For decades, BMW motorcycles changed technology at a snail’s pace. The company was almost pridefully stubborn in its resistance to new technology. However, over the last decade, the company has caught the wave of change and innovation. With this new progressive attitude, and steeper design curve, there will surely be a need for design modifications. The German company has had a recent flurry of recall notices. BMW motorcycles are heavily represented in the most recent recall report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
BMW Recalls in the Most Recent NHTSA Report:
BMW 1200 Motorcycles
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.
Consequence:
IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
BMW 1200GS
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2005 THROUGH 2007 R 1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 7, 2005 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2007. THE FUEL TANK FRONT ATTACHMENT BOLTS CAN WORK LOOSE ALLOWING THE BOLTS TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE FORK LEG IF THE HANDLEBAR IS TURNED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT.
Consequence:
THIS COULD LIMIT THE TRAVEL RANGE OF THE HANDLEBARS WHICH COULD AFFECT HANDLING AND MANEUVERABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
F650 and F800 GS
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 F650 GS AND F 800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE DRIVE CHAINS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME THE DRIVE CHAIN COULD BREAK.
Consequence:
IF THE BROKEN CHAIN BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEEL AND THE FRAME, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
BMW G 650X
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 G 650 X COUNTRY, G 650 X CHALLENGE, AND G650 X MOTO MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2006 THROUGH MAY 19, 2008. OVER TIME, THE ROLL GEAR PIN'S MOUNTING ATTACHMENT COULD BREAK.
Consequence:
IF THIS OCCURS, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR FRAGMENTS OF THE ATTACHMENT TO BECOME TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DRIVE CHAIN AND THE REAR SPROCKET. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
It should be noted that recalls are common and affect all motorcycle manufactures. To see if your motorcycle has current recall notifications, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website: http://www.nhtsa.gov/
