2021 Bmw R 1250 R Safety Report

2021 BMW R 1250 R shows low complaint volume but recurring adaptive cruise control malfunctions.

5Complaints
1Recalls
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Electrical System (1)Wheels,Service Brakes,Engine (1)Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

The 2021 BMW R 1250 R exhibits a relatively clean safety record based on the limited NHTSA data available, with only 5 total complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The overall safety picture is positive, though it's important to note that motorcycles typically have fewer complaints than cars due to lower sales volumes. The most common complaint pattern revolves around the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, specifically the adaptive cruise control (ACC) malfunctioning, as evidenced by 2 out of 5 complaints. This issue, described as the ACC intermittently dropping off or failing, poses a significant safety concern, especially on a motorcycle where sudden engine braking could lead to rear-end collisions. Recall history for this model includes one recall related to 'EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS'. This recall, affecting the 2021 R 1250 R and several other BMW motorcycle models, addresses tire pressure labels that may not remain affixed. While not directly impacting the motorcycle's mechanical operation, the absence of readily available proper tire pressure information could lead to improper inflation, potentially affecting handling and increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is a relatively minor safety concern compared to mechanical failures. NHTSA crash test performance ratings are not available for the 2021 BMW R 1250 R, which is common for motorcycles. Therefore, an assessment of its crashworthiness cannot be made based on these ratings. Despite the low complaint count, the recurring issue with the adaptive cruise control system warrants attention, as it directly impacts rider control and safety during operation. The other complaints are more varied, touching on electrical system issues, service indicator warnings obscuring the display, and lack of maintenance information.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Bmw R 1250 R receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Adaptive Cruise Control (Acc) Malfunction
Adaptive cruise control intermittently drops off or fails, leading to sudden engine braking and potential collision risk.
High Occasional new-unknown miles
Service Indicator Warning Obscures Tft Display
Service indicator warning window blocks access to critical display information like fuel levels and range, posing a hazard.
Medium Rare unknown miles
Tire Pressure Label Detachment
Recall for tire pressure labels that may not remain affixed, potentially leading to improper tire inflation.
Low Common new miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R:

Forward Collision Avoidance 40% of complaints

Adaptive cruise control system malfunctions, including intermittent drop-offs and failures during use.

Electrical System 20% of complaints

Issues related to electrical components, including turn signal operation and display functionality.

Unknown Or Other 20% of complaints

Complaints regarding lack of maintenance information in the owner's manual.

Recall Details for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R by NHTSA:

Equipment:Other:Labels
Campaign #20V495000 20/08/2020

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars."

Consequence: If the label detaches from the motorcycle, proper tire pressure information may not be readily available. This could result in the rider improperly filling the tires which may affect motorcycle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Forward Collision Avoidance
09/05/2024

Original owner, purchased July 2021. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) continues to drop off intermittently after numerous complaints to BMW service techs and BMW Customer Relations since new. Attempts to repair include dealer 'recalibration' and software updates none of which have solved the issue. When in use, ACC suddenly, without warning drops out leaving driver to actively recover previous spee...

ODI #11612822
Electrical System
10/17/2023

Page 67 of the BMW Motorad Owners Manual describes operation of the "self," cancelling , "Comfort turn indicators" as follows: After the turn signal is pushed to the right or left, the turn signal indictors automatically turn off under the following conditions: -Speed is under 18mph; after a distance of 165Ft is covered. -Speed is between 18 mph and 60 mph: after a speed dependent distance is cov...

ODI #11550398
Unknown Or Other
09/18/2022

The service indicator warning window obscures access to the TFT-display and the rider cannot use or see the display controls which include fuel tank levels, range etc. This is a potential hazard for an operator. The problem is exacerbated by limited availability of service appointments and in my case, the local dealer has been unable to upgrade/fix the BMW software needed to reset the service warn...

ODI #11485081
Forward Collision Avoidance
09/06/2021

The distance control on the cruise control will just fail while in use. Going through Atlanta with cruise set at 65 MPH in traffic and it just fails (alert pop up too) and throttle goes to zero which on a motorcycle means immediate engine braking. Nearly get run over by car behind me. Has been to the dealer and they did a calibration and said it was fine only for it to return in about 200 miles. T...

ODI #11431889
Wheels,Service Brakes,Engine
09/06/2021

BMW is selling a motorcycle with no information to the user on how to maintain it. The manual doesn't even have basic maintenance procedures or torques. You can't even get a service CD from the dealer. If the bike can't maintained or you do something wrong it could fail on the road and possibly kill you. I thought there were laws that you didn't have to have the bike serviced by the dealer or if s...

ODI #11431888

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

Is the 2021 BMW R 1250 R safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 BMW R 1250 R has a low complaint volume of 5 total, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. However, there are recurring complaints about the adaptive cruise control system malfunctioning, which is a significant safety concern. There is also one recall for tire pressure labels.

What are common problems with the 2021 BMW R 1250 R?

The most reported issues for the 2021 BMW R 1250 R are related to the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (40% of complaints), specifically the adaptive cruise control intermittently failing. Other issues include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (20%) and concerns about the lack of maintenance information (20%).

Has the 2021 BMW R 1250 R been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 BMW R 1250 R has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V896000) concerning EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, where tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle.

How does the adaptive cruise control issue affect safety?

The adaptive cruise control issue, reported in 2 out of 5 complaints, can cause the system to drop off or fail unexpectedly. On a motorcycle, this can lead to immediate engine braking and a sudden loss of throttle, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end collision, especially in traffic.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2021 BMW R 1250 R has a low overall complaint count, potential buyers should be aware of the reported adaptive cruise control malfunctions and ensure any recall for tire pressure labels has been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Bmw R 1250 R

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Bmw R 1250 R. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Analysis last updated: 2026-03-28