2021 BMW R 1250 RT recalls and problems

The 2021 BMW R 1250 RT has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 BMW R 1250 RT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT recalls

Recall 23V-011: Power Train

Reported Jan 18, 2023 · 18,534 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

Risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 20V-495: Equipment

Reported Aug 20, 2020 · 447 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Service Brakes1
Engine1
Wheels1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 BMW R 1250 RT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 5, 2024
Original owner, purchased July 2021. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) continues to drop off intermittently after numerous complaints to BMW service techs and BMW Customer Relations since new. Attempts to repair include dealer 'recalibration' and software updates none of which have solved the issue. When in use, ACC suddenly, without warning drops out leaving driver to actively recover previous speed (throttle). Not such a problem at lower speeds, however at highway speeds the dropout could be life-threatening. In my case, traveling the posted 85mph highway speed outside of Salt Lake City, the ACC…
Electrical System · reported Oct 17, 2023
Page 67 of the BMW Motorad Owners Manual describes operation of the "self," cancelling , "Comfort turn indicators" as follows: After the turn signal is pushed to the right or left, the turn signal indictors automatically turn off under the following conditions: -Speed is under 18mph; after a distance of 165Ft is covered. -Speed is between 18 mph and 60 mph: after a speed dependent distance is covered or during acceleration. -Speed is above 60 mph: after turn signal indicator flashes five times. The turn signals don't turn off as described above. The auto cancelling signals only turn off after…
Service Brakes · reported Sep 6, 2021
BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly kill you. I thought there were laws that you didn't have to have the bike serviced by the dealer or if so it should be free. I have never bought a bike that didn't have some information available.
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 6, 2021
The distance control on the cruise control will just fail while in use. Going through Atlanta with cruise set at 65 MPH in traffic and it just fails (alert pop up too) and throttle goes to zero which on a motorcycle means immediate engine braking. Nearly get run over by car behind me. Has been to the dealer and they did a calibration and said it was fine only for it to return in about 200 miles. This is a new feature on these bikes and the dealer has no idea what to do at thie point. At a minimum BMW should look into this and get to the issue then notify all owners.

Other BMW R 1250 RT years

Compare all BMW R 1250 RT years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT: 23V-011 (power train), 20V-495 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (2 reports), followed by service brakes (1).

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.