If your VIN is in recall 23V011, BMW updates the engine software free at any franchised BMW dealer for gearbox input shaft damage.
BMW is recalling 18,534 2019-2023 R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, and R 1250 Gs motorcycles because the gearbox input shaft can become damaged or break under certain riding and engine conditions. A damaged shaft can block the rear wheel and increase crash risk, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2019-2023 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, and R 1250 Gs motorcycles, the gearbox input shaft is an internal transmission shaft that carries engine power into the gearbox. During normal riding, it helps transfer that power through the selected gear so the rear wheel receives smooth, controlled drive.
In this recall, the input shaft was built in a way that leaves it vulnerable under certain engine operating and riding conditions. The shaft becomes damaged and eventually breaks. If that happens while the motorcycle is moving, the driveline can block the rear wheel instead of letting it rotate normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a sound, vibration, dashboard message, or change in shifting to tell you the shaft is about to break.
Who's affected?
Spans 3 R 1250 variants across the 2019-2023 model years, all tied to the same manual transmission component. VINs have been searchable since March 10, 2023.
| 2021 BMW R 1250 RT | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2023 BMW R 1250 RT | manual transmission |
| 2022 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | manual transmission |
| 2023 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | manual transmission |
| 2022 BMW R 1250 Gs | manual transmission |
| 2022 BMW R 1250 RT | manual transmission |
| 2023 BMW R 1250 Gs | manual transmission |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 RT | manual transmission |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | manual transmission |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | manual transmission |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 RT | manual transmission |
| 2020 BMW R 1250 Gs | manual transmission |
| 2019 BMW R 1250 Gs | manual transmission |
| 2021 BMW R 1250 Gs | manual transmission |
| 2021 BMW R 1250 Gs Adventure | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 18,534 |
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 damaged gearbox input shaft or blocked rear wheel increases crash risk because the motorcycle can lose normal drive control. If the bike feels abnormal, stop riding when safe and call a BMW dealer for repair scheduling. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2023 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, or R 1250 Gs is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free engine-control-unit software update that addresses gearbox input shaft damage and rear-wheel lockup risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V011 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the software update is complete, and avoid unnecessary trips before the repair.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or recall eligibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the engine control unit software on the motorcycle. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says the condition would have been covered under that warranty before the recall notice. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 18, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 18, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| January 18, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 22, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 10, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 10, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V011?
Recall 23V011 covers 18,534 2019-2023 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, and R 1250 Gs motorcycles with a gearbox input shaft defect. The shaft can become damaged or break, and a blocked rear wheel can increase crash risk. BMW dealers will update the engine control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2023 BMW R 1250 RT, R 1250 Gs Adventure, or R 1250 Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 23V011. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the engine control unit software update. Reference recall 23V011 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will update the engine control unit software free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer. You can also contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is it safe to ride my BMW before the recall repair?
BMW did not issue a do-not-drive order for this recall. The safety risk is a damaged gearbox input shaft or blocked rear wheel, which can increase crash risk. Check your VIN, then ask a BMW dealer for repair timing and riding guidance for your motorcycle.
When were owners notified about recall 23V011?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on February 22, 2023. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and reference recall 23V011 when you contact a BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V011000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V011 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V011000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →