BMW R Series recalls
DVSA has published 17 safety recalls that name the BMW R Series since 1992, 0 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 49,086 UK vehicles of this model.
Is your R Series affected? Check the exact vehicle
All BMW R Series recalls, newest first
K SERIES, R SERIES · wheel may detatch
13 Apr 2015 · RM/2015/005
It is possible that during maintenance work on brake discs and/or wheel changes threaded fasteners might have been over tightened. The over tightening can result in cracks in the wheel flange. In the course of a lengthy service life the cracks can propagate and under worst-case conditions lead to fracture of the bolted join and the wheel separating from the machine. Initially owners will be warned of the concern and when the new components are available the owners will be notified so the components can be replaced.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the aluminium wheel flange with a steel flange.
23,427 vehicles · built 4 Dec 2002 to 5 Apr 2011
R SERIES · front brake may fail
24 Jun 2009 · RM/2009/025
A combination of unfavourable tolerances can mean that front brake lines might be under strain. The vibrations that occur when riding could cause the brake lines to develop leaks thereby adversely affecting the performance of the front brake. Authority Service Vehicles only are affected by this concern.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected to fit modified brake lines.
643 vehicles · built 1 Jan 2007 to 29 Apr 2009
R SERIES · front brakes may fail
12 Jun 2008 · RM/2008/019
It has been identified that a combination of unfavourable tolerances can result in the brake lines being under strain. As a consequence when the machine is being ridden the brake lines could develop leaks thus allowing hydraulic fluid to escape. This will cause the level of the hydraulic fluid within the reservoir to fall which if this goes unnoticed can result in failure of the front brakes only.
Fix: Recalled machines will be fitted with brakes lines which are significantly more resistant to the effects of vibration and strain. Additionally have a geometry which allows for tolerances that ensure that the lines are not under strain in their installed positions.
1,368 vehicles
R SERIES · final drive assembly may leak
12 Sep 2006 · RM/2006/037
Oil may leak from the rear wheel final drive which if ignored could lead to contamination of the brake disc and tyre.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and replace the oil seal and spacer.
433 vehicles
R SERIES · clutch may fail
14 Mar 2006 · RM/2006/023
It is possible for some clutch components to work loose while the motorcycle is being ridden and punch out through the engine block possibly endangering the health and safety of the rider.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the clutch assembly.
111 vehicles
R SERIES · abs may fail
14 Mar 2006 · RM/2006/021
When work involving removal of the left brake caliper is undertaken (i.e. when a tyre is changed) there is a possibility that the ABS sensor cable can be incorrectly routed when the caliper is reinstalled. If it is incorrectly routed the sensor cable can chafe against the brake disc with the result that the ABS function (not the active braking function)can fail.
Fix: Recalled machines will have the ABS sensor cable rerouted.
4,582 vehicles
K SERIES, R SERIES · abs may fail
14 Mar 2006 · RM/2006/020
In certain exceptional circumstances (constant use of the ABS) it is possible for the ABS to stop functioning. This is as a result of excessive pressure building up in the ABS system.
Fix: To recall the machines that are likely to be affected and fit a pressure restrictor into the hand brake control hydraulics.
5,575 vehicles
K SERIES, R SERIES · leak in fuel system
14 Apr 2005 · RM/2005/019
Possibility of fuel leakage from the fuel pipe quick release mechanism or clips.
Fix: Recalled machines will be checked for fuel leaks and the O sealing rings replaced. Should the body of the quick release coupling be leaking fuel this also will be replaced.
8,673 vehicles
R SERIES · throttle cable may jam
18 Mar 2005 · RM/2005/015
There is a small possibility of small objects becoming lodged between the throttle valve stub and the engine block. A foreign object lodged in this position could block the movement of the throttle cable pulley and this in turn could lead to a critical situation on the road.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and fit covers to the throttle cable pulleys.
477 vehicles
R SERIES · engine may cut out
4 Feb 2005 · RM/2005/016
It is possible for water to ingress into the cavity underneath the fuel pump electronics and corrode the electrical contacts of the fuel pump. This will lead to sporadic failure of the fuel pump and cause the engine to cut out and possibly back in.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and where necessary fit a new O ring seal under the body of the fuel pump body. Additionally if necessary replace the fuel pump unit.
668 vehicles
R SERIES · rear brakes may fail
1 Jul 2003 · RM/2005/014
Under certain harsh conditions it is possible for the inner section of the rear brake hose to rupture. If a rupture occurs it will lead to the brake fluid leaking and the loss of brake effort.
Fix: Recall all likely to be affected machines and fit a modified rear brake hose. Additionally correctly fit where necessary the connections at the brake caliper and 180 degree adaptor.
547 vehicles
R SERIES · gearbox may lock up
25 Nov 2002 · RM/2003/002
The idler gears for third and fourth gear may not be securely seated on the intermediate shaft. As a consequence two gears could be engaged similtaneously and cause the gearbox to lock up.
Fix: Replace the gearbox on the affected motorcycles.
149 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2002 to 31 Oct 2002
R SERIES · total electrical failure
1 Dec 1997 · RM/97/013
The steering lock wiring loom has insufficient free movement or may rub on the metal plate below the instrument cluster.
Fix: Affected machines are being recalled for alterations to the steering lock wiring loom routing and securing arrangements.
548 vehicles
R SERIES · front suspension linkage/possible handlebar cracking
18 Aug 1994 · RM/94/005
A. The nut securing the front suspension telelever joint may under extreme circumstances become loose for RS and GS models B. Handlebar cracking may occur on high mileage R1100RS SE (Ergonomic) version machines.
Fix: A. Replace the telelever joint nut with an improved version incorporating a self locking adhesive. B. On affected R1100RS SE machines replace the original handlebars with an improved version.
850 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1993 to 31 Dec 1994
R SERIES · possible loosening of suspension pivots
27 Jun 1994 · RM/94/004
As a consequence of arduous off-road use the bearing pin locating the swinging arm on the rear axle and the locating bolt nut on the front suspension telelever arm may loosen.
Fix: Recall the affected machines and: A) Remove clean examine and re-fit the swinging arm bearing pin having applied locking compound to the threads as directed by the manufacturer. B) Replace the flange nut on the front suspension strut retaining bolt wit
191 vehicles · built 1 Jan 1994 to 31 May 1994
R SERIES · possible short circuit
3 Aug 1993 · RM/93/003
An extension bracket connecting the main lead to the battery positive terminal can contact the battery carrier. This may result in a short circuit disturbing the operation of the ABS braking system.
Fix: Recall the affected machines for removal of the subject bracket and the fitting of a cable direct to the battery positive terminal.
302 vehicles · built 1 Feb 1993 to 30 Jun 1993
R SERIES · brake caliper bridging pipe may contact the front wheel
28 Oct 1992 · RM/92/006
It is possible that the brake pipe connecting the two front brake calipers may be disturbed during routine maintenance and could as a result contact the front wheel.
Fix: Recall the affected machines for replacement of the original connecting pipe by a redesigned version routed to eliminate the possibility of wheel contact.
- R SERIES: 271 vehicles · built 1 Nov 1999 to 31 Mar 1992
- R SERIES: 271 vehicles · built 1 Nov 1991 to 31 Mar 1992
Other BMW models
Source: DVSA recalls register, check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk, copy dated 6 Sep 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall is listed here when DVSA names this model in it; the build dates on each recall say which cars it covers, and a registration check confirms your own.