheel carrier (flange) on bmw gs1200 (2004) . This billet aluminum flange is the single component connecting the rear wheel with the motorcycle. And also the brake disk. The part broke apart under heavy braking and the brake disk detached, resulting in no rear wheel braking and damage to the ABS unit. Critical failure will certainly result in serious injury or death. Bmw australia has been advised and offered no recourse to correct ro advise other owners. Abs module also failed, with an internal leak (possibly caused by pressure spike from flange disintegrating). Numerous other reports of similar faults on adventure riders website. Vin no is [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 10, 2009 · Suspension · 36,250 miles · 00

Stress fracture on bmw gs1200 (2004) rear wheel attachment flange. This billet aluminum flange is the single component connecting the rear wheel with the motorcycle. Critical failure will certainly result in serious injury. Bmwna indicate that this is a normal wear item and offer no recourse to correct.

Filed Jul 4, 2007 · 6,000 miles · LA

I have a 2007 bmw r1150 gs motorcycle with a failing sight glass. It has not melted, but has a white halo around the outside edge which indicates overheating of the sight glass. Action number on this issue is pe07031.

Filed Sep 1, 2006 · Transmission · 29,500 miles · WI

Final drive seal blew out after only 30k miles.

Compare the 2004 BMW R1200 GS

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Questions about the 2004 BMW R1200 GS

Is the 2004 BMW R1200 GS reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2004 BMW R1200 GS, fewer than a typical R1200 GS model year.

What is the 2004 BMW R1200 GS year score?

The 2004 BMW R1200 GS scores 87 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW R1200 GS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW R1200 GS?

Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW R1200 GS have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW R1200 GS brakes?

Yes, 2 recalls: 06V164000, 06V134000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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