Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT, the most recent reported on January 18, 2023 (Power train: manual transmission, internal, shaft, input). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is forward collision avoidance (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).

How many 2021 BMW R 1250 RT complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 4 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT recalls and problems

2 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT recalls

Power train: manual transmission, internal, shaft, input

NHTSA campaign 23V011000 · reported January 18, 2023 · BMW of North America, LLC · 18,534 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 fix: 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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 20V495000 · reported August 20, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC · 447 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."
The risk: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Forward collision avoidance2
Electrical system1
Engine1
Service brakes1
Wheels1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 5, 2024 · Forward collision avoidance
Original owner, purchased July 2021. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) continues to drop off intermittently after numerous complaints to BMW service techs and BMW Customer Relations since new. Attempts to repair include dealer 'recalibration' and software updates none of which have solved the issue. When in use, ACC…

Oct 17, 2023 · Electrical system
Page 67 of the BMW Motorad Owners Manual describes operation of the "self," cancelling , "Comfort turn indicators" as follows: After the turn signal is pushed to the right or left, the turn signal indictors automatically turn off under the following conditions: -Speed is under 18mph; after a distance of 165Ft is…

Sep 6, 2021 · Service brakes
BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly kill you. I thought…

Sep 6, 2021 · Forward collision avoidance
The distance control on the cruise control will just fail while in use. Going through Atlanta with cruise set at 65 MPH in traffic and it just fails (alert pop up too) and throttle goes to zero which on a motorcycle means immediate engine braking. Nearly get run over by car behind me. Has been to the dealer and they…

R 1250 RT model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2019	3	9
2020	4	6
2021	2	4
2022	1	1
2023	1	1
2024	1	2

All BMW R 1250 RT years →

Questions

Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT, the most recent reported on January 18, 2023 (Power train: manual transmission, internal, shaft, input). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT?: Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is forward collision avoidance (2 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2021 BMW R 1250 RT complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 4 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 5, 2024.