2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Electrical system Problems

“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. …”

“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. …”

“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. …”

“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”

“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. …”