Defect
WHEEL MAY DEVELOP CRACKS AND FRACTURES FROM OPERATING ON ROUGH ROADS. (SPOKES WILL PRIMARILY BE AFFECTED).
Remedy
UPON INSPECTION, A REDESIGNED WHEEL WILL BE INSTALLED ALONG WITH A NEW INNER TUBE AND THE NEEDED BALANCE WEIGHTS.
1979 BMW R 100 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 BMW R 100 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1979 compare to other R 100 years?
What are the most common 1979 BMW R 100 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 100% | new |
Does the 1979 BMW R 100 have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1979 BMW R100RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS THE REAR BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, FOLLOWED BY AN EXTREMELY SLOW RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM WAS…”
1979 BMW R 100 — common questions
Is the 1979 BMW R 100 reliable?
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1979 BMW R 100 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1979 BMW R 100. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.