The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was repaired. The contact stated that on 7/2021, he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel pump onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
2005 BMW R1200 RT: fuel leak
11 of the 32 complaints about the 2005 BMW R1200 RT describe fuel leak.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 34%
- typical mileage
- 49,753
- recalls
- 2
Fuel leak by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200. When the contact attempted to start the cycle, it failed and fuel was leaking from the front. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer (hap's cycle sales, inc, 2530 17th st, sarasota, fl, 34234) was contacted at 941‑365‑3443. The contact took the fuel pump apart and confirmed through the phone with the dealer that the coupling to the fuel pump of the flanged had fractured and needed to be replaced. The cycle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the cycle. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v617000 (fuel system). The failure mileage was approximately 17,120.
While riding my bmw r1200rt today I started smelling gas. I returned home and put the motorcycle in the garage. It had a very strong gas smell coming from it. I removed the left upper fairing to inspect the fuel pump area. On top of the fuel pump raw gasoline was pooled and leaking down the side of the gas tank towards the left cylinder exhaust pipe near the cylinder head. Thank goodness enough gas had not leaked yet to run all the way down to the exhaust pipe! I turned the key on to energize the electric fuel pump and pressurize the fuel system to see where the gas was leaking from. It is leaking from the female plastic fuel fitting that is part of the plastic gas tank. There are multiple cracks radiating from this female fuel fitting and I can see gasoline dribbling out of at least one crack at a fast enough rate to puddle on top of the fuel pump. This is very dangerous and could easily cause a fire while I am riding down the road.
Plastic female fitting on top of fuel pump has several cracks which will eventually result in fuel leakage.
Fuel leak from threads on tank.
This failure is not limited to the 2005 bmw r1200rt. The same fuel pump is used from 2005-2009 in the rt1200rt and r1200gs. The fuel pump housing high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange cracks under high pressure cycling and leaks, sending raw fuel down the left fairing in close proximity of the vehicles left exhaust pipe and ignition system components. The motorcycle fairing effectively captures the fuel vapors creating a significant risk for fire. In addition, leaking fuel, streaming along the left fairing is exhausted on the riders left leg, creating significant risk for the rider even after dismounting the vehicle. Consequences of failure the combination of high fuel pressure and negligent design create substantial risk for riders of the impacted vehicles. Consequences of this failure are outlined below: 1. Riders become fuel soaked as fuel leaks down the left fairing and then is forced by fairing airflow dynamics on to the riders left leg. 2. Fuel vapors, captured by the fairing and heated by the exhaust pipe become extremely volatile and could lead to a fire and/or explosion. 3. Fuel vapors rising from the fairing and exiting the top of the fairing between the instrument panel and fuel tank, are blown by airflow into the riders face. The carcinogenic aspects of fuel inhalation are documented. Examination of the fuel pump assembly suggests that the high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange was inadequately designed for the fuel pump outlet pressures. The non-metallic (composite) pump housing combined with a composite high-pressure disconnect fitting is unsuited for the part. High pump pressure expands the composite high-pressure fitting causing it to readily load the fuel pump high-pressure quick disconnect flange. Over time, pressure cycling causes the quick disconnect reinforcement flange to crack allowing fuel to leak.
Cracks have developed in the fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange on the fuel pump housing. This could lead to a fuel leak (and has in many cases) on to the exhaust pipe, ignition system components, and my left leg.
Multiple cracks in fuel pump housing at flange where fuel line connects. Odor and gas leakage.
Fuel pump flange cracked in at least four places that I can photograph. For how long this has been I cannot determine. Although it is not leaking fuel at this time several riders of this model have experienced the exact flange failure that resulted in fuel flowing out of the crack and onto the motorcycle and rider. Fuel on a person, in the air and on the vehicle is a chemical hazard and environmental hazard at the very least and fuel in the presence of an ignition source inches away is deadly. I believe it is a major safety issue and something should be done about it by the manufacturer. 8tt
Fuel was leaking from the flange around the female quick-disconnect fitting. Plastic flange is located on top of fuel tank. Replaced plastic fitting with metal one but leaks continued. Placed original fitting back and used a fuel-resistant sealing compound to stop leaks. Have not experienced any large leaks recently but am concerned this patch will start leaking again. It was a frightening experience to be riding and seeing gas splatter on your clothes - couldn't wait until I got home. The flange design is at fault because it prevents a solid connection of high pressure gasoline lines to the fuel tank.
Failure of the fuel pump housing high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange cracks under high pressure cycling and leaks, sending raw fuel down the left fairing in close proximity of the vehicles left exhaust pipe and ignition system components. The vehicles fairing effectively captures the fuel vapors creating a significant risk for fire. In addition, leaking fuel, streaming along the left fairing is exhausted on the riders left leg, creating significant risk for the rider even after dismounting the vehicle. Consequences of failure the combination of high fuel pressure and negligent design create substantial risk for riders of the impacted vehicles. There are multiple negative consequences of this failure, a few of which are outlined below: 1. Riders become fuel soaked as fuel leaks down the left fairing and then is forced by fairing airflow dynamics on to the riders left leg. 2. Fuel vapors, captured by the fairing and heated by the exhaust pipe become extremely volatile and could lead to a fire and/or explosion. 3. Fuel vapors rising from the fairing and exiting the top of the fairing between the instrument panel and fuel tank, are blown by airflow into the riders face. The carcinogenic aspects of fuel inhalation are documented. Preliminary analysis examination of the fuel pump assembly suggests that the high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange was inadequately designed for the fuel pump outlet pressures. Bmw's choice of a non-metallic (composite) pump housing combined with a composite high-pressure disconnect fitting was unwise and the failure mechanism is obvious. High pump pressure expands the composite high-pressure fitting causing it to readily load the fuel pump high-pressure quick disconnect flange. Over time, pressure cycling causes the quick disconnect reinforcement flange to crack allowing fuel to leak. Updated 10/20/11.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V‑617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V471000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V617000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2005 BMW R1200 RT fuel leak
Is fuel leak a common problem on the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?
11 of 32 owner complaints about the 2005 BMW R1200 RT (34%) mention fuel leak. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2005 BMW R1200 RT?
There are 2 recalls and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2005 BMW R1200 RT
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