Oh yes, my friends…it is another BMW recall. We have seen seven recalls from the Bavarian brand over the recent months (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 here) – a comedy of both serious and minor errors by the German company and its two-wheeled products.
This time around, the issue is of the “oops” variety, with the BMW 2014-2016 F800GT and 2015-2016 F800R being tagged for improper reflectors, which fail to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
In total, the recall will affect 1,478 motorcycle units, and pertains to the rear-side reflectors not be properly visible in certain traffic conditions.
For those keeping score, this is the second recall for the F800GT and F800R concerning its reflectors.
In more detail, the rear side reflex reflectors are permanently mounted on the license plate bracket. Because of a license plate size requirement required by Chinese regulations, there was a design change for the bracket that also inadvertently affected US-spec motorcycles.
As a consequence, the rear side reflex reflector position changed for the affected motorcycles, and could be partially blocked by the exhaust silencer. Therefore, affected motorcycles may not conform to FMVSS #108.
To rectify the situation, BMW will notify affected owners, and BMW dealers will modify the license plate holder to reposition the rear side reflex reflectors, free of charge.
The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2017. Concerned owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov.
Source: NHTSA
