The BMW F800GS may be the best thing to happen to the middleweight Adventure Bike scene since make-it-yourself biofuel, but it’s still built by humans and subject to recalls.
The U.S. DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall notice for the 2009 BMW F800GS. It appears BMW is recalling the units because the front axle assembly “wall thickness may not have been manufactured according to specifications…if the wall thickness was not sufficient, the axle shaft could deform and could break.” At least the affected units are limited to those manufactured from September 11-16, 2008, so go check your VIN plate to see if you have one of the units that may be in question.
BMW’s press officer had no comment, other than to say that the total number of units affected (or which units are affected) has not yet been determined. Contact your dealer so he can keep you in the loop.
MD Readers Respond:
- I live in Trinidad West Indies and bought a R1150RT straight out of Germany in 2004. BMW motorcycles are not sold here.
The first time I changed a front tyre, the word ‘TAIWAN” bept niggling in my head. I brought the wheel home from the tyre shop and only in the afternoon, I proceeded to inspect the wheel before re-installation. Lo and behold, the word ‘TAIWAN’ was neatly printed on the wheel bearing. At the time the bike cost me US$20,700. I felt let down.
Ramish - is this not another terrorist threat issue? James
- Only a single week of manufacturing was affected…
Make: BMW
Model Year I Model: 2008 I F 800GS
Inclusive Dates of Manufacture: Sep. 11,2008 -Sep. 16, 2008 Kevin - just FYI, the text of the recall only effects a handful of bikes across a few days of manufacture… additionally, BMW has made *NO* announcement of a recall or service action to any of their dealers yet… (though now we’re getting flooded with calls asking about info, for which we have none to give).
what strikes me as odd with this story in particular is the fact that manufacturers announce recalls and service actions every week (especially BMW!), and none get picked up in the motorcycle press. this one isn’t even official yet, and its become a significant news story.
the internet is a breeding ground for unresearched half-truths taken as gospel, and as a longtime reader of your site, I’m frankly surprised you didn’t do just a little more research into this story before contributing to the hysteria.
otherwise, I really do enjoy the site, and keep up the great work! thanks – jeff
- manufactured in china, right?
- British m/c reports casting breaks at the junction of the axle “ears” and the fork…Michael
