BMW Fixed front fork staunchion failures

On Facebook and a several international motorcycle forums there have been a number of recent posts where a failure of the fixed front fork staunchion on late model BMW 1200GS and GSA models has caused accidents and major injuries. In Australia and South Africa BMW has issued a service bulletin but I can’t find any information regarding any checks for bikes in New Zealand.

Here’s information regarding the checks for South Africa and Australia.

South Africa safety check Notice
Austrlia Service Campaign 0031080000

One lucky rider spotted his fork failure just as he was about to head out for a ride

If you have one of the models specifically mentioned in the links above I’d strongly encourage you contact your local BMW motorcycle dealer and find out whether your bike is affected, and whats going on in NZ regarding this issue.

Here’s one report regarding a failure apparently caused by hitting a small rut 45km/h.
https://www.facebook.com/ggeor12/posts/10158922677750603

0
Show Comments (3) Hide Comments (3)
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
3 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dave Young
Dave Young
2025 years ago

Ian1200 over on Advrider.com has posted a link to the BMW service campaign document outlining the fix for the crimping failure: BMW R1200GS Checking Fork Tube.pdf

0
Reply
Eddieb Brodie
Admin
Eddieb Brodie
2025 years ago

Internationally this has now turned into an official recall with BMW Motorad issuing the below statement.

As part of a safety recall, BMW Motorrad is checking the fixed fork tubes R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycles from the production period November 2013 to June 2017.

All affected bikes will be retrofitted with an additional fixed fork tube bush. If there is already any signs of preliminary damage, the fixed fork tubes will be replaced by modified new parts.

BMW Motorrad has determined during ongoing field observations that the fixed fork tube of the specified models can suffer damage, due to unusual incidents with momentary high stress, without the user noticing. Potential preliminary damage to the fixed fork tube manifests itself through a gap between the pipe and the pressed-in, top seal plugs.

If the fit of the pressed-in seal plug has loosened, the gap may increase through longer, high-stress usage. This may lead to oil leaks and noise. If these signals are not perceived, or are ignored, and further high-stress incidents occur, the plug may become completely loose. Subsequently, critical driving conditions cannot be ruled out.

BMW Motorrad has therefore decided to recall all motorcycles that could be affected to retrofit the fixed fork tube bushes. The owners of these motorcycles will be informed by BMW Motorrad. The safety recall is carried out for free for the customer at approved BMW Motorrad service centres.

You can search on the NZTA website for information on any vehicle recall in NZ https://www.vehiclerecallsafety.nzta.govt.nz/ but I don’t see any information regarding this issue there yet.

said:
Ian1200 over on Advrider.com has posted a link to the BMW service campaign document outlining the fix for the crimping failure: BMW R1200GS Checking Fork Tube.pdf

That’s the one I linked to in the 2nd link of my original post above, different url, same document.

0
Reply
Eddieb Brodie
Admin
Eddieb Brodie
2025 years ago

I’ve just seen this update from a BMW owner online.

Just talked to my dealer and they said they looked in the BMW inventory system and there are 89,000 back order Stanchion repair kits currently in the Back Order Status. They have only received a few for new bikes and that BMW is prioritizing new bikes over existing customers.

0
Reply