The 2020 BMW R 1250 GS has 5 recalls, the most serious involving drivetrain failures that can cause sudden loss of control: a damaged pivot pin can loosen the connection between the final drive and swing arm, and a gearbox input shaft can break and lock the rear wheel.
On the brake side, three separate concerns affect this motorcycle. The front brake calipers can leak fluid while the bike is parked, and over time the reservoir level drops low enough to weaken braking performance. During hard braking, the brake light may flash rather than hold steady, which can confuse following drivers about whether the bike is actually stopping. There is also a labeling issue on the brake fluid reservoir cap, where unclear instructions about fluid type and refill procedure can lead to improper maintenance that degrades brake function over time.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, which could block the rear wheel.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control unit software at no cost to address the issue.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid while the motorcycle is parked, reducing brake system effectiveness.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers and replace them with an improved version at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid reservoir cap lacks clear instructions about which brake fluid type to use and how to refill the reservoir, risking improper maintenance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pivot pin connecting the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, allowing the connection to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the pivot pin at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light flashes instead of staying steady when you brake hard in an emergency, which doesn't meet safety standards for brake lighting.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the emergency stop signal function at no cost to fix the brake light behavior.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
