Immediate cessation of riding - R1200RT

[bwr]

I guess the riders that didn't get the memo are still happily riding along happy as clams & still enjoying their new bikes!

 

That has occurred to me. I actually have not been contacted by my dealer or BMW: no official notification. I just happed to check in on this forum on Saturday afternoon, which is how I learned about it. Now I'm checking this thread regularly. And I probably will not ride to the Unrally next week.

 

Had I not checked this forum over the weekend I'd be blissfully ignorant.

[chrisolson]

... I guess the riders that didn't get the memo are still happily riding along happy as clams & still enjoying their new bikes!

Ya don't know what ya don't know ... However, I suspect that if anything happens to one of those happy, smiling riders who _did get the memo_ they will instantly disavow any responsibility for their own actions.

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Chris

 

Unless the notification came certified & was signed for by the owner/rider I doubt BMW has much wiggle room.

 

 

[tkrandall]

I realize the risk may appear relatively low, but 2 failures of an integral structural component (the type of part that is presumably designed to NEVER fail) on a small base (~8000 bikes worldwide) within the first 6 months of the product being out for sale is not at all trivial.

 

Again, 2 structural failures with six months of new, on a component that should never fail, and apparently there is also corroborating information as to the supplier not manufacturing the component up to specs (whether that is quality control, insufficiency of a material used in production, or a design deficiency has not been made clear).

[dirtrider]

Afternoon

 

The thing is:

 

Way more final drives failed in the first 5000 BMW 1200Rt's sold & W-A-Y more than that I-ABS brake failures on the 1150.

 

BMW just ignored those & there was a high potential for injury on both of those.

 

I guess riding the 2014RT at 99% might not be a good idea but failing a rear shock (even if some oil spills out) doesn't rate vary high on my personal threat index.

 

It still comes down to a persons personal threat threshold. Some don't feel comfortable riding with a bug on their windshield & others will ride about anything that will start & move under it's own power.

[smiller]

Way more final drives failed in the first 5000 BMW 1200Rt's sold & W-A-Y more than that I-ABS brake failures on the 1150.

 

BMW just ignored those & there was a high potential for injury on both of those.

Yep. Not unlike the very high failure rate of front suspension ball joints in 07-08 K1200GT bikes. I (among countless others) spent many miles riding on failing ball joints with so much play that it is obvious even by moving the wheel carrier around by hand (with a handling deficiency ranging from annoying to outright dangerous depending on how far gone they are.) I rode the bike like that for 15k miles before I finally realized what was wrong. It is a widespread problem but BMW has not issued a service bulletin nor even provided a hint of acknowledgement. And I'm supposed to ground my new RT because 0.03 percent have had a non-injury failure of the rear strut? I'm glad they are finally getting some kind of religion but the the logic of it all escapes me.

[Guest Kakugo]

Besides having dynamic ESA how do we know if our bikes are effected?

 

My dealer clearly stated all the RT-LC they sold or have in stock have been stopped. That also include their demo bike and bikes still to be uncrated, prepped and delivered to the customers.

 

They didn't hide to me this is a bit of a low blow, especially considering supply of GSA-LC (a bike that according to them is "literally flying off showrooms") is very low at the moment and is expected to normalize only in Late September-Early October.

 

On the bright side, they hope this mess will help them get rid of all the Camhead they still have in stock (quite a few bikes according to them) and became so much dead weight the instant the GSA-LC and RT-LC were officially unveiled.

[Bmwdan]

Dave. BMW has not sent out any formal letter. Just a call from the dealer. And Razee motorcycles in RI, a dealer, has not even heard of the recall yet. Seems kind of hit or miss to leave it up to someone calling you on the phone. Anyone have a bike I can borrow for the summer? LOL. Guess I am stuck with my Honda car and Corvette.

[chrisolson]

Afternoon Chris

 

Unless the notification came certified & was signed for by the owner/rider I doubt BMW has much wiggle room.

 

I guess I'm having a hard time understanding why BMW would need wiggle room. Oh, I get it, you're saying if the rear shock collapses and the rider crashes and breaks their leg, they should deny they ever knew about any old shock issue 'cause nobody could prove they knew !! And then sue BMW for the big bucks ... except the scenario I offered is the rider _did_ know and chose to happily ride anyway. Like I said, an immediate running away from any personal responsiblity. What a brave new world this is.

[dirtrider]

clip-- Oh, I get it, you're saying if the rear shock collapses and the rider crashes and breaks their leg, they should deny they ever knew about any old shock issue 'cause nobody could prove they knew !! And then sue BMW for the big bucks ... except the scenario I offered is the rider _did_ know and chose to happily ride anyway. Like I said, an immediate running away from any personal responsiblity. What a brave new world this is.

 

Afternoon Chris

 

 

I'm saying any liability issues would probably have to be worked out in a court of law using admitted evidence. What a rider wants to admit that they knew or didn't know is strictly up to them & their legal representatives.

[hefy_jefy]

Been riding bikes for 50 years, never really wanted or missed ESA - but I thought "that looks cool lets get some of that" now having second thoughts. I have carried pillion passengers thousands of miles after winding the rear spring(s) up a notch, and then forgotten to put it back after - no big deal

[chrisolson]

... What a rider wants to admit that they knew or didn't know is strictly up to them & their legal representatives.

Afternoon dirtrider,

 

Exactly my point, thank you. Its a matter of accepting personal responsiblilty , or not. Those that would actually hold themselves accountable for their own decisions (yes I knew about the shock issue and I chose to ride anyway) and accept the consequences, good or bad, wouldn't even be in court.

 

But the lure of winning the lottery by suing deep pocket businesses is strong. Ya know what they say, "Its OK, they can afford it"! I guess I'm in the minority, but I hold a low opinion of those who attempt to game the system in such a way.

[strataj]

This just hit my email direct from BMW - I've been served

 

 

Dear BMW Customer:

 

We are writing to alert you that BMW Motorrad USA has issued a critical “STOP RIDE” advisory for owners of the R 1200 RT (model year 2014 with Air/Liquid-Cooled Engine) with the optional equipment feature “Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)”.

 

Your motorcycle’s Vehicle Identification Number has been identified as an affected motorcycle.

 

At the present time it cannot be ruled out that the piston rod of the rear spring strut in connection with the Dynamic ESA option could potentially fail.

 

For this reason, customers are not to ride their motorcycle until further notice. This is a precautionary measure which BMW Motorrad is taking in the interests of customer safety, based on a supplier report.

 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, OWNERS MUST NOT RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE UNTIL FURTHER DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN BY BMW MOTORRAD USA, A DIVISION OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC, OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER.

 

Should you require BMW Motorrad Roadside Assistance, they can be reached at 1-877-680-2176.

 

We are working urgently to resolve the issue and will provide more detailed information as soon as it becomes available; BMW Motorrad will be conducting a voluntary safety recall to address and resolve this issue.

 

In order to provide you with the highest levels of customer service, we have a team of specialists dedicated to the R 1200RT Stop Ride issue and they are available at 1-800-525-7417, or via e-mail at CustomerService@bmwmotorcycles.com

 

The safety of our riders is of paramount importance, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

 

Sincerely,

 

BMW Motorrad USA.

 

 

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Chris

 

Exactly, I guess we will just have to wait & see how this plays out.

 

Something tells me that BMW won't be offering proper compensation to any of the riders that have a brand new $25,000.00 BMW sitting that he/she can't ride.

 

I really don't have a dog in this fight but (IF) I (personally) had a $25,000.00 bike sitting & some yahoo company didn't offer me a loaner/rental/SOMETHING to ride while that new bike sat losing value then I would be riding that $25,000.00 bike & if something happened that would be up for me, & them, & (legal advise if needed) to work out the details later.

 

I'm guessing there is a workaround to make it safe enough to ride until new parts are available but that would take a little thought, engineering, & money/dealer time from BMW & we know how that works on BMW's end.

 

 

 

[wga]

Suggesting someone ride their bike after being notified not to is a stupid idea. Anyone doing this will take the liability of damage to your bike, anyone and anything else into your own hands. And then suggesting that people lie about it in court is a very slippery slope. Not only will BMW fight with a dozen lawyers, but your own insurance company will join them. When you loose that fight you get to pay court costs on top of damages, other potential lawsuits against you, and could be held in contempt of court.

[cali_beemer]

Holy cow, I am very very very happy I did not buy a new 2014! It was very tempting. I cant even come to thoughts on how pi$$d off I would be if I bought one and a week later was told to stop riding it. Now they are saying July for a recall letter? What the heck? We all know how fast BMW was to fix the fuel pump flange on the previous 1200's even after issuing a statement on recalling those bikes.

 

I don't understand why BMW cant or is not expedititng this at all expense to get riders back on the road

[chrisolson]

Afternoon dirtrider

 

Yep, I'm all hat and no cattle in this as well. Like you, if I did have a bike in this situation I'd certainly want something in the form of compensation regardless of the situation. I guess where we differ slightly is in the decision to ride. Not saying I wouldn't but I probably wouldn't embark on a cross country journey or any spirited riding that might tax the suspension where recovery given a failure would be difficult at best. Unless of course I absolutely enjoy the potential of a nice visit/stay in a hospital. :smile:

 

In many ways its a no win situation for BMW regarding compensation. There are so many variables from: my bike is my only transporation, I had a trip planned and now had to cancel multiple reservations etc (might even incur some penalties), I'm paying monthly without benifit of use of the bike or my bike is a luxury toy and I paid cash, but still there's the issue of getting it back on the road in a reasonalble amount of time.

 

Not a question back specifically to you, but what compensation is due and how do you really come up with a formula?

 

[MLS2GO]

I think this thread should be more for those who do have a dog in the fight, yet most of the last page of posts don't seem to have possession of such a dog. And, yes I do have said dog.

[dirtrider]

Afternoon Chris

 

I guess the big difference here is I am a big (re fast) off-road dirt rider.

 

Just about every foray into the outback on a fast dirt bike puts me in serious harms way. (you ride hard & fast off road you gona crash--A LOT)

 

I have ripped shocks apart, completely shattered wheel spokes, had chains become derailed & lock up the rear wheel at high speed, hit holes big enough to swallow a bus, etc.

 

Personally I would put this (slightly possible) BMW shock failure way/way/way down my list of things to worry about on a motorcycle.

 

Way more chance of ripping a tire open on an unavoidable road hazard, or hitting a dear, or having an automobile abruptly appear in your path, or finding a hidden oil patch is a shaded high speed curve than having a rear shock breakage cause you to crash.

 

I'm not saying for anyone to go out a ride the 2014 if they don't feel comfortable doing so but some of us wouldn't let a little BMW (CYA) lawyer talk stop us from a planned trip or weekend outing.

 

Manufactures put silly warning stickers all over their products, not to protect the end user, but to try to lessen the litigation pay out.

[chrisolson]

I'm more of a cat person in reality, but I do think "to ride or not to ride if you know there's an issue" or "what compensation is due?" are valid for this thread. But then again, maybe I've overstepped by responding, my apologies.

[dirtrider]

I think this thread should be more for those who do have a dog in the fight, yet most of the last page of posts don't seem to have possession of such a dog. And, yes I do have said dog.

 

Afternoon MLS2GO

 

Not necessarily so-- I don't own a 2014 dog but I put over 700 miles on a friends dog this last weekend as he was afraid to ride it & we had a long scheduled trip planned.

 

 

[acy540]

Got a call from my dealer this morning offering me any bike I choose while they have the do not ride on my 14 RT.

 

My dealer has called me everyday and given me updates on the information he has. I can't say enough good things about Carolina BMW and its owner Jason. Its the customer service and all those little things he and the staff have done that make myself and my two sons loyal customers.

 

We will get through this and I will be riding my RT when its ready. Till then I guess I will just have to ride a 1600. My son wanted me to get the 1000r but I don't bend right anymore!! LOL

 

I am sure the failure rate is pretty low but is it worth taking a chance to find out.

 

 

[tkrandall]

Wow - that is a really good offer. I would not anticipate such offers to be the norm for people to expect.

 

Sure, I will take a GS to ride around on for free for 3 months.

 

[wga]

I am wondering did Carolina BMW do this at corporate's request or something they did on their own? So far it sounds like Carolina is ahead of the game. Hopefully other dealers will soon follow suit. I am still waiting to hear back from my local dealer.

[scott r1200rt]

It looks like I will get a K1600GT, brand new as a loaner. I'm kind of excited. That helps. I called BMW NA, a few days ago, they called my dealer, second wind bmw, they called me and asked if i would like a GS, GT or GTL. Took the GT. I hope to have it soon.

 

scott

[TEWKS]

Are you getting the Sport GT they had? Oh, almost bought that one!

 

Pat

[Jeff in VA]

I traded my K1600GT for the new RT. I never connected with the GT even though it is an exceptionally good bike. The RT connection was instant. It is the 6th new BMW I've owned and it is really is everything I want in a motorcycle, except it can't be ridden.

 

At this point I will wait a while for BMW to give real information, particularly on timing of the repair. I don't want a different bike. I've looked at a lot of motorcycles and this is the one for me. I also don't want to be paying payments, insurance and personal property tax on a very pretty piece of non-functional motorcycle art. But - I also don't really want to invoke the VA lemon law and get my money back. Some people are going to do that once they pass the 30 day threshold in most lemon laws. That means a number of used bikes that have to be identified as lemons. That is almost certain to drive the value of the 2014 bikes down.

 

If BMW wants to fix this mess, they are going to have to eat a loss and offer some sort of compensation for what is sounding like it is going to be a lost riding season and, at least for a few years, reduced value. A one year extension of the warranty and some sort of trade-in value guarantee (similar to what Indian offered on their new bikes) would be reasonable compensation.

 

 

 

[John in VA]

Maybe this slant was brought up earlier in this thread, but I'm wondering about BMW RT sales this summer.

 

I cannot imagine that BMW will sell a single new RT until all or most customers' bikes are fixed. I may be wrong, though. Can this mean no RT sales until August sometime? That seems to be pretty bad for their bottom line this year, totally aside from the losses from recalls/repairs. Maybe they will build and sell new (fixed) RTs before customer bikes are fixed?

 

[HPfisterer]

 

Way more chance of ripping a tire open on an unavoidable road hazard, or hitting a dear, or having an automobile abruptly appear in your path, or finding a hidden oil patch is a shaded high speed curve than having a rear shock breakage cause you to crash.

 

That's exactly what happened to me (the automobile part) and I have zero interest in going down again so I'm staying off the road for now.

[Jeff in VA]

Maybe they will build and sell new (fixed) RTs before customer bikes are fixed?

 

I can't imagine they will start selling RTs again before our bikes are fixed. In states with lemon laws, they are going to have to refund money or replace bikes if people demand it. Selling new bikes before they fix the ones they have already sold would push a lot of people to invoke their state's lemon law (if it covers bikes) and get a replacement bike.

[Mike the Ghoul]

Maybe they will build and sell new (fixed) RTs before customer bikes are fixed?

 

I can't imagine they will start selling RTs again before our bikes are fixed. In states with lemon laws, they are going to have to refund money or replace bikes if people demand it. Selling new bikes before they fix the ones they have already sold would push a lot of people to invoke their state's lemon law (if it covers bikes) and get a replacement bike.

 

But, assuming an adequate supply of "improved" shocks, wouldn't it be logical for them to continue manufacturing new units with the new shocks. This wouldn't interfere with the repairs of existing units, as these will be repaired by dealers, not the factory. Not a happy prospect for current owners, but financially feasible for BMW.

 

I don't have a dog in this fight, other than being ready to order one last weekend. Luckily I still have my 99Rt so that will be my ride this summer. I'll wait and see how this plays out.

 

Also, if a large number of affected owners get loaners, I foresee a whole lot of new/used bikes available next year after they are returned to the dealer.

 

 

[Hypeman]

I feel for guys making payments on bikes they can't ride. Hope you all get GS or GT loaners to save your summers. As for me, my build is still many weeks out and don't have any info as to how this effects delivery of my RTLC. When I get an update, I'll be sure to share here.

[Bmwdan]

Really, Scott. I bought mine at Second Wind as well. No offer for me.

[BitScribbler]

I traded my K1600GT for the new RT. I never connected with the GT even though it is an exceptionally good bike. The RT connection was instant. It is the 6th new BMW I've owned and it is really is everything I want in a motorcycle, except it can't be ridden.

 

At this point I will wait a while for BMW to give real information, particularly on timing of the repair. I don't want a different bike. I've looked at a lot of motorcycles and this is the one for me.

 

+1.

 

Couldn't have put my situation any better.

[BMWLou]

Just got off the phone with BMWNA and do feel BMW will make this fix ASAP and those of us with RT's will be properly compensated. I have been riding BMW's for 40 years now and do not like the idea of having a bike in my garage I can not ride. Having said that what if BMW took the same approach Ford did with the Pinto gas tank fires or GM with ignition switches. No I feel they did the right thing as painful as it may be to some. But if it prevents one death or serious injury it is worth it. As Jay at BMWNA explained to me this morning BMW will take care of it's customers and properly compensate them for their loss and I do believe him.

[Kitsap]

Jay must be busy, he's also the Rep. working my case.

[tallman]

There may be a lot of dealerships unhappy also.

 

No sales, yet most likely the payments to BMW will have to continue for their bikes.

 

In the old days, something like that would cripple a small

dealership.

Not sure in today's structure.

 

A lot of comments about many ways to handle this.

Situations like this always bring out the true character of an individual.

[wga]

My dealer told me this morning that BMW Motorad USA 'will communicate a number of potential options for dealers and customers to consider' no later than close of business on Friday June 13. BMW is obviously continuing to work hard to mitigate this problem and I applaud the effort.

[RTster]

My dealer just called to confirm that they will provide a brand new 2013 R1200RT as a loaner until my bike is fixed. They will have it shipped, PDI'd and delivered by early next week ...fingers crossed. No other compensation details have been discussed/published yet. Lets hope we will hear some postitive news from BMW Motorrad by tomorrow .

 

[tkrandall]

My dealer just called to confirm that they will provide a brand new 2013 R1200RT as a loaner until my bike is fixed. They will have it shipped, PDI'd and delivered by early next week ...fingers crossed. No other compensation details have been discussed/published yet. Lets hope we will hear some postitive news from BMW Motorrad by tomorrow .

 

Wow. I am not going to get my hopes up for that to be a general rule.

 

 

[bwr]

My dealer just called to confirm that they will provide a brand new 2013 R1200RT as a loaner until my bike is fixed. They will have it shipped, PDI'd and delivered by early next week ...fingers crossed. No other compensation details have been discussed/published yet. Lets hope we will hear some postitive news from BMW Motorrad by tomorrow .

 

Wow. I am not going to get my hopes up for that to be a general rule.

 

 

Me neither. I still haven't heard a word from my dealer. Although I did get an auto-Email yesterday thanking me again for my purchase.

[RTster]

I called BMW Motorrad Canada and told them I need a loaner. They sounded surprised I didnt have one already. Hence I suggest you call up the help line of Motorrad North America and insist that you need a loaner ASAP. Give your dealership details as well. If they agree that you ae elgibile for one, convey that message to your dealer. They should act quickly. Just a suggestion! Worked for me.

[wga]

I called BMW Motorrad Canada and told them I need a loaner. They sounded surprised I didnt have one already. Hence I suggest you call up the help line of Motorrad North America and insist that you need a loaner ASAP. Give your dealership details as well. If they agree that you ae elgibile for one, convey that message to your dealer. They should act quickly. Just a suggestion! Worked for me.

 

Tried that and my dealer said they were waiting to hear from BMW Motorrad USA. Hopefully something is worked out this weekend. Thanks for the info and glad to hear some people are getting a loaner.

[Cowboyatheart]

I called BMW Motorrad Canada and told them I need a loaner. They sounded surprised I didnt have one already. Hence I suggest you call up the help line of Motorrad North America and insist that you need a loaner ASAP. Give your dealership details as well. If they agree that you ae elgibile for one, convey that message to your dealer. They should act quickly. Just a suggestion! Worked for me.

 

Congratulations. Vancouver or Pacific dealer?

[Tel]

Rep from BMW Australia called today. Parts will take 90 days to be received in Australia .

Options are $2000 credit or a loan bike depending on dealership availability until bike is repaired, or transfer to another new BMW. He also mentioned full refund as a worst case scenario. I haven't made a decision yet, but I lose 3 months of registration, insurance etc with a bike I can do nothing with at the moment.

[Teddy]

Rep from BMW Australia called today. Parts will take 90 days to be received in Australia .

Options are $2000 credit or a loan bike depending on dealership availability until bike is repaired, or transfer to another new BMW. He also mentioned full refund as a worst case scenario. I haven't made a decision yet, but I lose 3 months of registration, insurance etc with a bike I can do nothing with at the moment.

 

90 days! Wow that's bad news, I have only just returned from holidays in WA and my BMW is sitting in the garage at the moment unloved and unridden. I am still waiting for the official letter from BMW and my dealer Rolfe BMW has been surprisingly quiet. I have had an offer to extend the warranty by 12 months, no offer of a loaner of any description or any compensation. Just as well it is wet and cold and don't feel like riding anyway.

However once the sun comes out I will get the urge to ride very quickly...

 

I guess I will have to contact my dealer and discuss options...

 

Teddy

[Alfred02]

Hi Teddy

You need to contact BMW Australia on: ph: 1800 813 299

Explain that your bike is one of the effected.

They will pass you through to the proper person.

They will ask for your VIN number to double check that yours is one of them.

And then discuss the options with you.

[Canuck1953]

I received a call from my dealer in Ottawa (Canada) yesterday (one week after I sent him an e-mail asking if my bike was Affected by the recall).

 

He said that my bike is Affected by the recall. He said that BMW would provide a demo (a bigger bike like the 1600) but he suggested that I take the 1200 R given that I hadn't been riding for over 30 years. I agree with his rationale, so I will take the 1200 R after I learn more of the details (e.g. my responsibilities/obligations of taking the demo).

 

The dealer said it could take as much as 6-7 weeks for the repair to be completed but given the magnitude of the recall, in my view it's likely to be longer.

[Troppo]

It looks like I will get a K1600GT, brand new as a loaner. I'm kind of excited. That helps. I called BMW NA, a few days ago, they called my dealer, second wind bmw, they called me and asked if i would like a GS, GT or GTL. Took the GT. I hope to have it soon.

 

scott

 

WOW! Impressive service.

[Troppo]

Rep from BMW Australia called today. Parts will take 90 days to be received in Australia .

Options are $2000 credit or a loan bike depending on dealership availability until bike is repaired, or transfer to another new BMW. He also mentioned full refund as a worst case scenario. I haven't made a decision yet, but I lose 3 months of registration, insurance etc with a bike I can do nothing with at the moment.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

3 months....