BMW News

Perhaps it’s a result of the recent General Motors recall scandal, or perhaps it’s because BMW wants to get out ahead of a potentially dangerous situation. In any event, it’s a big move.

Earlier this month, BMW Motorrad USA notified all owners of the 2014 R1200RT motorcycle with the Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) option that there was a potential defect in the rear spring strut. BMW noted that it was possible that the piston rod of the rear spring strut in connection with the Dynamic ESA option could potentially fail. Owners were warned not to ride their motorcycles until further notice from BMW. Even though there had been no reported injuries related to the problem, BMW warned the approximately 804 motorcycle owners in the U.S. about the potential. The warning has now expanded worldwide.

According to autoevolution.com, BMW Motorrad USA is now taking steps to address the problem by offering owners of 2014 R100RTs with Dynamic ESA three options.

For owners who have their bikes at home and can wait until their BMW dealer can fix them, BMW will pay them an additional $2,500 after their vehicles are repaired.

Owners who may have trips planned with their R1200RTs may be offered a loaner bike from their local BMW dealer, plus $1,000 that can be used for gear and accessories or toward a new motorcycle.

Finally, owners who don’t want anything more to do with their defective R1200RT can sell their bike back to BMW at the original purchase price plus $1,000 in compensation that they can use toward another BMW motorcycle.

The option that any 2014 R1200RT owner chooses may depend on their BMW dealer. A single dealer may not be able to meet the demand for loaners or replacement. We’ll have to wait and see how that works out.

Many BMW CCA members own both BMW cars and motorcycles and for their sake, it’s good to see the bike side of BMW take quick and responsible action. We hope a similar situation doesn’t befall BMW cars or motorcycles in the future, but at least at this point in time, under these circumstances, if the dealers come through quickly—with repairs, replacements, or loaners—the company seems to be doing the right thing.—Scott Blazey

[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]