BMW Recalls R1200, G650 and F800 Models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced four separate BMW motorcycle recalls. Listing the manufacturer’s report date as June 15, 2010, the announcements regard select G650X, F800GS and F650GS models, as well as the Bavarian marque’s extensive R1200 Boxer line. The most comprehensive of the recalls is NHTSA campaign 10V276000, which affects the 2007-2009 model years of the R1200GS, GS Adventure, R, RT and ST versions of the Boxer lineup, along with the K1200GT. The problem described by the NHTSA announcement is as follows:

“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.” The statement continues with possible consequence: “If this strain goes unnoticed, and the brake fluid reservoir runs empty, the front brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.” Owners will be notified by BMW about the problem and dealers will install new brake lines which contain a “sleeve” to remedy the concern. The fix will be free of charge and is expected to begin this July. A second recall involves the R1200GS Adventure, with a bolt on the fuel tank front attachment possibly coming into contact with the fork leg “if the handlebar is turned a significant amount.” The concern is the limited range of the bars could “affect handling and maneuverability of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.” A third recall affects the G650 lines manufactured from November 2006 through May 2008, including all three models: the Xchallenge, Xcountry and Xmoto. The NHTSA recall describes the defect as: “Over time, the roll gear pin’s mounting attachment could break,” with possible fragments of said attachment becoming “trapped between the drive chain and the rear sprocket” causing the rear wheel to lock up “possibly resulting in a crash.”

A similar reasoning necessitates the fourth recall, which entail the F800 and F650GS models. The affected units were produced from September 2007 through March 2009 and feature drive chains that “may not have been produced to specification.” The concern is that “over time the drive chain could break” and like the G650 models, entangle in the rear wheel.