Last Sunday I finished an ABS removal and oil change. I let the bike warm up in my driveway and went down to my local gas station to top off fuel for a test ride.
Less than a quarter mile from the gas station, the bike caught fire rather abruptly. someone driving by brought me a fire extinguisher from the gas station id just left. I was able to contain most of the damage but sadly its not worth fixing.
I trailered it home and started to take things apart to determine the cause of the fire, it appears gas leaked from the filler cap, and down on to the electrical components and alternator.
A sad ending for my 05 R1200rt
-
sgt_lovejoy
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Sat Jul 05, 2025 8:18 am
- Been liked: 2 times

- White Knight
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:15 pm
- Location: Brookshire, TX
- Bike Model and Year: 2024
- Has liked: 98 times
- Been liked: 4 times

Re: A sad ending for my 05 R1200rt
No way! Sorry to hear that. I'd probably throw up on the spot I'd be so upset.
It must be replaced!
It must be replaced!
-
Gs4Rt
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Tue Aug 20, 2024 7:52 pm
- Bike Model and Year: R1200rt 2006
- Has liked: 10 times
- Been liked: 12 times

Re: A sad ending for my 05 R1200rt
Hopefully, you managed to escape any injuries from the fire.The Rt can always be replaced. Thank you for posting this.I have a 06 Rt and remove the fuel tank every 2 years for the brake fluid change.I will be paranoid now, making sure the fuel lines, breather pipe and overfill pipe are all on and secured when refitting the tank. 
- Doctor T
- Posts: 2646
- Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:21 pm
- Location: west sussex
- Bike Model and Year: 2007 R1200RT SE
- Has liked: 1695 times
- Been liked: 549 times

Re: A sad ending for my 05 R1200rt
The main thing is that you sound unharmed. A bike can be replaced, a life can't. I hope your insurance will pay out, so you can continue with your biking adventures.
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
May the shaft be with you
May the shaft be with you
-
jrr626
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:30 am
- Bike Model and Year: 2007 R1200RT
- Has liked: 1 time
- Been liked: 3 times

Re: A sad ending for my 05 R1200rt
Do you think maybe the hose that drains the area around the filler cap to under the bike became disconnected or damaged/cracked, and that led to the gas on the engine?
