BMW HAS issued a recall - or 'technical campaign' as bike makers prefer to call them - of R and K series models produced during a period spanning almost eight years.

The rear wheel flange may crack as result of brake disc bolts or wheel nuts being over-tightened, BMW says.

While BMW says the fault will only occur due to incorrect maintenance, the firm is to replace wheel flanges with 'a more robust part as a precaution'.

The recall applies to R and K series motorcycles produced between November 2003 and April 2011. It's understood to affect over 300,000 bikes globally including 23,000 in the UK.

Models include the phenomenally successful R1200GS.

A release from BMW said: 'As part of a technical campaign involving motorcycles of the R and K Series produced between 11.2003 and 04.2011, BMW Motorrad will replace the wheel flange of the rear suspension as a precaution.

'BMW Motorrad will inform all owners of the motorcycles affected. For customers the technical campaign is free of charge.

'Based on ongoing quality analyses, it was found that in the case of incorrectly carried-out maintenance work excessive torque may be applied to the brake disk bolts or to the nuts when changing wheels, contrary to the values specified in the BMW Motorrad repair instructions or operating instructions.

'Cracks and damage can occur in the wheel flange as a result of excessive torques. BMW Motorrad has therefore decided to exchange the wheel flange with a more robust part as a precaution.'