Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Wheels. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reports
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2026
SteeringSuspensionWheels
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 …
Read full complaint
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
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 R 1300 RT motorcycles. The 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power while riding increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cardan shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed because BMW called the one owner on October 30, 2025 and remedied the motorcycle on 11/21/25. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:universal Joint
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 R 1300 RT motorcycles. The 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power while riding increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cardan shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed because BMW called the one owner on October 30, 2025 and remedied the motorcycle on 11/21/25. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2026 R 1300 RT motorcycles. The 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power while riding increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cardan shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed because BMW called the one owner on October 30, 2025 and remedied the motorcycle on 11/21/25. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2026 BMW R 1300 Rt Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year