2020 BMW R 1250 RT

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

5RecallsNHTSA Verified6ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 BMW R 1250 RT demonstrates a notable reliability concern with five recalls primarily affecting the brake system and powertrain components. Given the average failure mileage of just 6,000 miles, owners should be vigilant about maintenance and potential issues.

Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls noted

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of five recalls for the 2020 BMW R 1250 RT raises significant concerns, particularly given that these involve critical systems such as service brakes and powertrain elements. Issues such as leaking brake fluid can severely compromise safety, while potential loosening of the final drive connection poses risks to overall vehicle control during operation. These defects not only affect performance but also raise questions about the manufacturing quality that BMW is known for in this segment. A clean sheet in recalls would typically be an impressive marker of manufacturing excellence in a premium motorcycle like this; however, with multiple recalls within just a few years since its launch, it raises flags regarding ongoing quality assurance practices and the need for consistent oversight in production lines. Owners must prioritize addressing these areas to ensure safety and reliability on the road.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

The year-over-year reliability trends for BMW motorcycles indicate a growing concern with specific models like the R 1250 RT facing multiple recalls within a short production span. The statistical data suggests that despite being a premium segment motorcycle, the reliability may currently fall below expectations compared to historical standards set by the brand.

Critical Component: Leak

Safety & Reliability Score

55/100
Below Average

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-0.3
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 BMW R 1250 RT

Model Year2020
MakeBMW
ModelR 1250 RT
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb20
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

5 complaints (83% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 6 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(17%)
🟑Medium
2(33%)
🟒Low
3(50%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With peak failure occurrences reported between 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage around just 6,000 miles, current owners should be particularly proactive about monitoring their motorcycles for symptoms related to braking or powertrain issues early in their ownership. This indicates that problems can arise relatively soon after purchase, making timely inspections essential.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 1 of 6 complaints (17% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

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

Primary Risk Areas

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICPOWER TRAIN

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Risk of brake fluid leakage potentially affecting braking performance.

βœ…

Immediately inspect brake calipers for any signs of leaks.

πŸ”

Request detailed service history regarding brake maintenance before purchasing.

Campaigns:21V12321V45621V789
2

Powertrain

Issue: Potential loosening of final drive connection may lead to operational issues.

βœ…

Check pivot pin connections frequently to ensure they are secure.

πŸ”

'Inquire whether any recall-related repairs have been completed prior to purchase.'

Campaign:21V321
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BMW dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (5)

Campaign: 20V476000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Overtime, a leaking front brake caliper can reduce the amount of brake fluid in the reservoir. Low volume could affect brake performance, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 12, 2020. As of January 19, 2021, a remedy was still not available. The recall began March 8, 2021. 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: 20V165000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 R1250GS and R1250RT motorcycles. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen.

Consequence

A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 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: 20V166000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS Adventure and R1250RT and 2018 RnineT Racer motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 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: 20E013000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

Summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Motorcycle Accessory Brake Fluid Reservoir Covers, part numbers 8405-752, 8405-753, 8405-754 and 9829547 designed to fit certain 2019-2020 BMW R 1250 motorcycles, and part numbers 8404-098, 8405-100, 8405-102, and 1542056 designed to fit certain 2018-2020 BMW Rnine T motorcycles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an improper maintenance procedure. As such, these caps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Improper brake system maintenance could affect braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2020. Parts will be available in mid-September 2020 for the recall repairs. 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

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 R 1250 RT.

INV-2020-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding R 1250 RT performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 22,420

Consumer Complaints

6 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 R 1250 RT.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Leak83%
Stall33%
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

BMW Motorrad had a safety check on the driveshafts/ u joints for R1200 and R 1250 GS and RT motos. I had mine checked at D2 Powersports in Q3 or Q4, 2023 and it passed. No paperwork was given. On 3/28/24 the driveshaft / U joint failed on NC 178 south of Rosman, NC. Had this locked up in a corner it could have cause a wreck. The R1250RT was towed to D2 Powersports 10 hours later. D2 submitted a request for warranty repair or some financial help to BMW Motorrad. Request denied. I paid the entire $2677.96. BMW has SIB 33 04 23 out for K5X driveshaft maintenance schedule change published 12/12/23 and includes K52 R1250RT. My question, which BMW will not answer: Why was my 2020 R1250 RT (K52) denied? This is a very dangerous situation.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V165000Recall #23V011000

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

Jun 5, 2024Resolved
BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
SERVICE BRAKES

AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE LEAKING HAYES CALIPERS ON MY 2020 BMW R1250RT MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS A RECALL AND I DID RECEIVE A SECOND SET OF HAYES CALIPERS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. IN A MATTER OF DAYS THE REPLACEMENT RECALLED HAYES CALIPERS WERE ALSO LEAKING BMW SENT OUT TWO ENGINEERS TO REMOVE AND INSPECT MY SECOND SET THAT WERE THEN SENT BACK TO GERMANY AND A THIRD SET OF HAYES CALIPERS WERE INSTALLED ON MY BIKE. AFTER A FEW DAYS AGAIN THEY WERE LEAKING ALSO, NOW I'LL NEED MY FOURTH SET OF CALIPERS ON MY BIKE THAT I'VE OWNED FOR 7 MONTHS AND TWO OF THOSE MONTHS IT HAS BEEN PARKED BECAUSE OF THIS ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS NOW. SEE MY LAST THREE VIDEOS FROM THE THIRD SET OF LEAKING HAYES CALIPERS. #1 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=LQVFHTKUCNW #2 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IGQORON2CAE #3 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=6O4_PQQ5G_Y BMW HAS BEEN REMOVING DEFECTIVE BRAKE PARTS AND REPLACING THEM WITH NEW DEFECTIVE BRAKE PARTS. STEVE

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V476000Recall #20V166000Recall #20E013000

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

Nov 5, 2020Resolved
BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
SERVICE BRAKES

SINCE DAY ONE THIS BIKE HAS HAD LEAKING FRONT BRAKES. TODAY, I GO OUT IN MY GARAGE AND SEE MY BRAKES ARE LEAKING AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH TIME. THIS IS BEYOND A DEALERSHIP FIX. BOTH DEALERS I'VE TAKEN THE BIKE TO (IRON HORSE BMW IN TUCSON, GOAZ IN PEORIA) HAVE BEEN GREAT IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. I HAVE SPENT WAY TOO MANY HOURS SCHEDULING MY TIME AND THEN HANGING OUT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHILE THEY'RE TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT. THIS IS FROM THE ARIZONA LEMON LAW: "THE SAME NONCONFORMITY HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO REPAIR FOUR OR MORE TIMES BY THE MANUFACTURER, ITS AGENTS OR AUTHORIZED DEALERS BUT THE NONCONFORMITY CONTINUES TO EXIST". I'M NOT SURE HOW TO PROCEED SINCE --- #1 PRIOR TO PURCHASE WAS TOLD THE 2020'S DIDN'T LEAK = LEAKING AFTER FIRST RIDE HOME. #2 I'VE HAD THE REBUILD KIT INSTALLED (600 MILES) = STILL LEAKING. #3 REPLACED THE CALIPERS (6000 MILES) = STILL LEAKING. #4 TOLD THE FLUID LEAKING WAS JUST "RESIDUAL" UNDER THE BLEEDER CAPS (6250 MILES) = STILL LEAKING (EVEN AFTER RETURNING HOME, DAYS LATER, STILL LEAKING). SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS BELOW. I'VE PAID A PREMIUM PRICE TO PURCHASE A BMW MOTORCYCLE, WHICH HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I'VE OWNED JAPANESE BIKES FOR OVER 35 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY CONTINUING ISSUES. BEYOND FRUSTRATED. I WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM FIXED OR A NEW REPLACEMENT MOTORCYCLE THAT DOES NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. THIS BIKE IS A LEMON. SEE ATTACHED VIDEO. THANK YOU, HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=2H3HTJT6NM4

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V476000Recall #20V166000Recall #20E013000

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

Sep 21, 2020Resolved
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES

TWO VIDEOS OF MY LEAKING BRAKES AFTER GETTING THEM REPLACED FROM THE RECALL. STILL A PROBLEM AS THEIR FIX IS LEAKING LIKE THE ORIGINAL. TWO VIDEOS: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=2H3HTJT6NM4 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=INYT6SPUYYA

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V476000Recall #20V166000Recall #20E013000

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

Sep 21, 2020Resolved
BrakesπŸ”΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES

TOOK DELIVERY OF A NEW MOTORCYCLE ON SATURDAY. UPON RETURNING HOME WITH THE NEW BIKE, 160 MILE TRIP HOME, I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS. FLUID WAS SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE RIM AND TIRE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE 2019'S OF THE BMW R1250RT. I WAS LED TO BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED FOR THE 2020 BIKES, BUT CLEARLY THIS IS NOT THE CASE GIVEN MY EXPERIENCE RELAYED IN THIS REPORT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN FINE WITH TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE, BUT AS OF YET, WE DON'T KNOW IF THIS WILL BE RESOLVED AND/OR IF THERE WILL BE ANY SORT OF COMPENSATION FOR THE TROUBLE OF RIDING BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP (330 MILES ROUND TRIP). THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ONGOING PROBLEM THAT BMW KNOWS ABOUT AND THEY JUST REPLACE BAD BRAKES WITH THE SAME BAD PARTS.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V476000Recall #20V166000Recall #20E013000

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

Mar 31, 2020Resolved
Brakes⚠️ High
SERVICE BRAKES

I WENT TO TEST DRIVE A NEW 2020 BMW R1250 RT MOTORCYCLE AND THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED IT BEFORE THE TEST DRIVE. DURING THE TEST DRIVE, THE BRAKES STARTED LEAKING AND I NOTICED A PERFORMANCE DROP IN THE ABILITY TO BRAKE. UPON DIGGING INTO THE SITUATION THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FROM BMW. THAT STATED THE BRAKES ARE KNOWN TO HAVE ISSUES AND THEY SHOULD BE INSPECTED FOR LEAKS BEFORE BEING SOLD TO A CUSTOMER OR TEST-DRIVEN. BMW HAS RELEASED A NEW PART NUMBER THAT WILL FIX THE CRITICAL DESIGN FLAW THAT IS IN THE BRAKES. THIS PART HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET. BMW NEEDS TO PUT A STOP-SALE ON ALL BIKES BECAUSE JUST BECAUSE THE BIKE DOES NOT HAVE THE ISSUE INITIALLY DOES NOT MEAN IT WON'T HAVE THE ISSUE SOON AFTER INSPECTION. RIDE NOW A LARGE MOTORCYCLE RETAILER NATIONALLY HAS STOPPED SELLING ALL BMW BIKES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT BMW IS REQUIRING. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED AND BMW NEEDS TO STOP SELLING THE BIKE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL THE NEW BRAKES ARE REPLACED ON ALL MODELS. SIMPLY LOOKING AT THE BIKE INITIALLY AND SEEING THAT IT IS NOT LEAKING DOES NOT MEAN IT WON'T LEAK IN A FEW DAYS AND AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BREAKING.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #20V476000Recall #20V166000Recall #20E013000

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

Feb 13, 2020Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

'What are common issues reported by owners of the 2020 BMW R 1250 RT?'

'Reported issues primarily involve hydraulic service brakes where leakage can occur at calipers and concerns regarding powertrain stability due to loose connections at critical components. Owners have also highlighted electrical system quirks requiring attention from service bulletins.'

'How do recall rates affect my decision on purchasing a used BMW R 1250 RT?'

'High recall rates can indicate potential future problems, which is especially relevant when they pertain to critical systems like brakes and powertrains. Prospective buyers should assess whether recall repairs have been performed adequately and consider this when evaluating overall value alongside ongoing maintenance needs.'

🧭What This Means for You

This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.

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

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official BMW records to ensure no 5 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in BMW's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Critical: Demand official documentation showing every BMW recall has been satisfied.
  • Investigate whether later R 1250 RT iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
  • A pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.
βš–οΈ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.