The 1998 BMW R1200c has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 4,315 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
STRUCTURE01V2170002001-06-263,342 affected
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH CHROME-PLATED FRAMES. COPPER RESIDUE CAN REMAIN IN THE TAPPED HOLE WHERE THE UPPER FORK BRIDGE ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. MOISTURE CAN CAUSE CORROSION TO OCCUR BETWEEN THE COPPER RESIDUE AND THE ALUMINUM FRAME. THE STRESS OF THE CONNECTING BOLT ATTACHING THE UPPER FORK…
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENED, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD BE AFFECTED AND A LOSS OF CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REAM THE HOLE IN THE FRAME HEAD AND INSTALL A HELICOIL THREAD INSERT AND A NEW BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 13, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT…
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC97V1340001997-08-08973 affected
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ADJUSTING SCREW FOR THE PRESSURE POINT OF EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH LEVERS MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT, DUE TO GREASE CONTAMINATION OF THE THREADS.
Consequence
THE SCREW(S) CAN BACK OUT OVER TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED CAUSING A CHANGE IN THE PRESSURE POINT OF THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE CLUTCH AND/OR FRONT BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHECK THE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS OF THE FRONT BRAKE AND CLUTCH LEVERS FOR MOVEMENT. IF THE SCREWS ARE TIGHT, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. IF A SCREW IS FOUND TO BE LOOSE, IT WILL BE REMOVED, CLEANED AND REINSTALLED WITH NEW LOCTITE.
Complaints by component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
1
1fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1
4injuries
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1
POWER TRAIN
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1
Total complaints16
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 bmw r1200c motorcycle. The contact was traveling 35 mph when the tail lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the tail light assembly was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was…”
“The final drive started leaking gear oil all over my rear disc brake and rear tire and rim. It is unsafe to ride like this. *tr”
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 bmw r1200c. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 mph and trying to decelerate, he noticed that the brakes were failing. He placed the gear into neutral and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they advised him that…”
“The hose connecting the fuel unit to the left side of the engine collapsed, causing immediate lost of power. The incident occurred at coos bay, oregon while I was on a multi-day trip. I had to rent a u-haul truck to transport the bike to the portland bmw dealership. The mechanic at the dealership…”
“Fuel leaked from fuel distribution spider directly onto the catalytic converter and onto the rear tire. Discussed the problem with the dealer who said the motorcycle is out of warranty and charged me for the parts necessary to fix it. Updated 04/19/06. *nm updated 04/28/06. *nm”
“I 0wn a 1998 bmw r1200c cruiser motorcycle, I bought it new. My tail light assembly wich includes brake light and blinkers creates a crack on the left side causing the assembly to eventually crack in two parts loosing the left blinker assembly. I have replaced this faulty part once before 2 years…”
“Leaving workplace, about 200 yards @ approx 35 mph, front left telescope disengaged and separated from the crossbar mechanism. Instantly the handlebars turned right and the 'cycle collapsed onto its right side, pitching me to the ground. The cycle and I skidded to a stop, resulting in substantial…”
“Low idle/stalling/blue smoke at startup-original and bmw replaced motorcycle”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 BMW R1200c as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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