BMW is recalling over 2,000 K-bikes from 2007 & 2008 for brake fluid that could foam under certain conditions. Affecting BMW K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles, if the brake fluid foams, it could lead to reduced braking power, which in turn could result in a crash. BMW owners at risk to the foaming brake fluid will have their motorcycles retrofitted with a screen insert from BMW, free of charge.
BMW Motorrad is recalling 1,414 units of its 2012 BMW S1000RR superbike because of improperly manufactured connecting rod bolts. Due to a manufacturing process error, the connecting rod bolts could become loose during high engine temperatures and/or high engine operating speeds. If the bolts do come loose, the result could be a catastrophic engine failure (their words, not ours).
More bad news for BMW owners as the German manufacturer has also released a recall notice for a number of its K-bikes. A problem with the front-wheel bearing could lead the bearing’s corrosion, which would affect the movement of the linkage lever. BMW has not said how many motorcycles this recall will affect, but the issue spans the 2004 to 2010 model years of the following bikes: K1200GT, K1200R, K1200S, K1300GT, K1300R, & K1300S.
BMW has issued a recall order with the NHTSA for certain F650GS motorcycles built between 2007 and 2010. Due to a washer that may interfere with the front disk brake fastener, there is a chance a fastener or multiple fasteners could come loose, which would result in the brake disc coming loose as well. Because of this BMW has issued a recall that affects approximately 1835 motorcycles, but has not released a remedy or schedule for the planned recall.
Bear with us as we try to get through the FOUR recalls that BMW has initiated, and dropped in our inbox. With a range of issues hitting its recent series of motorcycles, BMW has four individually registered recalls with the NHTSA that span 11 models in the German company’s stable. If you own a BMW manufactured between 2005 and 2009, you might want to check after the jump to see if your bike is affected. Click on the appropriate link to the NHTSA’s website for additional information.
BMW is recalling certain 2009 K1300GT and K1300S motorcycles for faulty switches on the handlebars for both the direction indicator and the emergency engine off/engine-start functions. Failure of these switches could cause BMW riders to have to manually hand signal their direction changes, which could expose the fact that dentists don’t know how to signal right-hand turns.
BMW is recalling a slew of R1200GS motorcycles made between 2006 and 2008 for a faulty seal on the fuel pump control unit housing. Because of this defect, water could penetrate into the control until and either corrode or short the mechanism, resulting in the pump failing, and fuel not reaching the motor. A sudden loss in power like this could result and non-rider induced superman across the tarmac, and the unnecessary involvement of personal injury attorneys….and no one wants that.
Recalls appear to be the order of the weekend. This does give us the opportunity to examine the ways in which different bike manufacturers take it upon themselves to make this sport just that much more interesting for us. Ducati, always being the fashion-minded, chose death by fire, which of course would match perfectly the red and white livery they adorn their bikes in. Buell, thought it fit to decapitate its riders, which is also fitting since must have lost your mind to ever purchase the baby Harley in the first place. Not to be shown up, BMW in a very German fashion is going with just instant death in no particular fashion. This does bring up interesting thoughts of graphic video footage of wheels coming undone and bodies flying over hay bails, but that’s just my imagination. Check after the jump for full details on this expedited suicide.
Another recall that centers around braking components is hitting us this week, and this one concerns the Scout lineup of motorcycles from the Indian Motorcycle Company.
The recall focuses on the ABS unit for the Indian Scout, Scout Bobber, and Scout Sixty motorcycles from the 2019 model year. In total, 2,702 motorcycles are affected by the recall.
It should be noted that this recall is an extension of a previous recall by Indian for the Scout motorcycle, which was reported last year.
End-of-the-year sales figures are starting to trickle in, now that 2017 is behind us, and BMW Motorrad USA has completed its tally. Selling 13,546 motorcycles in 2017, BMW Motorrad is posting a rare decline in yearly unit sales, down 1.3% last year.
Despite this loss, BMW Motorrad is quick point out that other manufacturers are suffering worse than the German brand, with the industry said to be down 3.2%, while BMW’s relevant competition is said to be down 6.3%.
For those keeping score, that is basically like saying “Yeah sales were bad, but look at how much worse the other guys did” in PR speak.
One should not forget the seven recalls (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 here) that BMW encountered in rapid succession during 2017, including the massive fork recall for the popular R1200GS.
While the current crop of BMW R1200GS model motorcycles are being recalled for issues with their front suspension, the future of the venerable GS line continues to evolve, as Motorrad Magazine is reporting that the boxer-twin engine that powers the R-series will be getting variable valve timing (VVT).
Motorrad is also reporting that the engine displacement will also see a bump, up from 1,170cc to 1,250cc for the next-generation of R-series machines, which should mean that the water-cooled motor should get a healthy (and much needed) bump in power, to help compete in this hotly contested segment.