2020 BMW R 1250 GS Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 100%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS, 100% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11311520, filed 2020-02, 75 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11308994, filed 2020-02, 8,200 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397766, filed 2021-02, 6,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11524570, filed 2023-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11701398, filed 2025-11Related recalls
- 20V476000Aug 13, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front…Covers: BMW R 1250 GS 2019–2020, R 1250 RT 2019–2020, R1250 GS Adventure 2019–2020 +2 more
- 20V166000Mar 19, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 RnineT Scrambler and RnineT, 2020 R1250R and R1250RS, 2019-2020 Rnine T Pure, R1250GS,R1250GS…Covers: BMW R 1250 GS 2019–2020, R Nine T 2018–2020, R 1250 RT 2019–2020 +3 more
- 20V146000Mar 12, 2020BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 F900R, F900XR, S1000RR, F750GS, F850GS, F850GS Adventure, R1250GS, R1250GS Adventure, R1250RS…Covers: BMW R 1250 GS 2020, S1000 R 2019–2020, S 1000 RR 2020 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10228448Nov 8, 2022BMW 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.
- 10200496May 19, 2021During operation of the rear wheel foot brake lever, the rider feels a soft pressure point or perceptibly longer lever travel
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 100% |
| 2019 | 12 | 80% |
← All problems reported for the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology