RoadVitals

2023 BMW R 1250 Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
2
Latest Jul 1, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jan 18, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 BMW R 1250 Gs, most frequently naming the body & structure and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 9 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure150.0%
  • Powertrain (other)150.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V011000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:SHAFT:INPUT

Jan 18, 2023
18,534 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 1, 2025

Driving on the Parkway, (65-70mph) my rear wheel without warning locked up and I skidded across 2 a joining lanes, including the fast lane. multiple cars almost rear ended me and other cars nearly rear ending them, which could of caused a major accident. I had just a full service done on the motorcycle by BMW dealership over a month ago, after I received the motorcycle back from the service, I notice the motorcycle was vibrating more than usual, especially at highway speeds. I reported it to the BMW dealership where I got the service done. I was told the nearest date they could book me in for an appointment date to check the motorcycle would be in a few weeks. When my motorcycle was bought in for the appointment I received the motorcycle back 6 days later, I was told there mechanic took my motorcycle for a test drive, he said he did notice some vibrating but felt it wasn't warrant enough for concern. 4 days later the incident occurred. After the incident the motorcycle was towed back to the BMW dealership. After their inspection I was told the Final drive had completely failed. The dealership said they are replacing the whole driveshaft assembly, including the rear tire. I would like to add when I originally received my motorcycle back after they said they couldn't find anything wrong, I asked did they check the driveshaft, I was told yes and it was good! The motorcycle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID
11670653
Incident
Jun 30, 2025
Body & structure
Filed Dec 11, 2023
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2023 BMW R 1250 GS designed with a Center Stand. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked and resting on the center stand, he stood on the left side of the motorcycle and started moving the motorcycle from its parked position and the center stand foot pedal struck his right kneecap while the center stand was folding into the stored position. The contact stated that he sustained a swollen kneecap and had made an appointment to receive medical assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,079.

NHTSA ID
11559580
Incident
Dec 11, 2023
Mileage
5,079 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

MCAS1726

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Return Combination Switch

MC330423

POWER TRAIN

Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

MCAS4023

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW AG has requested the inspection of all dealer stock of the following part number(s) listed below to ensure the spacer is conformed to drawing.

MC160323

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Vehicle goes into emergency operation mode and a warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster.

SIB630122

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

LED headlights were temporarily unavailable from the Factory and some R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSAdventure units were built with the halogen headlight in order to ensure safe use.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW R 1250 Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023Viewing210—
2022310—
2021120—
2020860—
2019154042.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.