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2012 BMW K 1600 Gtl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Compare all K 1600 Gtl years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

25 reports with mileage · 8 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

2 reports
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17,000 miles · Sep 5, 2013
Electrical SystemVehicle 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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10542125

5,000 miles · May 21, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

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…

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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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512968

Official recalls

4

21V060000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Feb 8, 2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V471000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 10, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V617000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 12, 2013

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

13V526000 · Electrical System:software; Engine; Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 25, 2013

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Engine

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Electrical System:software

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Vehicle Speed Control

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012 K1600 GT and K1600 GTL motorcycles. In certain riding conditions, an incorrect throttle valve control signal may be received by the engine control unit, limiting the engine speed.

Consequence: As a result of the reduced engine speed, the engine could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the throttle control software, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in December 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA13006 · Fuel Leak - Motorycle

Opened Jul 12, 2013 · Closed Jan 31, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337