BMW recalls 122,000 bikes

BMW has announced a recall of 122,000 bikes worldwide over brake problems.

Models affected are the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, R1200R, R1200RT, R1200ST and K1200GT.

The manufacturer says there is a risk of brakes leaking on boxer-engined models.

The recall affects bikes built since August 2006. Brake leaks can result from vibration on the models, according to the firm. 

A BMW source said the recall included 6,600 bikes sold in the UK. “There’s a possibility you could end up with a little bit of seepage which over an extended period could cause fluid to run low,” he said.

Scott Grimsdall, the firm’s UK spokesman, said: “BMW is in the process of contacting customers. There is no need for people to stop riding. They should check the fluid level in the front brake reservoir and speak to a dealer if in doubt.” He said there had been no reports of accidents linked to the problem.

He was unable to confirm excatly which models were affected.

The firm said earlier: “We already had one technical service campaign three years ago, when we brought in new brake hoses for the respective bikes, but over time we realised that the outcome by using these new brake lines was not as good as we expected, so we developed a new solution.”