Recall 13V279 affects 870 2013 BMW F800 Gs and F700 Gs motorcycles for side-stand switch damage. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 870 2013 F800 Gs and F700 Gs motorcycles because the side-stand switch can become damaged and let the engine run with the side-stand down. A rider can pull away with the stand deployed, which raises crash risk; the repair at a BMW dealer will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The side-stand switch on the 2013 BMW F800 Gs and F700 Gs is an electrical safety switch tied to the motorcycle's side stand. Its normal job is to tell the engine controls whether the stand is down. When the stand is lowered, the switch is supposed to keep the engine from running, so the motorcycle is not operated with the stand still deployed.
On affected motorcycles, that switch can become damaged. Once damaged, it no longer gives the engine controls the correct stop signal when the side stand is down. The engine can keep running even though the stand is still lowered, which removes the built-in safeguard the rider expects before moving off.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is not described as a noise, warning light, or change in ride feel. The first thing an owner notices can be that the motorcycle starts or keeps running with the side stand down.
Who's affected?
The scope includes both F700 Gs and F800 Gs motorcycles, and each model is listed for the kickstand or center stand structure issue and the electrical system.
| 2013 BMW F800 Gs | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW F800 Gs | electrical system |
| 2013 BMW F700 Gs | body or structural component |
| 2013 BMW F700 Gs | electrical system |
| Units affected | 870 |
A matching 2013 BMW F700 Gs or F800 Gs does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose side stand switch can let a rider start riding with the side stand down, increasing the risk of a crash. Check that the side stand is fully up before each ride and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 BMW F800 Gs or F700 Gs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask whether the free side-stand-switch repair is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the side-stand-switch service that secures the switch so the engine interlock works with the stand down.
- Bring the BMW owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 13V279 when you call.
- Keep the side stand fully up before riding, and stop riding if the engine runs with the stand down.
What happens at the repair
BMW's remedy is for a BMW technician to secure the side-stand switch so the switch stays protected and keeps doing its job: preventing the engine from running while the side-stand is down. Confirm repair availability with a BMW dealer before planning the visit. Once BMW opens the dealer repair for your VIN, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| June 28, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V279?
Recall 13V279 covers 870 2013 BMW F800 Gs and F700 Gs motorcycles with a side-stand switch that can be damaged and allow the engine to run with the side-stand down. BMW dealers will secure the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2013 BMW F800 Gs or F700 Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V279. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the side-stand switch repair. Reference recall number 13V279 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 dealers will secure the side-stand switch free of charge. BMW listed 1-800-525-7417 for owner questions about this recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the engine can keep running with the side-stand down. A rider can start riding before the stand is raised, which increases the risk of a crash. The dealer repair secures the side-stand switch to address the defect.
When did BMW start the recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on August 8, 2013. If your VIN is included and the repair has not been completed, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the free side-stand switch repair under recall 13V279.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V279000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V279 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V279000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →