BMW announces service campaign for 440,000 R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS bikes
BMW has announced a service campaign for over 400,000 of its R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS models to correct an issue relating to the cardan shaft.
BMW has announced a service campaign for of its flagship GS models, the R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS.
BMW will be retroactively modifying the models R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS produced between 2013 and 2021 by retrofitting of a ventilation valve to the cardan shaft.
In total, 440,000 bikes are subject to the service campaign, produced between 2013 and 2021.
The problem BMW is correcting on the aforementioned models is related to damage that can be caused to the cardan shaft which results in a loss of drive.
The German publication, Motorrad, says that the defects are also relevant to the R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT since 2013, but in the GS models the problem is exaggerated due to the design of the bike; specifically the angle of the swingarm kink between the cardan tunnel and the rear axle gearbox, as well as the longer suspension travel on the GS’ compared to the RTs.
To remedy the issue, BMW will drill a small hole in the rear of the bike, near the cross joint, and insert a valve to the hole. This valve will mean that air and moisture will be able to flow out of the cardan tunnel, without any entering from outside.
BMW will of course offer this modification free of charge, and suggest that there is no need for any urgent appointments with your local dealer to sort the problem immediately - waiting for your next scheduled services appointment is advised, according to Motorrad.
BMW has been aware of the issue for some time now, and since October 2021 has been fitting all newly-built R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS motorcycles with the ventilation hole.
Source: Motorrad.
This article previously stated that the R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS were subject to a recall. In fact, they are subject to the above-mentioned 'service campaign'.
