The legal climate in the US in regards to Recalls has changed, which has probably forced BMW to comply. Both GM and Honda (cars) were severely fined for not recalling vehicles that had problems so it can also happen to a motorcycle maker.
Mike Kneebone, president of the Iron Butt Association, posted a picture of BMW final drive failure that happened during a Bun Burner Gold attempt during the IBA Daytona Beach Party. It was ugly -- there was way more oil on the rear tire than I had on mine after the shock seal failed.