Recall 12V487 affects 2,483 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 BMW K 1300 S, K1300 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, and K1200 S motorcycles for brake-fluid foaming. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2,483 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 K1200 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, K 1300 S, and K1300 S motorcycles under recall 12V487 because brake fluid in the front reservoir can foam in certain riding conditions. Foaming fluid reduces front braking capability and raises crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front hydraulic brake system on these BMW motorcycles uses brake fluid to carry pressure from the hand lever to the front brake calipers. The front brake fluid reservoir stores that fluid so the system has a steady supply as the brake pads move and wear. When the rider squeezes the lever, the system depends on liquid fluid, not air, to move pressure cleanly to the brakes.
For recall 12V487, BMW identified foaming in the front brake fluid reservoir on 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2013 K-series motorcycles, including the K 1300 S, K1300 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, and K1200 S. Foam means air bubbles are mixed into the brake fluid. Air compresses under pressure, so the lever movement does not translate into the same firm brake response.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the fluid foams while riding, the change can show up only when the rider reaches for the front brake.
Who's affected?
Spans K 1300 S, K1300 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, and K1200 S motorcycles across 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2013, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2012 BMW K 1300 S | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW K1300 S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 BMW K1200 R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 BMW K1200 R Sport | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 BMW K1200 R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 BMW K1200 R Sport | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 BMW K1200 S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 BMW K1200 S | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 2,483 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Foaming brake fluid can reduce the front brake system's capability, giving you less braking force and increasing crash risk. If braking feels reduced, stop riding and contact a BMW dealer for repair guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007, 2008, 2012, or 2013 BMW K 1300 S, K1300 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, or K1200 S motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer for current repair scheduling and ask whether parts are ready for your VIN.
- Schedule the free front brake fluid reservoir screen insert retrofit that addresses brake-fluid foaming and reduced front-brake performance.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 12V487 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy calls for the front brake fluid reservoir to be retrofitted with a screen insert. At the dealer, a BMW technician adds that insert to the reservoir so the brake fluid is less likely to foam under the riding conditions described in recall 12V487. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The source record does not give a repair time, so ask the service desk how long the motorcycle needs to stay at the shop.
Timeline
| October 5, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V487?
Recall 12V487 covers 2,483 BMW K1200 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, K 1300 S, and K1300 S motorcycles with front brake fluid that can foam in certain riding conditions. That can reduce front brake capability and increase crash risk. BMW retrofits the front brake fluid reservoir with a screen insert for free.
What should I do if my 2007, 2008, 2012, or 2013 BMW K 1300 S, K1300 S, K1200 R, K1200 R Sport, or K1200 S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V487. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the front brake fluid reservoir screen insert retrofit. Reference recall number 12V487 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy states that the front brake fluid reservoir screen insert retrofit is free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced front braking capability. In certain riding conditions, foam can form in the front brake fluid reservoir, which can reduce braking performance from the front brake system and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free BMW dealer repair if your motorcycle is included.
When did the BMW recall 12V487 repair begin?
BMW began the recall repair on December 19, 2012. Because that date has passed, affected owners can contact a franchised BMW dealer now and ask for the front brake fluid reservoir screen insert retrofit under recall 12V487.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V487000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V487 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V487000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →