2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 21%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, 21% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In motion at any speed and on any surface in any lane the motorcycle drifts to the left. This requires constant steering input to the right to counteract the pull to the left. This constant steering input leads to early fatigue of the rider's arms and causes a distraction that is completely unnecessary. This has happened since day 1 and whenever I mention it to a mechanic they either tell me I am wrong or that it is normal. I have owned many motorcycles over the last 30 years and this is the only one that has ever had this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11130992, filed 2018-09, 1 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10429394, filed 2011-10, 14 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10543150, filed 2013-09, 12,040 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10577912, filed 2014-04, 4,500 miles“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 .”
NHTSA complaint #10429391, filed 2011-10Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology