2017 BMW S 1000 R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2017 BMW S 1000 R — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other S 1000 R years?

S 1000 R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S 1000 R years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 BMW S 1000 R problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	33%	new
Speed Control	1	33%	new
Transmission	1	33%	— flat

Does the 2017 BMW S 1000 R have recalls?

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

18E016000OtherMarch 21, 2018 · 1,571 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain Accessory Windscreens, sold for installation on various motorcycles. Specifically being recalled is Windscreen model number 8531917, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F700GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8544629, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8546224, sold for use on model year 2014-2018 S1000R motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8551929, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 S1000XR motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554726, sold for use on model year 2013-2018 R1200GS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8554727 sold for use on model year 2014-2018 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8556927, sold for use on model year 2015-2018 R1200RS motorcycles, Windscreen model number 8559548, sold for use on model year 2017-2018 R1200GS motorcycles and Windscreen model number 8561755, sold for use on model year 2012-2018 F800GS motorcycles. These windscreens have extra tinting on them that may reduce the rider's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

Consequence

The darker windscreen can inhibit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windscreen, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 10, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V948000SuspensionDecember 30, 2016 · 21 units

Defect

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 S 1000 RR motorcycles manufactured June 8, 2016, to November 16, 2016, and 2017 S 1000 R motorcycles manufactured on October 12, 2016. One of the bolts on the rear suspension deflection lever may loosen and adversely affect the handling of the motorcycle.

Consequence

If the bolt loosens and affects the motorcycle's handling, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bolts and tighten them to the proper specifications, free of charge. The recall began February 17, 2017. 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.

“WHILE UNDER BRISK OR HEAVY ACCELERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE ENGINE LOSES POWER, AND THE THROTTLE BECOMES TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE. THE BIKE HAS TO BE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, AND ONCE RESTARTED IS RUNS FINE. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS I WAS ON A FREEWAY UNDER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 7, 2017

“RIDING 2017 BMW MOTORCYCLE WITH 1140 MILES AT 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND BIKE SIMPLY FAULTED OUT TO IDLE RPM AND NEUTRAL GEAR. NO THROTTLE CONTROL, NO GEAR CONTROL. LUCKILY GOT BIKE OFF HIGHWAY AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP (ADVENTURE BMW IN CHESAPEAKE, VA). THEY CLEARED FAULT AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 16, 2017

“WHILE UNDER BRISK OR HEAVY ACCELERATION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE ENGINE LOSES POWER, AND THE THROTTLE BECOMES TOTALLY UNRESPONSIVE. IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE. THE BIKE HAS TO BE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, AND ONCE RESTARTED IS RUNS FINE. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS I WAS ON A FREEWAY UNDER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 7, 2017

2017 BMW S 1000 R — common questions

Is the 2017 BMW S 1000 R reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 BMW S 1000 R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 BMW S 1000 R. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2017 compare to other S 1000 R years?

What are the most common 2017 BMW S 1000 R problems?

Does the 2017 BMW S 1000 R have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2017 BMW S 1000 R — common questions

Is the 2017 BMW S 1000 R reliable?

Does the 2017 BMW S 1000 R have recalls?

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