bmw k 1600 gtl Problems

bmw k 1600 gtl 2012 Complaints

COMMUNICATIONS:HORN ASSEMBLY

tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw k1600 gtl motorcycle. the contact stated that while driving 72 mph, he engaged the horn and attempted to change lanes, but the driver of another vehicle was unable to hear the horn, almost resulting in a crash. the contact stated that the horn output was not loud enough to be heard by other drivers while driving at highway speeds. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the horn was operating adequately. the contact also stated that the vehicle should be equipped with a third brake light. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 520.

Reported in: FORT WAYNE IN || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061206CZ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

i have significant safety issues with my 2012 triumph tiger 800 abs. it relates to engine stalling. others have reported similar problems on internet forums, and so i have decided to file a safety complaint. i have had my tiger 800 for several weeks, and have put on about 1500 miles. on two separate occasions i have had issues with stalling. on both occasions i had been riding on relatively hot days (85 degrees f) for several hours. i had no issues with overheating. suddenly and without warning, my bike began to stall every time i rolled off the throttle. the bike would not idle. every time i rolled off the throttle, the tachometer would plummet to zero and the bike would stall. it happened while stopped, either in neutral or in gear with the clutch disengaged. it even happened while slowing for tight turns unless i kept the engine rpm's up. it became a significant safety issue, as at times i had to clutch and rev the engine to keep the bike from stalling in intersections. if my bike stalls in an intersection, i could easily be injured or killed. i communicated with triumph usa. they are unable to help until i bring the bike in to a dealer for analysis, but they did not admit to any particular or widespread problems with stalling. when i mentioned all of the forum reports regarding this issue, they discounted them as often inaccurate or misleading by nature. i guess this might be true to some degree, but i can assure you that when the stalling problem is happening to you, the internet reports take on added significance. i will be bringing my bike in for service. however, with so many similar complaints, i felt it warranted to file a safety complaint. (my bike is not a bmw, your internet form is not working properly and did not allow any other choice of motorcycle).

Reported in: THURMOND NC || Crash: N || VIN #: SMTE05BF5CJ

SUSPENSION

the motorcycle has a pronounced pull to the left. so much so that the bike will wander into oncoming traffic if there is any inattention. *kb

Reported in: WILMINGTON DE || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

STEERING

the motorcycle has a pronounced pull to the left. so much so that the bike will wander into oncoming traffic if there is any inattention. *kb

Reported in: WILMINGTON DE || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

STEERING

the bike has pulled to the left from the time i purchased it. bmw dealer tested it and verified the pull to the left. last week a steering part was replaced and the dealer said it was fixed. after riding it i know that it is not fixed. still pulls to the left - perhaps not quite as much as before the "repair". *kb

Reported in: BOTHELL WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

STEERING

my brand new bmw motorcycle pulls hard to the left at all speeds. this causes extreme fatigue to my arms and back. the left pull will take the bike across the center lane rapidly unless constant pressure is applied to the right bar to keep the bike going straight. numerous owners are reporting that their brand new bikes are doing the same thing. so far, bmw has not acknowledged that this is a problem. i believe this is a big safety issue as the bike goes left very quickly unless constant pressure is applied to the handlebars to force it go straight. other owner's are reporting very strange tire wear to the front tire. *kb

Reported in: KANSAS CITY MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061104CZ

WHEELS

Reported in: KANSAS CITY MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061104CZ

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

on turning on the ignition key in my garage, the fuel pump was audible, and the bike failed to start when the starter button was pressed. immediately i noticed a very large torrent of gasoline pouring out of the bottom of the engine, right over the exhaust headers, which were fortunately not yet hot. the amount of gasoline lost was around 1 liter, before i realized what was happening, and turned off the ignition key. fortunately, no fire resulted as i rolled the bike out of the pool of gasoline and on out of the garage. after the bike was towed to the dealer, bob's bmw in jessup, md, i was informed today that the technician found that the hose clips that attach the fuel hose to the fuel rail were missing. the part assembly involved is bmw part # 13537723527. this defect, which the technician said was factory-assembled by bmw in germany, not at the dealer, was thus present when the bike was delivered new to me. this represents a potentially life-threatening risk of a severe gasoline vehicle fire and explosion. i request that bmw be required to inspect all of the k1600 series bikes from this factory to ascertain how many of them were shipped with this extremely hazardous defect. the factory should institute new procedures to guarantee that these motorcycles cannot be shipped in this hazardous condition to unsuspecting buyers.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061107CZ

POWER TRAIN

had a bad oil leak from the transmission on the left side of the bike. new transmission was installed by bmw dealer. bad oil and coolant fluid leak from the right side of the motorcycle. new pump was installed. the bike was out of service at the dealer for 2.5 months to fix it.

Reported in: BOCA RATON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061207CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

left and right handlebar controller quits functioning. the left controller houses the horn, turn signals, cruise control, bright lights, fog lamps, traction control, hazard warning flashers, and the damping on the motorcycle among other things that are not so hazardous such as radio volume and wind shield height. right handlebar controller houses the engine cutoff switch, riding mode (rain, dry, dynamic) which controls the responsive of the bike, and less critical items such as the power locks for luggage compartments. these have been replaced five times on my bike since being put service july 2012 and traveling 13k miles -- got to give the credit for trying but engine cutting out, horn quitting, blinkers quitting, etc is probably a highway safety issue. below are two links, one is a video of the bike stalling on a major and crowded interstate -- illustrates the danger. 2d is another link showing complaints by others and lack resolution after multiple replacement switches. http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-general-discussions/18657-engine-quit-me-freeway.html http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-general-discussions/5614-switches-handle-bars.html i assume you can ask bmw motorcycles how many of these switches have been replaced and get the real data and maybe an answer as to a solution to make these bikes safer.

Reported in: LILBURN GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Reported in: LILBURN GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Reported in: LILBURN GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

POWER TRAIN

excessive driveline backlash through gear box or driveshaft. result, i nearly crashed on the motorway at a lower speed when managing the bike on an off the throttle. the suspension gets unbalanced with the kangarooing of the bike back and forward when in gear and going from a power to engine breaking vice versa situation. i have been riding for 20 years and this is the most dangerous driveline i have every felt and did not at all feel safe riding it. experience bmw motorcycles in auckland sold the bike but still maintain its normal!! go figure. took the bike to the motor vehicle dispute tribunal and with an independent test ride they deemed the bike to be not of acceptable quality and not fit for purpose. apparently they are all like this?? bmw are setting themselves up for a law suit here.

Reported in: AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND AL || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1060106CZ

ENGINE

three (3) k1600 gtl sudden engine cutoff events that i experienced on june 14, and june 16, 2013. this documents a significant safety concern on my 2012 bmw k1600gtl. in three separate events, my k1600gtl engine shutdown at full speed (75 mph, 55 mph) while on the throttle with no advance notice. all three events were 'on the throttle' events - not coasting. the bike engine shutdown abruptly and the bike jolted forward. i had to take evasive action during all three events to get to the side of the road. i consider them to be significant near misses that could have caused a crash. immediately upon getting the bike off the road, the bike would not start immediately. however, as soon as i switched the ignition key to off, then on, the bike started right up and i was able to ride. the dealer indicated the fix was a software upgrade, to eliminate a problem with the throttle valve control software or program. i had asked if this was a known upgrade, he was sure. i posed the following questions to the dealer and am awaiting a reply: 1. five (5) service bulletins on the bike are noted on the nhtsa website. are there actually five service bulletins on the bike? have all five of these service bulletins been applied to my bike? 2.did the throttle valve software have a known problem? was there actually a software or firmware upgrade you applied to the motorcycle computer or was the original revision number of the software simply reloaded into the bike computer as there was a bug shown on the diagnostic computer? 3.reports of this type of event for bmw k1600 gtl/gt owners. i acknowledge others have had this problem as noted on the forum, and here is a video of one other rider - my situation was identical to this. http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=wryfi9ebu8w.

Reported in: ALLENTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061202CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: ALLENTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061202CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my bmw k1600gtl has experienced four (4) failures of the electrical control switches on the handlebars. the first failure was on the left side causing the left turn signal to not function. the second failure was of the replaced left handlebar cluster causing the high beam (headlights) to not function. the third switch failure was again on the left switch cluster on the turn signal cancel switch causing the turn signals to function for 0.2 miles until they self canceled. this was the most hazardous situation as other vehicles would attempt to pull in front of me thinking i was signaling for a turn. the most recent failure has been the right handlebar switch cluster and failure of the central locking system. this failure is not significant, but this switch cluster also controls the engine management modes as well as the start/engine kill switches. failure of either one of those switches could be detrimental. 5 switches (some safety related) in 2 years is excessive.

Reported in: MARYVILLE TN || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061205CZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

my bmw k1600gtl has experienced 3 failures of the multi-purpose electrical control switch on the left handlebar and 1 failure of the multi-purpose switch on the right handlebar. the left handlebar failures were the high/low beam switch 2 times and the menu button 1 time. the right handlebar failure was the mode switch that controls engine mapping for road, dynamic and rain. i was told by two bmw motorcycle dealership employees that these failures are very common and bmw denies there is a problem. the issue with these switches are safety related because failure of the functions they provide can lead to an unsafe condition, e.g., turn signal, high/low beam, horn, wind screen height, engine mapping, engine kill switch, etc.

Reported in: PLANTATION FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: PLANTATION FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

the switch for the signals ( left turn ) stop functioning. i was 30 miles from home and had to use hand signals.

Reported in: AUDUBON PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061203CZ

ENGINE

i was riding down the highway and the engine suddenly quit. this happened eight times within 400 miles.

Reported in: ANCHORAGE AK || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061100CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

turn signals will not turn off by switch once activated. this causes an unsafe condition, as traffic could enter from the right or left assuming the motorcycle operator intends to turn, causing the potential for a broadside collision which would likely cause injury or death to the motorcycle operator. the turn signal first presented this defect during a relatively hot day (90 degree) and during cooler weather worked normally. now the condition is more recurring even at lower temperatures. the turn signal switch is part of the left multi-function switch housing. *js

Reported in: APO AE || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061204CZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Reported in: APO AE || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061204CZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

unable to lower wind screen. left hand switch failed, screen stuck in lower position subjecting rider and passenger to heavy rain and wind during cross country trip. the switches on the bmw k1600 motorcycles often fail, e.g. bike turns off, cruise control doesn't work, turn signal inoperable. dealer, morton's bmw tells me these switches continue to fail on numerous k1600s. switches are not available after 6 weeks of being "on order" *jb

Reported in: CATLETT VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061106CZ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Reported in: CATLETT VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061106CZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

i was traveling at highway speed on a busy interstate, when i went to pass a car. i twisted the throttle and the bike began to gain speed normally, and then suddenly it lost all power. i was able to get out of the way of other traffic and coast onto the shoulder, where i discovered the engine was actually still running, but the throttle control was completely inoperative. an indicator light on the dash was illuminated, which, according to the manual, meant the engine had gone into "emergency operation mode." after shutting the bike off and restarting a few times, it returned to normal operation. when i took it to the dealer to have the problem checked out, they said the history confirmed that the bike had lost electronic throttle control for the fly-by-wire system, but was functioning properly now. they were unable to suggest any possible causes or fixes for the problem, or predict when, or if, it will happen again. the service tech literally shrugged his shoulders at me and sent me on my way. i know motorcycles are inherently dangerous, but this is a potentially life-threatening flaw. *jb

Reported in: WENTZVILLE MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: WENTZVILLE MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WB106120XCZ

WHEELS

the motorcycle "pulls" severely to the left at all times when in motion resulting in driver fatigue and pain in arms and shoulders from constant counter-steering. the bike has been to the dealer many times for this problem and they report that bmw doesn't consider it a problem and will not fix it. this is an ongoing problem since the motorcycle was purchased new in june of 2011.

Reported in: BOTHELL WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

SUSPENSION

Reported in: BOTHELL WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

STEERING

Reported in: BOTHELL WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061208CZ

STEERING

tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw k 1600 gt. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to pull to the left. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that they could not diagnose the cause of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 200. ## vin passed ## bmw k 1600 gt 2012 ##

Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061103CZ

STEERING

this motorcycle has a hard left pull, and has had it from day of delivery. bmw has not made any effort to fix. the requirement to constantly countersteer can be dangerous and potentially fatal.

Reported in: ROCKY RIVER OH || Crash: N || VIN #: WB1061203CZ

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