Recall 17V502 affects 3,368 2014-2017 BMW R Nine T motorcycles for loose right-side swingarm pivot pin bolts. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 3,368 2014-2017 R Nine T motorcycles because the bolts connecting the right-side swingarm pivot pin to the frame can loosen. If the pivot pin loosens, handling and stability are at risk, increasing crash risk; BMW dealers will repair the pivot connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The right-side swingarm pivot pin on the 2014-2017 BMW R Nine T is part of the rear frame connection that holds the swingarm in the correct position. The swingarm carries the rear wheel assembly and moves as the motorcycle suspension works, so the pivot pin and its bolts need firm clamp force to keep the rear of the motorcycle aligned.
On affected motorcycles, a supplier process left the related frame component without the specified chamfer cut. That small angled cut helps the pivot pin sit correctly during assembly. Without it, the bolts that connect the right-side pivot pin to the frame can lose clamp force after final tightening and loosen in service. As the connection loosens, the rear wheel area can shift enough to affect ride handling and control.
Owners can notice unusual noise or rattling before the problem becomes serious. Those sounds are the warning sign BMW identified for this recall.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2014 BMW R Nine T | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2017 BMW R Nine T | body or structural component |
| 2016 BMW R Nine T | body or structural component |
| 2015 BMW R Nine T | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 3,368 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
A loose right-side pivot pin affects motorcycle handling and stability and increases crash risk. Unusual noise or rattling is a warning sign; if you hear it, slow down, stop in a safe place, and arrange dealer service. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2017 BMW R Nine T is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free pivot-pin bolt service that cleans, re-installs, and torques the right-side swingarm pivot pin bolts with thread-locking adhesive.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V502 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete; stop if the motorcycle's handling or stability changes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician removes the right-side swingarm pivot pin bolts, cleans the bolts and mounting points, applies thread locking adhesive, and re-installs the bolts at the proper torque. The replacement work and labor are free under the recall. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this recall. Keep repair invoices and ask BMW customer service or the service desk how to submit them.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 14, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 9, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V502?
Recall 17V502 covers 3,368 2014-2017 BMW R Nine T motorcycles with right-side swingarm pivot pin bolts that can loosen. If the pivot pin loosens, handling and stability are affected, which increases crash risk. BMW dealers will clean and reinstall the bolts with thread locking adhesive and proper torque for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2017 BMW R Nine T is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 17V502. If it is, contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the swingarm pivot pin bolt repair. Reference recall 17V502 when you call. 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's remedy says dealers will remove, clean, and reinstall the pivot pin bolts with thread locking adhesive and proper torque free of charge.
Is it safe to ride a BMW R Nine T with recall 17V502 open?
The risk is tied to the right-side swingarm pivot pin. If it loosens, the motorcycle's handling and stability are affected, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN before your next ride, and if your motorcycle is included, schedule the free repair with a BMW dealer.
When did BMW begin this recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on October 16, 2017. For an included 2014-2017 R Nine T, a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer can complete the pivot pin bolt cleaning, thread locking adhesive application, and proper-torque reinstallation for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V502000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V502 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V502000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →