BMW Recalls Motorcycles for Leaky Front-Brake Calipers

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WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it will be recalling certain 2019 and 2020 motorcycles due to a potential leak in the front-brake caliper.

The recall covers certain  R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles built between August 2018 and February 2020 which might have front calipers which leak when the motorcycles are parked. Some 9,392 units are covered by the recall.

According to NHTSA Safety Recall Report 20V-476, “Riders may notice the start of front brake caliper weeping by brake fluid sweat marks on the caliper. Riders may also notice fluid marks on the front rim, tire, and/or on the ground. Additionally, if this condition continued to occur over a long period of time, riders would also observe this condition via the brake fluid reservoir ‘window’ mounted on the handlebars.”

Related post:
BMW Issues Two Motorcycle Brake-Related Recalls

The minor leaks do not present an immediate safety hazard, but should it go unnoticed over time and the brake-fluid reservoir empties, the motorcycle’s stopping power will be adversely affected and could result in a crash, according to the NHTSA.

Owners are encouraged to check the reservoir and maintain a proper volume of fluid.

Owners of applicable motorcycles will be contacted by BMW in reference to the recall. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace any faulty components with an updated design for free. This action is expected to begin on Oct.6, 2020.

Mike Geylin
Mike Geylin

Mike Geylin is the Editor-in-Chief at Hagman Media. Geylin has been in automotive communications for five decades working in all aspects of the industry from OEM to supplier to motorsports as well as reporting for both newspapers and magazines on the industry.