2020 Bmw R 1250 gs
The Verdict
The 2020 Bmw R 1250 gs has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issue is brakes (8 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 98/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Bmw R 1250 gs, consider the 2021 model year which has 87% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2021 has 87% fewer complaints
View the 2021 Bmw R 1250 gs dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 1
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 R1250GS and R1250RT motorcycles. The pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection betwe...
Risk
A loose connection between the final drive and swing arm will reduce stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the pivot pin, free of charge. The motorcycles are not with owners at this time. The recall began April 28, 2020. Please contact BMW customer service number 1-800-525-7417.
Reported Apr 10, 2026
Get notified if a recall hits this car.
We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2020 Bmw R 1250 gs. No spam, no marketing.
Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.
Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.
Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide spread problem on the majority of BMW GS 2009-2021 as seen on the fourms such as "Adventure Rider" and "R1200GS info" search for "bmw gs soft rear brakes." Brake bleeds are a temporary fix. Replacing the rear brake master cylinder is a temporary fix. Computer bleeding the Bosch ABS module is also a temporary fix. Problem always returns. I am a federal Airframe and Powerplant technician and avionics installer i know brake systems. I already know BMW motorrad will bleed, bleed, then replace the master cylinder then will send a ticket to BMW Germany and not come up with an answer just like all the poor owners on the fourms. I personally service "bleed" my brakes every 6,000 miles to ensure "acceptable" operation.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V476000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue however, the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the caliper. The failure mileage was 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKING COMPONENTS (PADS). AFTER 3000 MILES, PADS ONLY HAD 3MM OF MATERIAL. THE IS A HIGH DEGREE OF DISCOLORATION ON THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. ISSUE IS NOT ATTRIBUTED TO USER ERROR (I.E., RIDING THE BRAKES). BMW SERVICE HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS, STATING BRAKE COMPONENTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I'M REPORTING THIS ISSUE TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AS PART OF 'DUE DILIGENCE' TO COLLECT SAFETY RELATED INFORMATION WITH THE 2020 BMW R1250GSA BRAKE SYSTEM. THERE MIGHT BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH THE CALIPERS AND POSSIBLY THE ABS PRESSURE MODULATOR. NON-USER ATTRIBUTED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS IS INDICATIVE OF SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT THE OVERALL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WITH THE POTENTIALLY OF WHEEL LOCK UP SHOULD THE SYSTEM APPLY FULL BRAKING TO THE REAR WHEEL.
FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. NOTICEABLE DROPS ON WHEEL RIM WHEN PARKED.
BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. OBSERVED WHEN STATIONARY, DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM. ALSO SWEATS OF BRAKE FLUID OBSERVED AT THE SEAM (IT IS A TWO PIECE BRAKE CALIPER, MANUFACTURED BY HAYES). DEALER CANNOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE (CAN'T GET REPLACEMENT PARTS) AND BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFERED NO OTHER REMEDY. ESSENTIALLY I CANNOT RIDE A NEW BIKE FOR 3 MONTHS NOW WITHOUT BEING AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY.
BOTH FRONT CALIPERS ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR VERIFICATION AND REPAIR ON NOV 27 2019. I HAVE BEEN INQUIRING WITH THEM EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE AS TO WHEN THEY MAY BE REPLACED WITH NOT EVEN AND ESTIMATED DATE. BMW MOTORRAD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO ESCALATE THE CASE TO ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND THAT IT MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE DEALER. FLUID HAS ALSO LEAKED ON THE FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE. AT THIS POINT, THE BIKE CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO STOP.