Model year guide

2021 BMW R 1250 RT

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 BMW R 1250 RT is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 21 on record.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints4

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT recalls 2

Power Train:manual Transmission:internal:shaft:input NHTSA Campaign #23V011000 · 18/01/2023

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2023 R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, and R1250RTP motorcycles. In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel.

Fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #20V495000 · 20/08/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 23

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 23.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “di…

Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

Vehicle goes into emergency operation mode and a warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster.

Bulletin MC160323 · Electrical System · Aug 2023

Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.

Bulletin SIB330222 · Power Train · Apr 2023

Frame and mounting parts

Bulletin SIB460123 · Structure, Equipment · Mar 2023

BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.

Bulletin MC000222 · Service Brakes · Nov 2022

Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.

Bulletin SIB330222 · Power Train · Jul 2022

BATTERY EMPTY DESPITE CHARGER.

Bulletin SIB610321 · Electrical System · May 2022

The motorcycle will not start. The vehicle battery is empty even though the battery charger was permanently connected to the 12V power socket.

Bulletin MC610321 · Electrical System · Mar 2022

This bulletin describes important software updates for the new 10.25? TFT instrument display.

Bulletin MC620421 · Equipment, Electrical System · Jan 2022

R 1250 RT Motorcycles built on or after March 1, 2021 and equipped with option: ?269A - Preparation Audio System? can be retrofitted with the audio module.

Bulletin MC650421 · Equipment · Sep 2021

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the R 1250 RT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2021 BMW R 1250 RT vehicles on record

Other BMW R 1250 RT model years

2021 BMW R 1250 RT — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW R 1250 RT?

Across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance, electrical system, wheels.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.