2026 BMW R 1300 RT

Motorcycle has exhibited unstable handling behavior since delivery. The defect is specifically a weaving and wobbling oscillation that occurs when the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line, as if the bike is constantly riding on rippled or uneven pavement even on smooth road surfaces. The rear of the motorcycle feels disconnected from the chassis, with the rear tire feeling as though it is not tracking with the front. The instability is present at all speeds but becomes pronounced and consistent at approximately 40 mph and above. Critically, the defect occurs only when the motorcycle is upright. The instability is not present during cornering or while braking — the bike feels stable when leaned over or under deceleration. The weaving and wobbling are confined to straight-line, upright riding. The defect is present: •In all ride modes (Road, Rain, Dynamic, Dynamic Pro) •Both loaded and unloaded •With top case and panniers fitted — no difference observed •On and off throttle •On smooth pavement with no road-surface contribution The instability is not consistent with normal motorcycle dynamics and is not corrected by tire pressure adjustment, rider input, or ride mode selection. Dealer interaction: Original selling dealer was non-responsive to handling complaints. Motorcycle is scheduled for diagnostic evaluation at a second BMW Motorrad dealership on June 1, 2026. BMW Motorrad USA customer relations case has been opened [case number if available]. Safety concern: Sustained weaving and wobbling instability at highway speeds while traveling upright on a motorcycle creates a significant crash risk, particularly during straight-line highway riding, lane changes, or in crosswinds. The defect has been present since delivery and has not been resolved through normal service channels. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred to date. Report is filed to document a safety-relevant defect present since new on a current-production R 1300 platform motorcycl

NHTSA ID

11737519

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

Pin Return

Carrier Plate Return

After a quality inspection it was found that due to improper machining, the right-side chain tensioner screw plug doesn’t meet the specifications over the service life of the motorcycle. As a result, over increased mileage accrued noise and engine damage may occur.

After a quality inspection it was found that due to improper machining, the right-side chain tensioner screwplug doesn’t meet the specifications over the service life of the motorcycle. As a result, over increased mileage accrued noise and engine damage may occur.

During the pre-delivery check (PDI) or when completing the PDI for the vehicle, the wiring harness is installed and secured in the steering head area. Due to an excess length in the harness to the Keyless ride control module, an unintended loop in the cable may form, which can chafe on other components. The maintenance instructions currently published in Aftersales Information Research (AIR) do not explicitly describe the installation.

Center stands assist does not function on vehicles with center stand and standard chassis (meaning withoutoption 22B – Dynamic chassis Adaption), due to a faulty coding. Note: the center stand can still be operated manually. The affected motorcycles have been placed under the delivery stop STOP610029 associated with campaign number 0061710000, which will be lifted upon completion of this technical campaign. For vehicles that have not yet been delivered, the service action must be completed before vehiclehandover. If the service action cannot be completed due to a parts, software, or special tool shortage, theservice action then must be performed during the next possible workshop visit when parts, software, orspecial tools become available. In such instances where work cannot be performed, it is essential to informthe customer of the situation. In all instances in which the vehicles have already been handed over to customers, the Technical Campaign must be carried out at the next workshop visit.