BMW has sent out a formal technical bulletin for model year 2014 R 1200 RT sport touring motorcycles. Specifically, those fitted with the ESA option. The main component of the rear suspension, the rear spring strut, has been identified as having a potential defect and must be replaced. BMW is advising owners not to ride their RTs until such time as the rear strut component has been replaced. Although the flaw has been identified, no injuries have been reported to date because of this issue. Instead, BMW is heading this problem off at the proverbial pass. Official statement from BMW as follows:

Official Release: BMW Motorrad USA is notifying all owners of the current R 1200 RT, model year 2014, fitted with the Dynamic ESA option that there is a potential defect in the rear spring strut. At the present time it cannot be ruled out that the piston rod of the rear spring strut in connection with the Dynamic ESA option could potentially fail. For this reason, customers are not to ride their motorcycle until further notice. This is a precautionary measure which BMW Motorrad is taking in the interests of customer safety based on a supplier report. To date, there have been no injuries related to this issue. Approximately 804 vehicles are affected by this advisory in the US. A technical campaign is in preparation to replace the part in question.

Customers who have any questions about this campaign are instructed to contact their authorized BMW motorcycle dealer.  Should they require any additional assistance, they may also contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417, or via Email at CustomerService@bmwmotorcycles.com.

Source: BMW