A global recall appears to be underway on all water-cooled BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure models manufactured between November 2013 and June 2017. As BMW’s best selling model, the number of bikes impacted by the recall could be in the range of 200,000 worldwide.

The Problem

Courtesy change.org

On top of each fork tube, or stanchion, is a pressed-in top cap. According to BMW, after high-stress events, the top cap can begin to slip out and create a gap. This gap may increase with repeated high-stress incidents until eventually fork failure occurs. High stress events include “driving over an obstacle, during a fall or when driving through deep potholes with unvarying speed,” according to BMW.

BMW R1200GS Fork Service Campaign

As pressure mounted from customers experiencing separating fork tubes and a few reported accidents, a “Fork Service Campaign” was initially put in place by BMW Motorrad June 30th of this year. Under the Fork Service Campaign, owners of the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure were invited to voluntarily bring their bikes in to dealers for inspection.

The inspection consists of pushing down the rubber sleeve on the top of the fork tubes and measuring the amount of separation between the pressed-in top cap and the top of each fork. If the gap is larger than recommended tolerances, BMW repairs or replaces the components free of charge. BMW reports that very few bikes inspected ever show signs of separation. And under the program, if no significant gap is found during inspection, the bike is not retrofitted.

Global Recall?

Now with more understanding of the problem, BMW Motorrad has begun rolling out formal recalls in different markets. Under an official recall, all bikes receive the no-cost retrofit regardless of the condition of the forks. So far, official recalls have been announced in Germany and the UK, with the USA expected to follow soon. A report from Asphalt and Rubber states that BMW has already issued a “Stop Sale” directive to all USA BMW Dealers as documents for a recall with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are prepared for release.

ADV Pulse has requested more information from BMW Motorrad USA regarding the recall but has not received a response at time of publishing. We’ll share more details here as we get them. Considering the risk factors involved with a failing fork, all owners should schedule an appointment with their local BMW dealer as soon as possible.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 25, 2017 – Fork Tube may Detach From Upper Triple Clamp

If the fork tube detaches from the sealing plug, the handling and stability of the motorcycle will be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V438000

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Components: SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected: 14,626
Make Model Model Year(s)
BMW R1200 GS 2014 – 2017
BMW R1200 GS ADVENTURE 2014 – 2017

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 BMW R1200GS and BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles. The motorcycle fixed fork tube may separate from the pressed in seal plug that secures the tube to the upper triple clamp.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will add an additional fixed fork tube bush. A fork that is sufficiently damaged will be replaced with a modified new part. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.