As far as recalls go, this new one from BMW->ke1398 is the smallest I've seen to date. I mean, if it were anybody but a German company I would wonder how they could be so accurate on such a small number, but instead here we are. The NHTSA has reported a recall on a mere 21 units here in the U.S.-- a score of '16 and '17 S1000RR->ke3153 models and a single, lonely S1000R. It seems that a bolt within the rear-shock mounting hardware may have been improperly torqued at the factory.

Continue reading for more information on the BMW recall.

Annoying More Than A Safety Problem

This bolt, when loosened, can produce a knocking sound when under way. Not necessarily a front-burner, safety-related issue on paper, but I submit to you that anything that upsets a rider's qwan can very quickly become a safety-related issue. Plus, as a mechanic, I have seen the power of “the Snakebite,” which is what a customer experiences when you forget to tighten a simple exhaust clamp and he hears it rattle-- he will FOREVER hear a rattle somewhere on that bike after that point, and no amount of work on your part will even convince him to trust it again.

Bottom line; if you think you're one of the unlucky 21, get it checked. The factory should get in touch with you, but concerned inquiries can be directed to BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, or you can contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or read up through the interwebs at the safercar.gov website.