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BMW is recalling some 43,426 bikes built between 2005 and 2011 to replace a rear wheel flange that may crack if the mounting bolts are overtightened.
The existing rear wheel flange is made of aluminum and can crack if the bolts are too tight. Dealers are installing steel flanges for free on the affected motorcycles. The BMW recall is expected to begin April 21.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, “If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.”
The AP reports that the problem was discovered in August following a crash in Spain where a rider and passenger were bruised and scraped, and quotes a BMW spokesman as saying owners should check their rear wheel flanges for cracks near the bolts. If there are none, the motorcycles are safe to ride until repairs are made.
Among the affected models are:
2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT.
2006-2010 R1200 S Adventure.
2007-2010 R1200R.
2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport.
2005-2007 R1200ST.
2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto.
2006 HP2 Enduro.
2008-2010 HP2 Sport.
2005-2008 K1200S.
2006-2008 K1200R and K1200GT.
2009-2011 K1300S.
2010-2011 K1300R.
2009-2010 K1300GT.
The BMW recall notice is posted the NHTSA’s website here. While other news sources have said the recall involves nearly 49,000 motorcycles, NHTSA gave the number as 43,426.
(Pictures are courtesy of BMW Motorrad)
– By Bud Wilkinson
