Recall 20V165 covers 4 2020 BMW R 1250 RT and R 1250 Gs motorcycles for final-drive pivot-pin damage. Repair is free at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 4 2020 R 1250 RT and R 1250 Gs motorcycles because a damaged pivot pin can let the final drive connection to the swing arm loosen. That loose connection will reduce stability and control, increasing crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The pivot pin on the 2020 BMW R 1250 RT and R 1250 Gs is the fastener that ties the final drive to the swing arm. The final drive sends engine power to the rear wheel, and the swing arm holds that wheel while the rear suspension moves. That joint needs a correctly made pin to stay tight under load.
On these motorcycles, the pivot pin was not produced to supplier specifications. BMW found cracking on a pin during assembly before it reached the required torque. A damaged pin can let the connection between the final drive and swing arm loosen, which means the rear driveline is no longer held as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a dashboard message, noise, or handling change before the loose connection becomes a problem.
Who's affected?
Covers 2 R 1250 variants under the same driveline component category.
| 2020 BMW R 1250 RT | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW R 1250 Gs | driveline |
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm reduces motorcycle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash. If your 2020 BMW R 1250 RT or R 1250 Gs is included, schedule the pivot pin replacement before regular use. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW R 1250 RT or R 1250 Gs is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free pivot-pin replacement that restores the final drive and swing arm connection.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one. If not, reference recall number 20V165 when you call.
- Ask the BMW dealer whether the motorcycle is safe to ride before the appointment.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. BMW says the motorcycles were not with owners when the recall began, and any prior repair for this condition is handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 28, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V165?
Recall 20V165 covers 4 2020 BMW R 1250 RT and R 1250 Gs motorcycles with a pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm. If that connection loosens, stability and control are reduced, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW R 1250 RT or R 1250 Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V165. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the pivot pin replacement. Reference recall number 20V165 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will replace the affected pivot pin free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to ride my BMW motorcycle before the repair?
The recall warns that a loose final drive and swing arm connection reduces stability and control, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN before riding, and ask a BMW dealer for guidance if your motorcycle feels unstable or the rear drive area feels loose.
What if I bought this BMW motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 BMW R 1250 RT or R 1250 Gs is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V165000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V165 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V165000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →