Recall 25V194 covers 51 2024-2025 BMW M 1000 R and M 1000 Xr motorcycles for loose steering damper pins. Free BMW dealer repair.
BMW is recalling 51 2024-2025 M 1000 R and M 1000 Xr motorcycles because the steering damper can have a loose valve pin inside its housing. The defect can unexpectedly increase steering effort, which can lead to loss of control, and BMW dealers will replace the steering damper free of charge.
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 steering damper on 2024-2025 BMW M 1000 R and M 1000 Xr motorcycles is part of the steering system. It helps control rapid handlebar movement by adding resistance when the front end shakes or reacts sharply to road input. Under normal operation, the damper keeps steering feel steady without making the motorcycle hard to turn.
On affected motorcycles, the steering damper was built outside BMW's supplier specifications. The valve pin inside the damper housing was not properly fastened, so it can sit loose inside the unit. When that happens, the damper can add more resistance than expected and the rider can feel an unexpected increase in steering effort.
There is no warning sign before failure. The change in steering effort can appear without a dashboard message or earlier symptom, so an included VIN needs the recall repair before the motorcycle is relied on.
Who's affected?
Covers the M 1000 R and M 1000 Xr across the 2024 and 2025 model years, both tied to the steering damper.
| 2024 BMW M 1000 R | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2024 BMW M 1000 Xr | steering system |
| 2025 BMW M 1000 R | steering system |
| 2025 BMW M 1000 Xr | steering system |
| Units affected | 51 |
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?
An unexpected increase in steering effort can make the motorcycle harder to control and increase the risk of a crash. If steering feels heavier than normal, slow down, find a safe place to stop, and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 BMW M 1000 R or M 1000 Xr motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW motorcycle dealer to schedule the steering-damper replacement that fixes the loose valve pin and unexpected increase in steering effort.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 25V194 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if steering effort increases unexpectedly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the steering damper covered by the recall. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall now. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the BMW motorcycle service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for the steering damper condition.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 27, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| March 27, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 19, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V194?
Recall 25V194 covers 51 2024-2025 BMW M 1000 R and M 1000 Xr motorcycles with a steering damper valve pin that can be loose inside the housing. BMW dealers will replace the steering damper for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 BMW M 1000 R or M 1000 Xr is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 25V194. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the steering damper replacement. Reference recall 25V194 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers will replace the steering damper free of charge. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417 if you need help with dealer scheduling.
What is the safety risk?
The steering damper defect can cause an unexpected increase in steering effort. That can make the motorcycle harder to control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free steering damper replacement with a franchised BMW dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 25V194?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on April 5, 2025. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received the letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 25V194.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V194000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V194 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V194000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF)
-
Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
-
Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →