Recall 14V211 affects 1,420 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs motorcycles for a transmission seal defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 1,420 2013 R 1200 Gs motorcycles because pressure inside the transmission can push the output seal out of place. When that seal moves, transmission oil can leak onto the rear tire and increase the risk of a crash; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The transmission on the 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs sends engine power through the gearbox and out toward the rear wheel. At the output end, a seal keeps transmission oil inside while the output shaft turns. That seal has to stay seated so the gearbox keeps its lubricant contained.
On affected motorcycles, pressure inside the transmission can push the transmission output seal out of position. Once the seal is displaced, it no longer closes tightly around the output area. Transmission oil can escape, and the drivetrain loses the protection that oil provides to moving metal parts.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the seal problem starts inside the transmission, an owner does not get a clear sound, light, or ride feel that confirms the seal is moving out of place.
Who's affected?
| 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,420 |
Not every 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Oil leaking from the transmission onto the rear tire can reduce traction and increase the risk of a crash. Until the recall repair is completed, ride cautiously and arrange dealer service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask about the free bracket repair that keeps the transmission output seal in position.
- Reference recall number 14V211 when you call BMW or the dealer.
- Avoid riding until a dealer confirms the bracket repair is complete, since transmission oil on the rear tire increases crash risk.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it, or ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for help locating the recall on your VIN.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician fits a bracket that helps keep the transmission output seal from being pushed out of position by pressure inside the transmission. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN. Call the BMW dealer before riding in for service to confirm the bracket repair is ready and that parts and labor are covered under recall 14V211.
Timeline
| April 18, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 17, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V211?
Recall 14V211 covers 1,420 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs motorcycles with a transmission output seal that can be pushed out of position by pressure inside the transmission. If that happens, oil can reach the rear tire and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 14V211. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the transmission seal bracket repair. BMW began this recall repair on June 17, 2014, and the dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW says dealers will fit a bracket to prevent the transmission seal from being pushed out of position free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is oil leaking from the transmission onto the rear tire after the output seal moves out of place. Oil on the rear tire can reduce traction and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free BMW dealer repair if your motorcycle is included.
What if I bought this BMW R 1200 Gs used?
The recall still follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your 2013 BMW R 1200 Gs is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall 14V211. The dealer repair is free even if you bought it used.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V211000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V211 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V211000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →