BMW Motorcycle Recall Issued Due to Risk of Rear Wheel Loosening

Nearly 49,000 BMW motorcycles are subject to a recall issued due to a risk that the bolts fastening the rear wheels to the flange may have been over-tightened during the manufacturing process, which may cause the flange to crack and disengage the wheel from the bike, posing a serious accident risk. 

The BMW motorcycle recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 26, after an internal investigation by the manufacturer identified a risk that the rear wheel may loosen and potentially fall off the frame.

BMW became aware of the potential defect last year in August, when the owner of a 2004 BMW motorcycle crashed in Spain due to the rear wheel loosening from the vehicle. According to BMW, the driver and his passenger sustained bruises and abrasion from the crash.

The recall includes certain 2005 through 2010 R1200GS and R1200RT motorcycles, 2006 through 2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007 through 2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport. Also included are the 2005 through 2007 R1200ST, 2008 through 2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008 through 2010 HP2 Sport, 2005 through 2008 K1200S, 2006 to 2008 K1200R and K1200GT, 2009 to 2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and the 2009 through 2010 K1300GT models.

The motorcycles were sold at licensed BMW dealers throughout the United States and Canada. The NHTSA estimates that 43,426 of the bikes were sold in the U.S.

According to BMW, the recall is anticipated to begin on April 21, 2015. BMW will notify registered owners by mail with notification on how to schedule an appointment at a local dealer to have the aluminum flange replaced with a steel one at no cost to the owner. Owners should check their rear wheel flanges for cracks near the bolts to ensure their vehicle is safe to drive until the motorcycle can be serviced.