BMW R850R Recall - BMW R1100R Recall

NOTE:  These recalls are presented as a public safety resource.  For more information, visit your local BMW Motorcycle dealer or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Models: BMW R850R Years: 1996-1997 BMW R1100R Years: 1995-1997

Number Involved: 2,000 
Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - August 1996 
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V237 
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. 

Description of Defect: A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebar is turned fully to one side. Also, the wiring harness was attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward, limiting the amount of free movement of the handlebar. 

Consequence of Defect: The harness wires can be damaged, break, or pull out of the ignition switch. If the harness wires were damaged, but not broken or disconnected, the electrical system could be affected while the motorcycle was being ridden. Operation of the engine would be affected and intermittent conditions such as hesitation, misfiring, or "cutting out" could occur. 

Corrective Action: Dealers will relocate the cable tie further back so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. If the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (with harness) will be replaced. 

Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of February 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 70 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.