VehicleVerdict

2021 BMW R 1250 RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other R 1250 RT years?

R 1250 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted10 complaints2019: 10 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 1 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 5 complaints
R 1250 RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all R 1250 RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 BMW R 1250 RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance233%
Brakes117%
Electrical System117%
Engine117%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V011000TransmissionJanuary 18, 2023 · 18,534 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

Consequence

A damaged gearbox input shaft or a blocked rear wheel can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V495000OtherAugust 20, 2020 · 447 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence

If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The distance control on the cruise control will just fail while in use. Going through Atlanta with cruise set at 65 MPH in traffic and it just fails (alert pop up too) and throttle goes to zero which on a motorcycle means immediate engine braking. Nearly get run over by car behind me. Has been to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 28, 2021

“BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 1, 2021

“BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 1, 2021

“BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2021

“Page 67 of the BMW Motorad Owners Manual describes operation of the "self," cancelling , "Comfort turn indicators" as follows: After the turn signal is pushed to the right or left, the turn signal indictors automatically turn off under the following conditions: -Speed is under 18mph; after a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 10, 2023

2021 BMW R 1250 RT — common questions

Is the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT. 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.