2002 BMW R Series Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 38%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 BMW R Series, 38% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,300 miles.
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.
“Clutch to transmission input shaft splines failed on my 2002 Bmw r1150rt motorcycle. Sudden loss of power due to failure of the splines which connect the clutch plate to the transmission input shaft. Fortunately I was on a side street which wasn't busy and near home. No accident resulted due to location where failure occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10296924, filed 2009-12, 43,000 miles“Final drive crown bearing failed. Excess axle movement damaged seal, final drive oil leaked out over tire, oil on motorcycle tire is dangerous. I was lucky. There is lots on internet activity on this, there have been crashes and fires reported but I do not have personal knowledge of any. Vehicle is 2002 Bmw r1150rs same final drive design used on all r and k models for many years.”
NHTSA complaint #10208674, filed 2007-11, 42,300 miles“Operating under normal driving condition at speed below 40 MPH. Vehicle loss all power from engine to transmission. Engine still operates and revs normally, but no engine power is transferred to transmission. Transmission still shift proper into each gear in the gearbox. Vehicle towed to main line Bmw motorcycle, diagnosed with failure of clutch and drive shaft spline interface. Clutch and transmission input shaft replaced, transmission rebuilt under vehicle factory warranty (2 year/30,000 mi.).”
NHTSA complaint #10447569, filed 2012-02, 28,900 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 38% |
Other parts of the 2002 BMW R Series
← All problems reported for the 2002 BMW R Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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