BMW R 1250 GS Complaints

6 consumer complaints on file.

#11670653July 1, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving on the Parkway, (65-70mph) my rear wheel without warning locked up and I skidded across 2 a joining lanes, including the fast lane. multiple cars almost rear ended me and other cars nearly rear ending them, which could of caused a major accident. I had just a full service done on the motorcycle by BMW dealership over a month ago, after I received the motorcycle back from the service, I notice the motorcycle was vibrating more than usual, especially at highway speeds. I reported it to the BMW dealership where I got the service done. I was told the nearest date they could book me in for an appointment date to check the motorcycle would be in a few weeks. When my motorcycle was bought in for the appointment I received the motorcycle back 6 days later, I was told there mechanic took my motorcycle for a test drive, he said he did notice some vibrating but felt it wasn't warrant enough for concern. 4 days later the incident occurred. After the incident the motorcycle was towed back to the BMW dealership. After their inspection I was told the Final drive had completely failed. The dealership said they are replacing the whole driveshaft assembly, including the rear tire. I would like to add when I originally received my motorcycle back after they said they couldn't find anything wrong, I asked did they check the driveshaft, I was told yes and it was good! The motorcycle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11559580December 11, 2023
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
The contact owns a 2023 BMW R 1250 GS designed with a Center Stand. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked and resting on the center stand, he stood on the left side of the motorcycle and started moving the motorcycle from its parked position and the center stand foot pedal struck his right kneecap while the center stand was folding into the stored position. The contact stated that he sustained a swollen kneecap and had made an appointment to receive medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,079.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11480369August 20, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BMW is not providing any owners with service and repair manuals in order to perform service or make any repairs. This is a safety issue, among other things,as these are adventure motorcycles meant to be ridden in very remote areas in difficult terrain where roadside repairs are often required. In addition, they are trying to force owner’s to purchase their services by not providing the required information. They are effectively restricting their use and creating a monopoly of who can service these bikes. These are causing safety and consumer rights issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458701March 28, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I had no mechanical issues with the motorcycle upon purchase and took it in to the dealership for the 600 mile service. I rode the motorcycle a few times and had no mechanical issues. On 3/13/22 I was in 3rd gear decelerating to stop at a stop sign and the motorcycle quit running. The engine abruptly shutoff and a message appeared on the TFT which read “Fault in the engine control. Onboard journey possible. Ride carefully to next specialist workshop” (see attached photo). The bike had approximately 1000 miles on it at the time of the failure. I will specify the bike did not go into limp mode it shutoff completely while I was riding on the roadway. I turned off the ignition 3 time before the engine would start again. The engine shutting off without warning was a very scary and dangerous situation which caused me to park the motorcycle immediately to research the problem. I didn’t find anything specific concerns online or warnings regarding this issue. On 3/14/22 the bike shutoff in the exact same manner two more times. On 3/15/22 it shutoff exactly the same manner. I took video of this incident with my helmet camera, but the file is too large to attach. This caused me to again stop riding and disrupted our vacation plans with the motorcycle. On 3/18/22, I returned the motorcycle to the dealership and explained what had occurred. On 3/25/22, I went to the dealership after they called and said the motorcycle was repaired and ready for pickup. The service department resolution on the receipt states “Found fuel pump fault but fuel pump working properly. Installed software update that addresses this issue. Bile has no faults now”. On 3/25/22, after leaving the dealership I rode approximately 80 miles and the same exact problem starting occurring. The motorcycle shutoff with no warning thirteen times on this day causing me to try and find a safe place to pull off of the highway which wasn't always possible. No warnings messages appeared before.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456912March 16, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Defective Headlights on Brand New 2022 BMW R1250GS. I recently purchased a new BMW 1250 GS. Unfortunately, every time I ride at night I get an "Active headlamp faulty" warning. I took the bike in a day after the purchase and the dealer was able to verify multiple instances of the error code. A month has passed since I reported the issue but so far both the dealer, BMW Motorcycles of Escondido, and BMW Motorrad USA have been less than helpful in resolving the issue. Due to the nature of the issue, I am unable to ride the bike at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445601December 30, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"BMW Motorrad no longer offers repair manuals for our motorcycles" BMW Motorrad has stopped offering Motorcycle service Data to consumers/end users. This lack of service data creates a significant safety hazard to those that perform their own repairs & maintenance! From: Customer Service BMW Motorcycles Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 9:15 AM To: ME Subject: Your Motorrad Correspondence Dear X, Thanks for your reply. After further researching your request, BMW Motorrad no longer offers repair manuals for our motorcycles. However, you can be assured I’ve forwarded your concerns to the appropriate individuals for internal review. We're sorry for any disappointment this may cause. Should you need to contact BMW Motorrad Customer Relations and Services again, you can reach us at 1-800-831-1117 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Kind regards, BMW Motorrad USA Representative Original Message From: [ME] Sent: 12/27/2021 3:24 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Your Motorrad Correspondence I have visited with my dealer regarding Factory Service Manual availability. That is how I learned that they are not available and hence my question to you. How/When service data be made available to consumers who need or wish to perform their own maintenance and repairs? Thank you. On Mon, Dec 27, 2021, 13:18 Customer Service BMW Motorcycles <[email protected]> wrote: Dear ME, Thanks for writing to BMW Motorrad USA regarding the service manual for your new 2021 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and congratulations on your recent purchase! I appreciate your loyalty with us. I’d suggest speaking with the parts team at your local BMW Motorrad dealer, as they’d be in the best position to assist you with the service manual. For your reference, a list of our authorized dealers can be found on our website: www.bmwmotorcycles.com under the "Find a Dealer" link. BMW Motorrad USA Representative
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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