BMW Motorrad Australia Nick Raman confirms the delay in fulfilling orders.
Delivery delay
“BMW AG is in the final stages of testing the repair solution,” he says.
“Based on the successful conclusion of the tests and approval of the repair solution, parts will be produced and distributed to markets.
“Anticipated timing for the first parts to be available in Australia is late December 2019 to early January, 2020.”
The recall notice was over oil leaks from cracks in the rubber hose of the BMW S 1000 RR’s oil cooler.
The official notice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the oil leak may spray on to the rear wheel of the motorcycle “increasing the risk of an accident or serious injury to the rider and other road users”.
Owners should contact an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer, or call the BMW Group Australia Customer Interaction Centre on freecall 1800 813 299 to arrange for inspection and replacement of the oil cooler, where required.
The recall on oil leaks affects 77 bikes, plus the delivery of an unknown number of bikes on order.
The full list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) is included at the end of this article.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.
Despite hundreds of recalls by various automotive manufacturers, only the Takata airbag recall has ever been mandatory. All others have been issued by the manufacturer.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
As Ducati offers a four-year warranty on 2020 Multistrada models in Europe only, most motorcycles in Australia come with just two-year warranties.
Meanwhile, the car industry is offering up to seven-year warranties.
Isn’t it about time motorcyclists were offered the same sort of cover as car drivers?
You may say that riders are tougher on their bikes than most car drivers, but it can be done.
Yamaha has offered a five-year warranty on its Star cruisers for some time and the axed Victory brand offered a five-year warranty for a limited period to move floor stock.
Warranties can vary according to the type of bike. Dirt bikes, for example, cop a harder time from owners, so some offer warranties based on hours of operation or just a few months.
While it would be good to get a longer warranty on a motorcycle, the customer should be careful to read the manufacturer’s warranty in full because not all are the same.
The Ducati Europe-only warranty campaign is called 4Ever Multistrada and offers unlimited mileage for all models in their 2020 Multistrada range such as the new Multistrada Grand Tour.
2020 Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour has four-year warranty in Europe only
Fine print
Their fine print says is also offers free roadside assist, covers manufacturing defects (excluding wear parts, aesthetic defects, battery and accessories) and only if scheduled services are done.
Most warranties do not cover service items that need replacing due to general wear and tear such as brake pads, chains and sprockets.
Customers should also be aware that their warranty may be voided if they modify their bike from the manufacturer’s original specification or use it for training, hire, competition or racing.
There is also an onus on the customer to have the bike serviced at correct intervals and to alert the dealer as soon as a problem arises, rather than waiting until a little noise becomes a major problem.
You can have your bike serviced by a qualified mechanic who is not part of the manufacturer’s franchise network, but warranties may be voided if they use non-factory parts or parts that are not equal to manufacturer specification.
Make sure you mechanic uses the right parts
Warranty purpose
The purpose of a warranty is to protect consumers against loss due to components that fail within an unreasonable period of time, or defects in vehicle assembly.
It has nothing to do with normal wear and tear, unless there is a fault with a component within a reasonable lifespan.
Manufacturers usually agree to replace or repair faulty parts at no cost to the owner. However, some don’t cover labour costs.
Warranty periods may also vary for the engine, and various parts such as tyres, battery, light bulbs, etc.
You can buy extended warranties from some manufacturers or insurance organisations.
However, you should think first about how long you want to keep the bike.
Also, check whether the warranty can be passed on to the next owner. If it can, that’s a good selling point.
Roadside assist
Manufacturer roadside assistance programs are becoming popular.
However, check whether you are paying for something that is already offered by your automobile association membership (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, etc).
If not, it may be cheaper to add that to your club membership rather than buying a separate assistance program from the manufacturer.
Some roadside assistance packages offer a host of benefits that may not be related to the bike such as travel and insurance assistance and even medical advice.
Ensure you read the contract carefully and don’t pay for anything you think you may never need.
Many of the upgraded models shown at the EICMA motorcycle show are lighter, mainly to meet the tougher Euro5 emissions regulations which come into force next year.
One example is the BMW S 1000 XR which largely meets the emissions targets by shaving 10kg off the total weight.
However, they say they also manage to make the bike “faster” with a more linear torque.
Emissions ‘cheat’?
Apart from the diet, the transmission has also been adjusted with higher rations in fourth, fifth, and sixth gears. That is what makes it “faster” in top gear.
The higher gearing also helps the bike meet the tough regulations which prescribe a certain cycle of revs, gears and speeds to comply with the standard emissions test.
It’s probably a bit of a cheat that everyone is doing, but BMW say it makes it more ridable and reduces noise.
Not sure how this equates to ride ability. Will sixth gear now be only suitable for the German autobahns? Anyway, at those speeds, wind noise is louder than engine and exhaust noise.
At least the 999cc inline four-cylinder engine now has a more linear torque curve which should mean most of those top gears are usable.
However, engine output remains at 121kW (165hp) at 11,000rpm and peak torque of 114Nm at 9250 rpm.
At least BMW has admitted the changes.
Many others make similar gear ratio adjustments but never advise customers. They only find out if they check the ratios in the tech specs or have a test ride.
Features
BMW Motorrad Australia spokesman Nick Raman says the S 1000 XR will arrive in June or early July with pricing announced closer to that date.
Other updates include standard LED lighting, cornering lights, four rider modes, full-colour TFT instruments, electronic suspension adjustment, hill hold control and dynamic brake control which reduces drive torque during braking to prevent rear wheel lockup.
Weight savings come from the 19% lighter double-sided swingarm, 5% lighter engine, and lighter exhaust and frame.
BMW says the ergos have been updated for more wind protection and comfort.
It also gets the RR’s “Flex Frame” where the engine takes on more of the load-bearing function for better agility.
Options include shift assist for clutchless up/down shifts, electronic cruise control, and daytime running lights.
It will be available in Ice Grey and Racing Red/White Aluminium.
BMW Motorrad has revealed a surprise with the launch of the new “Dynamic Roadster” F 900 R and F 900 XR with more capacity and tech.
Most punters had been expecting an F 850 RS, but BMW has turned up the wick with these adventure sport models.
Here is the full official BMW press release on the new models.
BMW F 900 R Dynamic Roadster
BMW F 900 R
Self-confident, sporty, active, focused on a dynamic experience – this is how fans of the BMW F 900 R could be described. The new dynamic roadster by BMW Motorrad conveys a sense of freedom and a modern lifestyle.
At the emotional level, sports-style and aggressive design meets inspiring performance in terms of engine output, torque and sound.
In addition, there are aspects such as a wide range of potential uses, a high level of suitability for everyday riding and ergonomics that make the F 900 R of equal interest to experienced sports riders and newcomers.
BMW F 900 XR
BMW F 900 RX
“XR” stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. Having established this family with the BMW S 1000 XR, BMW Motorrad is now expanding it with the addition of a mid-range model. The design style and vehicle concept clear refer to the kinship with the “big sister”.
The F 900 XR also demonstrates easy mastery of the Adventure Sport segment’s key qualities: sporty riding dynamics combined with upright, GS‑like ergonomics, outstanding long-distance and passenger suitability and a design that conveys a powerful sense of character.
The new F 900 XR also benefits from the technology transfer from the upper class: Adaptive Cornering Light, Keyless Ride or Intelligent Emergency Call are all unique features in the mid-range.
In addition to sporty riders, the XR is also aimed at newcomers and motorcycle returnees due to its easy accessibility, low minimum seat height, A2 capability and attractive entry price.
Technology benchmark in the segment.
The two new models F 900 R and F 900 XR currently set the technological benchmark in the mid-range segment with their high-quality standard equipment (Connectivity, LED all round as standard) and their wide range of optional extras – in some cases unique in this class (including Adaptive Cornering Light, Keyless Ride, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, Intelligent Emergency Call, ABS Pro, MSR, DTC, DBC, RDC).
Drive featuring further developed 2-cylinder in-line engine with increased capacity and power along with new engine drag torque control.
In the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, enhanced riding dynamics are ensured by the further development of the 2-cylinder in-line engine first introduced in 2018 in the F 850 GS, now with 77 kW (105 hp) and an even fuller torque curve. The main factor here is an increase in capacity to 895 cc (previously 853 cc). With an ignition distance of 270/450 degrees and a new underfloor silencer system, the engine offers a particularly emotional sound.
In addition to the standard anti-hopping clutch, the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be fitted with engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time. It prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting, thereby ensuring even greater safety.
Two standard riding modes, ASC and ABS. Riding modes Pro with DTC, ABS Pro, DBC and MSR as ex works options.
The new F 900 R and F 900 XR already offer the “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. The standard trim also includes ABS and ASC Automatic Stability Control, which is disengageable.
With “Riding Modes Pro” as an ex works option, the sporty characteristics of the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be experienced even more intensively. The additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC and banking capable ABS Pro are available, along with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the new engine drag torque control (MSR).
Chassis with steel bridge frame, lightweight plastic tanks and the electronic suspension Dynamic ESA as optional extras.
Like the GS models in the F Series, the new F 900 R and F 900 XR make use of a steel bridge frame that integrates the engine as a load-bearing element and a fuel tank that is now back in its classic position in front of the
rider. Front wheel control is taken care of by an upside-down telescopic fork, while the rear wheel is guided by a double-sided swinging arm with central suspension strut.
The light, plastic-welded fuel tanks with a capacity of 15.5 litres (F 900 XR) and 13 litres (F 900 R) are a world first in motorcycle construction. The bolt-on steel rear frame has also been newly developed for the F 900 R and F 900 XR in order to create a visually short and slim rear. While the new F 900 R is a dynamic roadster focusing on sporty use and therefore shorter spring travel, the new F 900 XR – with its somewhat longer spring travel – offers a noticeable increase in comfort and therefore an even wider range of potential uses.
With the BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), available as an optional extra and almost unique in these vehicle segments, it is possible to further enhance the dynamic riding experience, riding comfort and also touring and passenger suitability, since the damping of the rear spring strut is automatically adapted to the conditions depending on riding state and manoeuvres.
Adaptive Cornering Light unique in the mid-range segment as part of the optional extra Headlight Pro. Powerful LED lighting units all round as standard. Even greater safety is offered by the Adaptive Cornering Light as a component of Headlight Pro, which is unique in the mid-range and comes as an optional extra ex works. Here, the rider benefits from improved illumination of the road when cornering for even safer riding at night. All lighting units in the new F models are based on LED technology as standard.
Perfectly readable colour 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity as standard. The BMW Motorrad developers attached great importance to optimum readability for the instrument cluster – even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, information diversity, display quality and user-friendliness are unmatched. The graphics on the screen are visually adapted to the sporty on-road world. Additional Core screens are available in conjunction with the optional Pro riding modes. The standard BMW Motorrad Connectivity is a unique feature in the mid-range, offering the ability to conveniently talk on the phone, listen to music or navigate while riding.
Perfectly designed ergonomic triangles for dynamic riding fun and – in the case of the F 900 XR – excellent segment-specific wind and weather protection for touring and travelling.
As a dynamic roadster, the F 900 R offers a particularly sporty, active seating position.
Meanwhile the F 900 XR offers an impressively active yet relaxed riding position for touring and travelling. The front fairing including an adjustable windshield combines a sporty look with sound rider protection.
Various low and high seats along with the optional lowering feature also allow individual adjustment to various body heights.
Three powerful colour and style variants each for an unmistakable sense of character.
Three dynamic colour and style variants for the new F 900 R and F 900 XR ensure unmistakable characteristics.
The new F 900 R is available in Blackstorm metallic, San Marino Blue metallic and Style Sport in Hockenheim Silver metallic/Racing Red.
In addition to Light White, the new F 900 XR offers the two Style variants Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red.
The highlights of the new BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR:
• The new BMW F 900 R: the dynamic roadster for purist riding fun.
• The new BMW F 900 XR: a genuine “XR” for the mid-range.
• The powerful common backbone integrates the further developed 2-cylinder in-line engine with an increased capacity of 895 cc (previously 853 cc).
• Further enhanced output and torque: 77kW (105 hp) at 8750rpm and 92Nm at 6500rpm.
• More than 87Nm torque in the relevant lower speed range from 4500 to 8500rpm.
• 35kW (48 hp) version available for licence class A2.
• High level of running smoothness due to two opposed counterbalance shafts.
• Two riding modes “Rain” and “Road” as well as ABS and ASC as standard.
• Riding Modes Pro with two further riding modes as well as Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and engine drag torque control (MSR) as ex works options.
• Steel bridge frame for optimum rigidity, robustness and riding precision.
• Newly developed slim steel rear frame.
• World first in motorcycle construction: light, plastic-welded fuel tanks with a capacity of 13 litres (F 900 R) and 15.5 litres (F 900 XR).
• Front upside-down telescopic fork and aluminium double-sided swinging arm with rear central suspension strut.
• Spring travel: 135 mm (F 900 R) and 170 mm (F 900 XR) at front, 142 mm (F 900 R) and 172 mm (F 900 XR) at rear.
• Electronic suspension adjustment Dynamic ESA at rear as an ex works option.
• ABS Pro for even greater safety when braking at an angle as an ex works option.
• Sophisticated ergonomics and numerous seat alternatives.
• Fairing with practical wind and weather protection and adjustable windshield (F 900 XR).
• Adaptive Cornering Light unique in the mid-range as part of the ex works option Headlight Pro.
• Perfectly readable colour 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW motorcycle connectivity as standard. • Powerful LED lighting units all round as standard.
• Intelligent Emergency Call as an ex works option for swift assistance in emergency situations.
• Keyless Ride for convenient activation of the locking functions by remote control as an ex works option.
• F 900 R in dynamic roadster design with muscular front section, aggressive headlight graphics and short, slim rear section.
• F 900 XR in Adventure Sport look with striking contours and sporty, dynamic fairing.
• High-quality workmanship down to the last detail.
• Three powerful colour and style variants each for unmistakable roadster and adventure sport characters.
• Extensive range of optional extras and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories as well as rider equipment.
Who knows if these bikes were the production version or more concepts!
BMW R 18/2 press release
Rather than trying to work out what the Germans are planning, we are just presenting their press release:
A performance cruiser à la BMW. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 celebrates the fascination of cruisers in an interpretation that is both sporty and modern. Minimalist handlebar trim together with the deep, elongated proportions promises a dynamic driving experience. The fairing, tear-drop fuel tank and seat form a flowing line that finds its perfect conclusion in the shortened rear wheel cover. All body parts are finished in Candy Apple Red metallic, an expressive red tone that highlights the flowing movement on the side. This luminous custom red with lots of depth is a real eye-catcher, changing from bright red to almost black depending on the incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic lines on the painted body parts, which extend from the side and top view of the fuel tank to the wheel cover and are visually prolonged across the seat. These give the Concept Bike a distinctive appeal.
The large boxer at the centre. As in the Concept R 18, the centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is a large 2-cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc, including modern air/oil cooling and designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine is finished in a warm grey tone and has a sporty look, with an integrated breast cover, valve covers in a high-gloss black finish and a black frame. The engine badge bears the name of the Concept Bike, adding a high-quality accentuation. After “Departed” by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON, “The Revival Birdcage” by Revival Cycles in Austin, Texas and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is now the fourth interpretation of the large-volume BMW Motorrad boxer engine.
Attention to detail. As a genuine BMW, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, loop frame and tear-drop fuel tank, it also has a classic and elegantly showcased universal shaft. The striking cast iron wheels with 19” at the front and 16” at the rear create an equally discreet and dynamic dragster look, authentically rounding off the bike’s overall appearance. Meanwhile features such as high-performance Brembo brake calipers and Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system reflect the close attention to detail with which the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 was designed.
Multitude of possibilities. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 puts forward a new interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser that not only taps into an area previously unexplored by BMW Motorrad but also demonstrates the true versatility of the “big boxer” platform. “After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the 30s via the 80s into the 2020s,” says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts.
BMW Motorrad Australia has recalled its big K 1600 touring fleet over a transmission issue which could result in a locking rear wheel.
If damage to the shift fork/selector sleeve/gearwheel occurs, gear changes may not be performed correctly. If gear changes cannot be performed correctly, two gears may be engaged at the same time.
BMW K 1600 B bagger
Locking danger
The official notice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission points out the dangers:
If damage to the shift fork/selector sleeve/gearwheel occurs, gear changes may not be performed correctly. If gear changes cannot be performed correctly, two gears may be engaged at the same time. If two gears are engaged at the same time, the rear wheel may lock and/or the teeth of the gearwheels shear off, depending on the road conditions and the speed of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident or serious injury to the vehicle’s passenger(s) or other road users.
Owners should contact an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer or call the BMW Group Australia Customer Interaction Centre on freecall 1800 813 299 to arrange for a free repair.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.
Despite hundreds of recalls by various automotive manufacturers, only the Takata airbag recall has ever been mandatory. All others have been issued by the manufacturer.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
BMW Motorrad could soon be adding a limited-edition F 850 GS Rallye and an F 850 R production bike to its expanding line-up.
The company has prepared a special F 850 GS Rallye for the annual International GS Trophy Oceania competition in February 2020 in New Zealand.
While they have been specially prepared for the GS Trophy, we reckon they are so attractivethe company will make a limited production run.
BMW has already made at least 140 of the GS Rallye models for the competition and possibly more as replacements in the event of crashes or failures.
So there are probably also more sitting in storage waiting for release next year.
BMW usually uses the big 1200 (now 1250) machines for the Trophy and has produced 1200 GS Rallye X models for production.
It used the smaller F model in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
The BMW F 850 GS Rallye Trophy comes with special black and yellow colours and graphics, gold anodised forks and a host of features from the BMW Motorrad catalogue.
GS Rallye features:
High handlebars 14 mm higher than standard;
Enduro footrests plus adjustable foot brake lever and gear lever;
Hand protectors made of impact-resistant and UV-resistant plastic;
Engine protection bar made of electropolished stainless steel for lightness and longevity;
Enduro engine guard made of aluminium;
Rallye seat is narrower, taller and has more padding;
Water-resistant tail bag;
LED auxiliary headlights in a compact aluminium housing;
Headlight protection; and
Touring windshield with adjustment.
F 850 R
BMW F 850 R patent image
Meanwhile, F 850 R patent images have been leaked ahead of its tipped unveiling at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in a couple of weeks along with their new R 18 cruiser.
Apart from the new engine, the mages shows the bike has a new swingarm, new frame, bodywork, instrument panel, fuel tank and smaller exhaust now on the left.
We expect the engine may be differently tuned for more midrange oomph than the F 850 GS.
Oil leaks from cracks in the rubber hose of the BMW S 1000 RR’s oil cooler have prompted an Australian recall on the 2019 model.
The official notice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the oil leak may spray on to the rear wheel of the motorcycle “increasing the risk of an accident or serious injury to the rider and other road users”.
Owners should contact an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer, or call the BMW Group Australia Customer Interaction Centre on freecall 1800 813 299 to arrange for inspection and replacement of the oil cooler, where required.
The recall on oil leaks affects 77 bikes. The full list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) is included at the end of this article.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.
Despite hundreds of recalls by various automotive manufacturers, only the Takata airbag recall has ever been mandatory. All others have been issued by the manufacturer.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Spy photos of the production version of the BMW R 18 cruiser prototype that dropped jaws earlier this year now comes with an oil cooler, longer pipes, bags and a fatter front tyre.
We expected there would be some differences between the beautiful and simplistic prototype and it seems engine cooling for emissions regulations will be the real spoiler of the production model.
BMW R 18 cruiser concept
No surprises there.
The production version is expected to be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan next month.
Spy photos
We’re not sure where these spy shots came from as we have seen them on many websites, each with their own watermark over them. These are all from Motorcycle.com who say they “received them”.
Unfortunately they don’t show all of the bike as it is loaded on to a truck with a blue tarp covering most of the machine.
However, we can see the 1800cc boxer engine is pretty much the same as the prototype, except for that oil cooler and, of course, EFI instead of the carburettors on the prototype.
That chrome-fronted engine is going to cop a lot of wear from stones thrown up from the front wheel!
We can also see the pipes are much longer and the front wheel is smaller with a fatter tyre.
The prototype front wheel has a 21-inch wheel with a 110mm or 120mm tyre. The production version is likely a 17 or 18-inch with a 130mm or wider tyre.
Like the prototype, the front wheel has twin discs and spokes.
Because of the changed wheel geometry, it seems the front forks may also be a slightly tighter rake and trail.
R 18 prototype
BMW designers have thankfully retained the lovely drop tank, exposed chrome-plated drive shaft and the simple steel cradle frame.
Let’s hope they have also retained the single, simple, lamp-shaped headlight.
Obviously the production version will have indicators, instruments and mirrors that the concept didn’t. And we doubt those back-to-front levers will be used.
Two versions
There appear to be a couple of versions of this bike; cruiser and tourer.
In some photos we can see a rear seat, rather than the prototype’s solo saddle and there are even leather saddlebags and a tall windscreen.
BMW Motorrad Australia is recalling Indian-made G 310 motorcycles and new C 400 scooters over a problem with rusty brakes.
In an unusual official recall, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, BMW blames road surface conditions for the problem.
“Due to road treatment conditions, such as aggressive salt types or significant usage, surface corrosion could occur within the un-anodised brake calliper piston bore,” the notice says.
Rusty brakes
2019 BMW C 400 GT
“Corrosion on the surface of the brake calliper could impair the piston’s clearance within the bore, affecting brake performance and posing a risk of an accident and serious injury to the rider and other road users.”
It is surprising that any vehicle is released with “un-anodised” brake callipers.
BMW advises owners of 2017-2019 G 310 GS (K02), G 310 R (K03), C 400 GT (K08) and C 400 X (K09) to contact an authorised BMW Service Centre or call the BMW Group Customer Interaction Centre on 1800 813 299 to arrange a free repair.
A full list of the Vehicle Identification Numbers of the 573 vehicles that could be affected by rusty brakes is included at the end of this article.
In July last year BMW recalled 780 G 310 models over faulty side stands.
Even though manufacturers and importers contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle recalls as a service to all riders.
In Australia, recall notices are issued by the manufacturer and the Department of Infrastructure through a voluntary industry code under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
While any recall is not good news for the manufacturer, it shows that they are largely diligent in fixing problems.
Despite hundreds of recalls by various automotive manufacturers, only the Takata airbag recall has ever been mandatory. All others have been issued by the manufacturer.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
