Recall 10V274 affects 1,916 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs and F 650 Gs motorcycles for drive-chain defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,916 2008-2009 F 800 Gs and F 650 Gs motorcycles because the drive chain was not produced to specification and can break over time. If the broken chain gets trapped between the rear wheel and frame, the rear wheel can lock up and raise crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The drive chain on the 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs and F 650 Gs motorcycles transfers engine power to the rear wheel. It loops over the sprockets and has to stay strong while it moves under load. When the chain works as designed, throttle input reaches the rear wheel in a controlled way.
On affected motorcycles, the drive chain was not produced to BMW's specification. That means the chain lacks the intended strength or consistency for normal service. As miles accumulate, the chain can break instead of continuing to carry power to the rear wheel. If it breaks while riding, power delivery stops suddenly.
There is no warning sign before failure. A motorcycle that looks and feels normal can still be included in recall 10V274, so the VIN decides whether this drive-chain defect applies.
Who's affected?
Includes both F 650 Gs and F 800 Gs motorcycles across the 2008 and 2009 model years, all tied to the powertrain component.
| 2009 BMW F 800 Gs | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2008 BMW F 650 Gs | powertrain |
| 2009 BMW F 650 Gs | powertrain |
| 2008 BMW F 800 Gs | powertrain |
| Units affected | 1,916 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 10V274, a broken drive chain trapped between the rear wheel and frame can lock the rear wheel and increase crash risk. If the chain breaks or binds, stop riding and call a BMW dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs or F 650 Gs is included in this recall.
- Look for BMW's owner notice mailed on August 30, 2010, or contact BMW customer service if you never received it.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask about the free drive-chain and sprocket replacement that prevents a broken chain from locking the rear wheel.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 10V274 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop riding if you hear chain noise or feel drivetrain binding.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the drive chain and sprockets covered by the recall. The repair addresses drive chains that were not produced to specification and can break over time. BMW's remedy covers the affected motorcycles at no charge, including parts and labor. The safety recall began on August 30, 2010, so ask the service desk to confirm whether this recall repair is still open for your VIN before you schedule service.
Timeline
| June 16, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 30, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V274?
Recall 10V274 covers 1,916 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs and F 650 Gs motorcycles with drive chains that were not produced to specification. The chain can break over time, and BMW dealers will replace the drive chain and sprockets for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs or F 650 Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 10V274. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule replacement of the drive chain and sprockets. Reference recall number 10V274 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the drive chain and sprockets free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rear-wheel lockup from a broken drive chain. BMW recalled these motorcycles because the chain can break over time. If the broken chain gets trapped between the rear wheel and frame, the rear wheel can lock and increase crash risk.
What if I bought my BMW motorcycle used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law covers the vehicle, not only the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2009 BMW F 800 Gs or F 650 Gs is included, then call a BMW dealer with recall number 10V274.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V274000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V274 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V274000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →