2021 Bmw R 1250 GS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
2021: 1
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11445601 · 2021-12-30 (December 30, 2021)
"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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11445601 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V495000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2020-08-20 (August 20, 2020)
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V011000 · Power Train:Manual Transmission:Internal:Shaft:Input
Reported: 2023-01-18 (January 18, 2023)
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.
Consequence: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 1280.0%ODI 11319858 · 340 miJUST GOT A NEW 2019 R1250 GS DEMO WITH 140 MILES ON IT, DROVE AN ADDITIONAL 200 MILES AND AFTER THE BIKE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING OFF THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER / FORK AND WETNESS FROM THE SEAM ON THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ALERTED THEM TO THE PROBLEM , SERVICE MAN SAYS THEY HAVE OTHER BMW R1250GS WITH THE SAME LEAKING CALIPERS. THESE NEW HAYES 2 PIECE CALIPERS ARE NOT AS GOOD COMPARED TO THE ORIGINAL BREMBO MONOBLOCK CALIPERS FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. I AM PARKING THE BIKE TILL I CAN GET … | 787.5%ODI 11308994 · 8,200 miBOTH FRONT CALIPERS ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR VERIFICATION AND REPAIR ON NOV 27 2019. I HAVE BEEN INQUIRING WITH THEM EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE AS TO WHEN THEY MAY BE REPLACED WITH NOT EVEN AND ESTIMATED DATE. BMW MOTORRAD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO ESCALATE THE CASE TO ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND THAT IT MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE DEALER. FLUID HAS ALSO LEAKED ON THE FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE. AT THIS POINT, THE BIKE CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO STOP. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 213.3%ODI 11390401 · 5,000 miTHE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO SHARE THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART IS WITH JUMPER CABLES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE. IT MIGHT NOT RESTART ON THE FREEWAY, OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS 12,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT RESTARTED 3 TIMES NOW. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 266.7%ODI 11456912Defective 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 320.0%ODI 11390401 · 5,000 miTHE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO SHARE THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART IS WITH JUMPER CABLES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE. IT MIGHT NOT RESTART ON THE FREEWAY, OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS 12,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT RESTARTED 3 TIMES NOW. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11458701I 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 fai… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 16.7%ODI 11528717During the recent Safety Recall of this vehicle and subsequent repair, it was noted by the certified mechanic that oil was being wicked up along electrical lines in the stator. The mechanic issued an immediate "Do not ride, Do not operate" warning. 2019 BMW R1250GSA has 17,000 accident free miles. Many "false" engine management warnings. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11445601"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 … | 133.3%ODI 11480369BMW 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 … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 16.7%ODI 11390401 · 5,000 miTHE MOTORCYCLE FAILS TO START. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. IT HAS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. I STOP AND TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO RESTART, IT WON'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED. BMW SAYS THAT CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE FORUMS FROM RIDERS AROUND THE WORLD WHO SHARE THIS SAME EXPERIENCE. THE ONLY WAY TO RESTART IS WITH JUMPER CABLES. I BELIEVE THIS IS A LIFE-SAFETY ISSUE. IT MIGHT NOT RESTART ON THE FREEWAY, OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS 12,000 MILES. IT HAS NOT RESTARTED 3 TIMES NOW. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11670653Driving 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 wa… |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 16.7%ODI 11390968 · 8,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 BMW R 1250 GS ADVENTURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V476000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CALIPERS WERE LEAKING. EUROTEK OKLAHOMA CITY, 417 HUDIBURG CIR STE. C, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73108) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE … | 112.5%ODI 11425194 · 3,000 miThe contact owns a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V476000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue however, the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the caliper. The failure mileage was 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11456912Defective 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 16.7%ODI 114838824/2021 Prior to 4/2021, I had complained verbally with visits and calls to the dealership about an intermittent (CC ) Cruise Control issue. They could not find a problem w/the CC. I now consider this issue is related to the rear caliper ceasing. 5/30/2022 (RC) Rear caliper ceased without any indications. The (MC) motorcycle, presented w/a power loss otherwise unknowingly to me until later in the ride. Caliper appeared to cease causing heat scorched rear pads, caliper very hot. I smelled brake burn upon slowing down, noticing both power lo… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2022: 3 complaints · 2023: 2 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Unknown Or Other |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.