2021 BMW R 1250 GS

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

2RecallsNHTSA Verified1ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
โœ“Good Reliability

This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the BMW brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
๐Ÿ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Various
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary:
Critical Component: Various

Safety & Reliability Score

84/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.05
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS

Model Year2021
MakeBMW
ModelR 1250 GS
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Dec21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

0 complaints (0% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 1 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸขLow
1(100%)
โœ…Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

EQUIPMENTPOWER TRAIN

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 20V495000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence

If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

Campaign: 23V011000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

Consequence

A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

1 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 R 1250 GS.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

"BMW Motorrad no longer offers repair manuals for our motorcycles" BMW Motorrad has stopped offering Motorcycle service Data to consumers/end users. This lack of service data creates a significant safety hazard to those that perform their own repairs & maintenance! From: Customer Service BMW Motorcycles Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2021 9:15 AM To: ME Subject: Your Motorrad Correspondence Dear X, Thanks for your reply. After further researching your request, BMW Motorrad no longer offers repair manuals for our motorcycles. However, you can be assured Iโ€™ve forwarded your concerns to the appropriate individuals for internal review. We're sorry for any disappointment this may cause. Should you need to contact BMW Motorrad Customer Relations and Services again, you can reach us at 1-800-831-1117 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Kind regards, BMW Motorrad USA Representative Original Message From: [ME] Sent: 12/27/2021 3:24 PM To: customerservice@bmwmotorcycles.com Subject: Re: Your Motorrad Correspondence I have visited with my dealer regarding Factory Service Manual availability. That is how I learned that they are not available and hence my question to you. How/When service data be made available to consumers who need or wish to perform their own maintenance and repairs? Thank you. On Mon, Dec 27, 2021, 13:18 Customer Service BMW Motorcycles <customerservice@bmwmotorcycles.com> wrote: Dear ME, Thanks for writing to BMW Motorrad USA regarding the service manual for your new 2021 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and congratulations on your recent purchase! I appreciate your loyalty with us. Iโ€™d suggest speaking with the parts team at your local BMW Motorrad dealer, as theyโ€™d be in the best position to assist you with the service manual. For your reference, a list of our authorized dealers can be found on our website: www.bmwmotorcycles.com under the "Find a Dealer" link. BMW Motorrad USA Representative

โœจ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V495000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Dec 30, 2021Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS?

Yes, the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT.

Is the 2021 BMW R 1250 GS safe to drive?

The 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 BMW R 1250 GS has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local BMW dealer.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 67%.

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Equipment

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm equipment recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all equipment recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V495000
2

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

โœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

๐Ÿ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V011000
๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

๐Ÿ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your BMW dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyโ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.
โš–๏ธ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.