In a surprising development, BMW has issued a “stop sales” notice for both new and used motorcycles in North America, likely due to concerns over emissions compliance.
As of Thursday afternoon, the German car company still hasn’t issued a press release about the news. However, in a statement provided to GearJunkie, BMW of North America said it was issuing “a temporary, voluntary stop sale for all new and pre-owned BMW motorcycle models in dealer inventory, except for the CE 04.”
“Following a recent quality analysis, BMW is pursuing measures to further evaluate the material used in a component of its motorcycle evaporative system, which may not have been produced to material specifications,” the company said in the statement. “This temporary stop sale is not safety related and BMW owners may continue to ride their motorcycles as normal.”
The decision likely means that company managers found that several generations of BMW motorcycles weren’t compliant with emissions rules in the U.S. and Canada, according to speculation from Wes Fleming of BMW Owners News.
BMW Motorcycles: ‘Do Not Sell’
“The United States and Canada have similar emissions regulations, so my guess (and again, that’s all it is) is whatever the problem with the evaporative system is, BMW wants to remain compliant with current regulations,” Fleming wrote. “It’s likely the quickest thing for them to do was stop sales.”
American car dealerships have also started revealing the news. Hermy’s BMW Motorcycles, located in Port Clinton, Penn., made a Facebook post Tuesday about the notice.
A BMW dealership in Missouri has also told customers that the company won’t be selling gas-powered motorcycles, according to reporting from RideApart.
For now, those eager to buy a new BMW motorcycle might have to stay patient as the timeline for resolution remains unclear.
The company recalled over 18,000 motorcycles early this year after a faulty part led to crashes and several complaints. However, the current “stop sale” notice does seem to be about emissions, rather than safety.
Stay tuned for updates as they arise.
