Generally speaking, when you see a recall for an engine item on a motorcycle, like a connecting rod, it is a big deal. Such recalls have caught a few brands out, and it usually means a large investment of time and energy on the part of the OEM.
Some brands make complete engine swaps, while others will pay their technicians to make the appropriate fixes and repairs. Invariably customers aren’t happy with the solution, and it is not out of the question to hear talk about lawsuits and other legal remedies.
Today’s case though, well it is a bit different. BMW Motorrad has found that the connecting rods on the BMW F850GS may not have been installed correctly. But, the recall only affects one motorcycle…and it hasn’t even been sold yet.
I don’t think we have ever seen a recall for just one motorcycle before here at Asphalt & Rubber, let alone one that hasn’t been sold by a dealer, but here we are.
According to the recall documents, the issue first presented itself in Spain, where an F850GS motorcycle had an issue with severe engine noise.
Upon review, it was found that the one of the connecting rods in the motor was incorrectly installed, and that prompted an investigation by BMW Motorrd.
From that investigation, one motorcycle sent to the USA was found to have a bad con rod installation as well, though the machine had’t yet been sold by the dealership.
BMW Motorrad will therefore pay for the engine to be swapped on the affected 2019 BMW F850GS, in order to remedy the situation.
No other reports of trouble have been reported, and BMW Motorrad does not believe any other models in the United States are affected by this recall.
That being said, concerned F850GS owners may contact BMW Motorrad USA about this issue, at 1-800-525-7417. As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
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