BMW North America - R1200GS LC - Fork Tube Inspection

BMW NA STARTS TECH CAMPAIGN ON R1200S/GSA LC FORK TUBES

 This is a serious subject and I would suggest all owners of the effected bikes take their bikes to get inspected by their local dealers, or at the very least, roll up the rubber dust protector at the top of the stanchion and visual inspect for any sign of fatigue or failure.

Yesterday (June 27th 2017), BMW of North America released information regarding its technical campaign for "fixed fork tube inspection." This technical campaign applies to water-cooled R 1200 GS (K50, K50/11) and GS Adventure (K51) motorcycles.

image courtesy of: Cid Dennis. For more info see: https://www.change.org/u/516440414 

From The Campaign Bulletin:

"As a result of ongoing field observations, BMW Motorrad has determined that the fixed fork tube (stanchion) of the R 1200 GS (K50, K50/11) and R 1200 GS Adventure (K51) can be damaged due to unusual incidents. Such high stress can be caused for example, when riding over an obstacle, during a fall or when driving through deep potholes. Resulting damage to the fixed fork tubes manifests itself through a gap between the stanchion and the press-fitted, top seal plug.

An inspection process along with a repair procedure has been developed. All affected motorcycles must receive one of the two repairs outlined in this bulletin. Customers will be notified by mail by BMW Motorrad USA."

Should an inspection turn up the need for a repair, BMW Motorrad recommends one of two repair options, as follows:

Installation of a fork tube bushing onto the existing fork tube, or Installation of a fork tube bushing onto a new fork tube, or the replacement of a fork tube with a new one that already has the bushing in place.

Owners of motorcycles that are affected by this technical campaign are urged to contact their dealers, but the list of VINs affected may not be available to dealers until 30 June - so give your dealer a break if they don't know if your motorcycle is affected.

 Update: 28th June 2017

 This is the repair/strengthen kit dealers are now installing to upgrade the fixed fork issue in question. Click the image for additional images and text. Image courtesy of Michel Boucanier