I’m not particularly sure what’s wrong with today, but even with the frequency of recalls these days, it’s still rare that you get two in one day. Lo and behold, that’s exactly what we have right now after we received word that BMW->ke1398 has issued its own recall involving R->ke3450 and K->ke3296 series models produced during a period of time spanning eight years. Wow. Eight years?

So why did it take BMW this long to identify the problem? I’m not sure I’ll be able to answer that, but what I do know is that these R and K series models have defective rear wheel flanges on the rear suspension that may crack in the event somebody tightens the wheel nuts or the brake disc bolts a little tighter than they should. The problem itself won’t be an issue on the road, but if it’s subjected to improper maintenance, that’s when it might become a headache.

So as a matter of “precaution,” BMW wants owners of R and K series bikes produced between November 2003 and April 2011 to have their bikes checked to make sure if their units are affected by the problem. There’s no information from BMW on how many bikes are affected, but as a precaution of your own, it might be best to go get it checked to see if those wheel flanges need to be replaced.

Click "continue reading" to read more about BMW's recalls of its R and K series bikes.

Why it matters

It's a little surprising that it's taken BMW this long to issue these recall, especially when you consider that some of the bikes affected by it are already close to 12 years old. It's entirely possible that some owners may have disposed of their bikes entirely so it's not going to affect them that much.

But it also points at the importance of taking these recalls seriously. If you still have a 2003 K Series or R Series bike, I'm guessing that it isn't in as immaculate condition as it once was. But no matter what condition your bike is in it, if you're still using it, I highly encourage that you have your bikes checked to see if its affected by this recall.

It is a bit of a hassle, that much I'll admit. But it still won't take away from the fact that there's a defective part in these bikes that need to be changed.

In the end, it's entirely up to bike owners and whether or not this particular recall merits their attention. I'm just one of those overly cautious dudes who has experienced one too many spills to not take these things seriously.

Hopefully, owners of these bikes understand that, too, whether they like it or not.