BMW Recalls Over 40,000 Motorcycles

BMW has issued a recall for over 40,000 motorcycles in the U.S. and Canada. The motorcycles in question were manufactured between 2005 and 2011 and are being recalled because if the bolts that hold the rear wheel to the flange are overtightened, the flange can crack and won’t be able to hold the wheel securely in place. The following models of BMW motorcycles are part of the recall:

• Some 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT

• 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure

• 2007-2010 R1200R

• 2007 R1200S

• 2007 K1200R Sport

• 2005-2007 R1200ST

• 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto

• 2006 HP2 Enduro

• 2008-2010 HP2 Sport

• 2005-2008 K1200S

• 2006-2008 K1200R

• 2006-2008 K1200GT

• 2009-2011 K1300S

• 2010-2011 K1300R

• 2009-2010 K1300GT

BMW became aware of the problem in August 2014 following a motorcycle accident in Spain. The motorcyclist and passenger in the initial accident were fortunately not killed, but did receive some scrapes and bruises. The recall is expected to start on April 21 and the repair will entail replacing the original aluminum flanges with ones made of steel. As with any recall repair, the repair will be available free of charge. If your motorcycle is one of the models subject to the recall, BMW recommends you check the rear wheel flanges for any cracks by the bolts. If no cracks are visible, your motorcycle is safe to ride until the repair can be made.

If your motorcycle is recalled due to a defective part, the process is similar to the one used when cars are recalled. The motorcycle manufacturer will try to the best of their ability to contact all impacted owners. To do this, the manufacturer cross-references their records of owners with state registration records so they can try reaching the owner at the most recent address. Recall notices will be mailed out to owners explaining what the defect is, the danger it poses, what the repair is, when the repair will be available, and how long the repair will take.

Most importantly, recall notices should make it clear to consumers that the repair will be made free of charge. You are still entitled to have recall repairs made free of charge even if you aren’t a motorcycle’s original owner.

Although manufacturers attempt contacting owners about safety recalls as best as they can, some owners of recalled motorcycles never receive a recall notice. If you hear about a recall on the news and think your motorcycle might be part of that recall, but don’t get a recall notice in the mail, you can contact a local dealership to verify whether or not your motorcycle is recalled. You can also use the NHTSA’s VIN look-up tool to find out if there are any outstanding recalls on your motorcycle or contact the NHTSA by calling 1-888-327-4236. If you own a BMW motorcycle, you can also find out if it is part of this particular recall by using BMW’s VIN look-up tool.

Our personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Goodwin & Scieszka are ready to also handle motorcyle accident cases. Contact us to see how we can help you get fair compensation if you’ve been injured.