2013 BMW F800GS and F700GS Side Stand Switch Recall Expands to US

Last month, we wrote about a recall in Canada for the BMW F700GS and F800GS because of a problem with the side stand ignition cut-off switch. As we expected, a similar recall has now been announced for the U.S. market.

The side stand switch was newly designed for the 2013 models, and used a bolt with a notch for a retaining ring to secure a pin. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the retaining ring may back off of the bolt, causing the switch to disconnect from the sidestand over time. The pin could also become damaged over time due to vehicle vibrations, because the retaining ring was not properly securing the pin.

In either situation, it could be possible for a rider to start the engine, shift into gear and begin moving with the stand still deployed.

The problem was first identified in May by a BMW test rider during a pre-ride inspection of an internal test model. An inspection of the rest of the internal test fleet found another motorcycle with a similar problem. The first one had undergone 13,000 miles of durability testing before the problem was noticed; the second one had 8000 miles on its odometer.

In June 2012, BMW developed a new side stand switch that used a rubber grommet to reduce the chance of vibration-induced damage to the pin. The new configuration was introduced to models produced after July 13, 2012.

In November 2012, BMW received two warranty claims from outside the U.S. The first claim was made following a dealer pre-delivery inspection and setup but the other was from a customer-owned model. Another non-U.S. warranty claim was made in January 2013. Two more claims were made in March, including one from the U.S. All of the claims involved motorcycles produced between June 1 and Oct. 18, 2012.

On June 6, BMW initiated a world-wide recall, though a U.S. recall remained under review by BMW North America to determine whether the situation warranted a full recall or a customer satisfaction program. BMW North America decided to go with a recall on June 21.

BMW dealers will secure the side stand switches on affected motorcycles using a bolt and nut. The recall affects 870 motorcycles.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung