Most motorcycles come with just two wheels and those components are crucial to the operation of the bike. That’s why BMW recalled 49,000 motorcycles in the U.S. and Canada.

The Associated Press reports that BMW initiated the recall covering several models produced between 2005 and 2011 after finding that the rear wheel can loosen.

BWM says the bolt that holds the rear wheel flange may be over-tightened, leading to a crack. If this occurs, the bolt can loosen resulting in an unsecured wheel.

The company first discovered the issue last summer after a motorcycle crash in Spain that left the rider and passenger bruised and scraped.

Recalled motorcycles include model year 2005 to 2010 R1200GS and R1200RT motorcycles, model year 2006 to 2010 R1200GS Adventure and model year 2007 to 2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport.

Also included in the recall are model year 2005 to 2007 R1200ST, model year 2008 and 2009 HP2 Megamoto, model year 2006 HP2 Enduro, model year 2008 to 2010 HP2 Sport, and model year 2005 to 2008 K1200S, model year 2006 to 2008 K1200R and K1200GT, as well as model year 2009 to 2011 K1300S, model year 2010 to 2011 K1300R, and model year 2009 and 2010 K1300GT.

Owners of affected models will be notified in April and a dealer will replace the aluminum flange with a steel part.

A BMW spokesperson says, in the meantime, owners should check their rear wheel flanges for cracks. If none are found, the bike is safe to ride until recall repairs can be finished.

BMW Recalls Nearly 49K Motorcycles; Rear Wheel Can Loosen [The Associated Press]

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