Oh that's life! I paid $21,000 for my stupidity and trying to get back some of it by selling mine but so far no takers since 8 months. Only one guy showed up with cash and a trailer but he was a 5'4" tall 140 lb man couldn't even upright the bike from resting on it side stand and left... And one young lady showed up in a Tesla truck and she couldn't reach the floor to keep the bike upright without my help....So, that was the only 2 interested parties in 8 or 9 months. I dropped the price to $14,500 for a mint bike only at 4054 miles and still nobody. Oh well...
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Reverse gear recall problem
- Discussion starter Felix
- Start date
Star-Lord
Well-known member
As an example, and not sure if this is helpful:
I have two bikes, the FE Basic and the Model B
Both bikes had the Reverse Recall work performed; each earning a $1,000 compensation credit.
When I tried to use the combined credit of $2,000 towards the ($1,300) 719 Opt seat for the Model B; I had to pay the difference out of pocket of ($300), because the compensation credit can only be applied to a single VIN.
With the above mentioned; the dealership didn't seem to have an issue with me purchasing two pairs of the Machined Hand Levers with the 2nd or remaining $1,000 compensation credit... Each RSD Machined Hand Lever kit was just under $500 each.. so, basically I now have four (4) levers for a bike that has only two levers... Maybe my dealership sucks.... In short, it cost me $300 for the 719 Opt Heated seat and the machined levers for the two bikes...
I have two bikes, the FE Basic and the Model B
Both bikes had the Reverse Recall work performed; each earning a $1,000 compensation credit.
When I tried to use the combined credit of $2,000 towards the ($1,300) 719 Opt seat for the Model B; I had to pay the difference out of pocket of ($300), because the compensation credit can only be applied to a single VIN.
With the above mentioned; the dealership didn't seem to have an issue with me purchasing two pairs of the Machined Hand Levers with the 2nd or remaining $1,000 compensation credit... Each RSD Machined Hand Lever kit was just under $500 each.. so, basically I now have four (4) levers for a bike that has only two levers... Maybe my dealership sucks.... In short, it cost me $300 for the 719 Opt Heated seat and the machined levers for the two bikes...
Gr8adv
Well-known member
Nope the stupidity continues. By example my last watch purchase and my last bicycle purchase both cost more than you are asking for the TC.
To add, I have put more miles on my new PINARELLO in the last 3 months than I have in total on my 2021 FE.
I would lol but I think it would hurt.
425
New member
I like the Dimond comparison…and the sleek marketing idea of spending more for something that is not done right from the very beginning, so true... I have two BMW’s R51/2 and R69S and I am looking for an Airhead which is a legend in my eyes. Just like the cars nothing made in today is as used to be. A few weeks ago I was in a dealer in the UK to see what is there and by siting on an R18 I asked about the gearbox and they became uncomfortable and saying knowing nothing…. I say nothing and become used to such answers. I did a test ride long time ago and really like the R18 concept but it is designed in modern times and even replacement of a final drive seals is a tremendous task compared to my Bikes which I did my self with tools I made or ordered from the US. In my eyes the stamp Made in Germany is not longer connected with the quality and engineering ever was, I am talking about the automotive industry in general.
Every vehicle has flaws we have to live with but the last decades the automotive companies in Germany just decided on a different financial-customer approach. Even with a good discount and a risk for my financial future I didn't got one... And still I have a list somewhere when you buy one brand new what to look for and take care straight from the crate.
And it is a good idea a new page to be open in this forum with all the flaws to be addressed when brand-new, I just do not have time for anything right now
ScottH
New member
Where does it leave the folks who rely on the reverse function? Those who are left with a bike that's pretty much useless to them!
And what about those who bought their bike using BMW finance? Would they now have grounds for ending their agreement early without penalty and be able to return it to the dealership? I know they would within the first 6 months of ownership (under UK financial regs), but would that be extended to the full duration of a finance agreement in this case (if they relied heavily on the failed component)?
And what about those who bought their bike using BMW finance? Would they now have grounds for ending their agreement early without penalty and be able to return it to the dealership? I know they would within the first 6 months of ownership (under UK financial regs), but would that be extended to the full duration of a finance agreement in this case (if they relied heavily on the failed component)?
I agree. If this 950 lb bike was offered without a reverse I wouldn't touch it with a ten ft pole. Plus, as people over here knows I am trying to sell this bike but when I tell the bike have this reverse gear issue and non functional at the moment until an unknown time BMW offers a solution, people walking away. One cash buyer thought a lot about it and he changed his mind and bought himself a Harley instead of my bike...
BMW Financial Services should offer a payment relief until they offer a solution to the problem rather than offering $1000 worth credit for accessories or simply buy the damn things back by canceling the contracts.
Star-Lord
Well-known member
Each R18 owner can restore the reverse function, it's not a difficult job...
i.e. My bike has hardly seen rainy conditions (Garage Queen), so I'm not concerned about the possible failure of the Reverse module on my bike - so, I simply restored the Reverse functionality; especially since, I use the Reverse feature after each ride in order to back the bike into my garage.
i.e. My bike has hardly seen rainy conditions (Garage Queen), so I'm not concerned about the possible failure of the Reverse module on my bike - so, I simply restored the Reverse functionality; especially since, I use the Reverse feature after each ride in order to back the bike into my garage.
I was not worried about failure of my reverse too UNTIL service disconnected it by BMW's orders... Now pushing the R18 Transcontinental back out of the garage is not a fun job! Telling the prospective buyers "Oh btw reverse is not working because due to a recall BMW disabled it" is not helping to sell the bike either!
Star-Lord
Well-known member
My suggestion is (was) to buy the Machine Mirrors and the Reservoir Covers for your TC with the compensation credit; that will make for a small & very tasteful upgrade, without the bike looking molested...
Install the necessary wire(s) between the Reverse Motor and Reverse Relay module; the new owner can always choose to remove the Reservoir Covers and restore the original mirrors... But he/or she won't, because the RSD stuff looks badass...
On the Basic First Edition bike, the Service shop only removed the single positive (+) cable; however, on my Model B, they removed the Positive (+) and the Ground (-) cable, which lands on the Transmission housing and is a PITA to get to... But doable...
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Gr8adv
Well-known member
Agreed. Selling a bike with an active recall that has no apparent fix is DOA.
Fancy expensive mirrors is of little consequence to anyone, buyer or seller.
Even though on my 65 years of riding I have never even wished for reverse. Some people somehow seem to need it.
Edit. Oh and hooking it back up and telling the buyer not to worry because the chances of it catching on fire are slim, is not really a top drawer selling point.
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425
New member
I do not personally think BMW really care about the happiness of their customers but as much profit as possible, reliability and durable design are far behind nowadays….
Gr8adv
Well-known member
Star-Lord
Well-known member
I disagree... These R18 bikes ooze quality, far superior when compared to a similar HD model....
An R18 B compared side-by-side to a HD Street Glide... Phffff.. don't get me wrong, the HD Street Glide and the Road Glides are nice bikes, but way more expensive and require lots of upgrades.. the R18 B has tons of metal vs plastics.. lots of tech and comfort features beyond what a stock HD offers.
Just my thoughts.... I enjoy my R18 B a LOT..
KGR18
New member
I had the 1000 service a few weeks ago. The recall is to do with a potential corrosion of the wire housing. I have used reverse several times and it’s a great feature. At service they removed the function while they work on a fix. For the inconvenience, BMW offered an amount of money to spend on r18 accessories. I believe it was about 4% of the purchase price so it’s quite significant. They will fix the problem and replace it. We don’t yet have a timeframe which is why the gift/compensation for inconvenience. Very professional approach which reflects the brand. I read some of the threads where people say it’s not meant to be used regularly etc. This is all rubbish and have no idea where they got that info from.
KGR18
New member
Wrote to BMW. They’re a good company. I’m in Australia and warranty laws override written company/product warranties. That means BMW would honour the warranty regardless -especially if it’s so close to the written warranty time. They also have a recall on the part in Australia so I would think this should apply wherever you are.
twowheelerhealer
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2024
- Messages
- 45
- Location
- New Haven, CT
- Bike
- 2023 R1800 Transcontinental, 2019 K1600 Grand America, 1998 R1200C
Today is the first I've heard about the $1000.00 credit. 
Thanks, Forum members!
My reverse mechanism was disconnected earlier this week (Tuesday, 2/25)
while I was at the dealer for a wire to be connected to the battery for my heated gear.
Please let me know where I can get the inconvenience coupon. I haven't given up on TC yet.
I hope fixing the reverse function doesn't take as long as it did the headlight assembly.
I have places to ride coming up soon.
Thanks, Forum members!
My reverse mechanism was disconnected earlier this week (Tuesday, 2/25)
while I was at the dealer for a wire to be connected to the battery for my heated gear.
Please let me know where I can get the inconvenience coupon. I haven't given up on TC yet.
I hope fixing the reverse function doesn't take as long as it did the headlight assembly.
I have places to ride coming up soon.
Hammo
Active member
if you search through the forum you will find the compensation letter i placed there.
twowheelerhealer
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2024
- Messages
- 45
- Location
- New Haven, CT
- Bike
- 2023 R1800 Transcontinental, 2019 K1600 Grand America, 1998 R1200C
Thanks a ton for your reply. I searched all of your posts and couldn't find the compensation letter.
If you still have it, please attach it again. Due to the light assembly recall, my 2023 TC was landlocked at the dealer for 4 months.
The reverse recall did not appear on the BMW recall page during those four months, during which time I was obsessively checking for the remedy for the light assembly.
I never heard about the reverse issue until several weeks ago. I will document the history of the recall issues, including the compensation letter.
I have a great relationship with my dealer and get stellar service. I assume that if I produce the paperwork, the dealer will honor the compensation.
I rode over 4K in the last two weeks of July 2024. I used reverse frequently in the Adirondack Mountains, Smokey Mountain, and Blue Ridge Parkway, not to mention
numerous hotel parking lots.
If you still have it, please attach it again. Due to the light assembly recall, my 2023 TC was landlocked at the dealer for 4 months.
The reverse recall did not appear on the BMW recall page during those four months, during which time I was obsessively checking for the remedy for the light assembly.
I never heard about the reverse issue until several weeks ago. I will document the history of the recall issues, including the compensation letter.
I have a great relationship with my dealer and get stellar service. I assume that if I produce the paperwork, the dealer will honor the compensation.
I rode over 4K in the last two weeks of July 2024. I used reverse frequently in the Adirondack Mountains, Smokey Mountain, and Blue Ridge Parkway, not to mention
numerous hotel parking lots.
Star-Lord
Well-known member
Thanks a ton for your reply. I searched all of your posts and couldn't find the compensation letter.
If you still have it, please attach it again. Due to the light assembly recall, my 2023 TC was landlocked at the dealer for 4 months.
The reverse recall did not appear on the BMW recall page during those four months, during which time I was obsessively checking for the remedy for the light assembly.
I never heard about the reverse issue until several weeks ago. I will document the history of the recall issues, including the compensation letter.
I have a great relationship with my dealer and get stellar service. I assume that if I produce the paperwork, the dealer will honor the compensation.
I rode over 4K in the last two weeks of July 2024. I used reverse frequently in the Adirondack Mountains, Smokey Mountain, and Blue Ridge Parkway, not to mention
numerous hotel parking lots.
View attachment 17319
Yeah... There's like 9 different Reverse Recall threads happening...... I guess it's easier to start a new thread in the form of a question, rather than use the search function..
twowheelerhealer
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2024
- Messages
- 45
- Location
- New Haven, CT
- Bike
- 2023 R1800 Transcontinental, 2019 K1600 Grand America, 1998 R1200C
Thanks so much. The two recalls are surmountable. My nearly 5K on the TC has been spectacular,
and that's having a K1600GA in the garage and the joy of having had two GTLe's.
Ride safe,
Robert
and that's having a K1600GA in the garage and the joy of having had two GTLe's.
Ride safe,
Robert