Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT by year filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2026 BMW R 1300 RT
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from May 13, 2026 to May 13, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year13 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Close to the median 2026 motorcycle
Severity index0.02026 motorcycles average 11.5
First 24 monthsOpenWindow has not closed yet
Components
100% of complaints about the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT name steering
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
One recall campaign covers the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25V-672 | Oct 8, 2025 | Cardan shaft may not have been sufficiently hardened, causing the universal joint to slip within the shaft and result in a loss of drive power | Powertrain | 3 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2026 BMW R 1300 RT
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 13, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2026Philadelphia, PASteering, Suspension, Wheels
Motorcycle has exhibited unstable handling behavior since delivery. The defect is specifically a weaving and wobbling oscillation that occurs when the motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line, as if the bike is constantly riding on rippled or uneven pavement even on smooth road surfaces. The rear of the motorcycle feels disconnected from the chassis, with the rear tire feeling as though it is not tracking with the front. The instability is present at all speeds but becomes pronounced and consistent at approximately 40 mph and above. Critically, the defect occurs only when the motorcycle is upright. The instability is not present during cornering or while braking — the bike feels stable when leaned over or under deceleration. The weaving and wobbling are confined to straight-line, upright riding. The defect is present: •In all ride modes (Road, Rain, Dynamic, Dynamic Pro) •Both loaded and unloaded •With top case and panniers fitted — no difference observed •On and off throttle •On smooth pavement with no road-surface contribution The instability is not consistent with normal motorcycle dynamics and is not corrected by tire pressure adjustment, rider input, or ride mode selection. Dealer interaction: Original selling dealer was non-responsive to handling complaints. Motorcycle is scheduled for diagnostic evaluation at a second BMW Motorrad dealership on June 1, 2026. BMW Motorrad USA customer relations case has been opened [case number if available]. Safety concern: Sustained weaving and wobbling instability at highway speeds while traveling upright on a motorcycle creates a significant crash risk, particularly during straight-line highway riding, lane changes, or in crosswinds. The defect has been present since delivery and has not been resolved through normal service channels. No crash, injury, or fire has occurred to date. Report is filed to document a safety-relevant defect present since new on a current-production R 1300 platform motorcycl
NHTSA complaint 11737519
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
10 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MC770126 Aug 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The mechanism of the release lever is jammed. When trying to open the case, the release lever does not open after the lock barrel has been pressed. - MCAS4126 Jul 16, 2026 · Other
Pin Return - MCAS1926 Feb 25, 2026 · Other
Carrier Plate Return - MC110125 Feb 18, 2026 · Service Campaign
After a quality inspection it was found that due to improper machining, the right-side chain tensioner screw plug doesn’t meet the specifications over the service life of the motorcycle. As a result, over increased mileage accrued noise and engine damage ma… - MC110125 Dec 30, 2025 · Service Campaign
After a quality inspection it was found that due to improper machining, the right-side chain tensioner screwplug doesn’t meet the specifications over the service life of the motorcycle. As a result, over increased mileage accrued noise and engine damage may… - MC000325 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During the pre-delivery check (PDI) or when completing the PDI for the vehicle, the wiring harness is installed and secured in the steering head area. Due to an excess length in the harness to the Keyless ride control module, an unintended loop in the cable… - MC611025 Oct 31, 2025 · Service Campaign
Center stands assist does not function on vehicles with center stand and standard chassis (meaning withoutoption 22B – Dynamic chassis Adaption), due to a faulty coding. Note: the center stand can still be operated manually. The affected motorcycles have be… - MC460225 Sep 10, 2025 · Service Campaign
R 1300 RT’s built from the factory with option “068B Variable Luggage System” may have retaining straps that have not been crimped properly. - MC330524 Aug 14, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some R 1300 model motorcycles, it has been detected that the rear wheel swingarm has play in theaxial direction. The mounting of the swingarm to the frame is comparable to the F and S model motorcycles. During the mounting of the swingarm axle, this crea… - MC330524 Jul 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
In some R 1300 model motorcycles, it has been detected that the rear wheel swingarm has play in theaxial direction. The mounting of the swingarm to the frame is comparable to the F and S model motorcycles. During the mounting of the swingarm axle, this crea…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.