BMW R1200 RT stalling problems

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

When starting my BMW motorcycle it normally can be started in two modes: (1) in neutral or (2) In gear with the clutch handle pulled back to the handlebar and the clutch disengaged. However, my BMW 2015 BMW R1200RT motorcycle will NOT engage the starter motor to start the engine with the Clutch handled pulled back to the handlebar which disengages the clutch. The problem was noticed at 17,500 miles and several others have reported the same issues. BMW Motorcycles refuses to repair this latent/systemic safety defect in the BMW dual microswitches (actually two are contained within one physical unit), BMW part number 32728537609. This failure puts a rider at severe risk when the BMW motorcycles that have this switch and it is in a failed state when the motorcycle stalls in traffic. The rider must quickly shift the transmission into neutral to enable the starter motor to engage and restart the engine. This is difficult to do as one attempts to quickly shift the transmission into neutral, restart the engine, shift the transmission into gear, and move forward with traffic. BMW is aware of this critical safety issue that affects several years and models of their motorcycles but instead either sells a new dual microswitch for $103.86 or installs it with labor for a total charge of $246.36 (Cal-Moto, Livermore, CA). There was no warning this dual microswitch was beginning to fail, only total failure. BMW motorcycle dealers are well aware of this issue and many are out of stock given the demand for the replacement dual microswitch, p/n 32 72 8 537 609.

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Fuel system · 52,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2005 BMW R 1200 RT. The contact stated while starting the motorcycle and it began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle was not drivable. The motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The motorcycle was repaired. The contact stated that on 7/2021, he noticed fuel leaking from the fuel pump onto the engine. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V617000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2017 · Electrical · 35,000 miles · AZ · fire

Vehicle began exhibiting engine stalling symptoms for about a month (engine dies without warning as if ignition had been cut) during city driving, while turning and pulling into a parking space at about 5 MPH, the vehicle engine quit along with instrument panel going blank. Electrical smoke began to billow between the front forks. This lasted for about 10 seconds. After getting the vehicle home, I discovered that the fire appeared to have originated in the ignition wiring harness somewhere between the front forks. The harness wrap appears to have friction wear indications exposing bare wiring. The faulty wire melted the insulation all the way from the ignition switch down into the main wiring harness that is routed under the fuel tank.

Filed Dec 8, 2016 · Fuel system · 1,300 miles · FL

Fuel sensor shows you have fuel when it has none and let's you run out and stall in the middle of the interstate. Bmw has an extended recall where they will replace the defective fuel strip with the same defective fuel strip. I have had this done for the past three years and they say they have no intentions of coming up with a replacement part that actually solves the problem. They seem to think they are untouchable because they have made this extended warranty which keeps processes which could be put in place to make them repair the problem other than if enough people would contcact the federal trades commission at 1‑877‑382‑4357 and make a complaint and if enough people did they could make them straighten out this problem which they are calling a defective product. Thanks for any help or input.

Filed Oct 12, 2016 · Fuel system · 6,000 miles · MI

Vehicle has 6000 miles on it. Previous owner had a receipt from the dealer showing the fuel level sensor had been replaced under warranty. Fuel indicator shows 1/4 tank of fuel, and engine computer shows 92 miles range. Vehicle stalled at an intersection, out of fuel. I was able to push the motorcycle out of traffic, but it could have been a dangerous situation.

Filed Aug 21, 2015 · 27,456 miles · FL

The motorcycle started stalling after I would disengage the clutch to slow down or stop. It would not start back up unless I turned the throttle and held the RPM's above 1500. The bike would not idle unless I kept the throttle partially open. I brought the bike to the dealer and they re-flashed the computer and up-graded the software. That lasted 2 weeks and the stalling started back again. All re-calls for this bike were performed by bmw. No trouble codes were shown to exist on the bikes ecu when tested by the dealers scan equipment. I have since replaced: spark plugs, idle actuators (2), cam position sensor, fuel pump controller, fuel pump, and battery. The motorcycle has a little over 32,000 miles on it now. Some of the parts replaced did cure the stalling problem temporarily, but it always came back. I have since parked the motorcycle because the stalling scares me and my girlfriend when it unexpectedly happens in traffic. It is absolutely dangerous! I know from reading posts online from fellow bmw motorcycle owners that many others who own the r 1200rt made from 2005-2009 have this same stalling problem. As far as I know bmw has not re-called my year and model bike to force the dealers to fix this problem.

Filed Feb 23, 2013 · Fuel system · 7,864 miles · OH

Fuel gauge failed, again, causing potential stalling in traffic creating dangerous situation.

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Engine · 25,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw r1200rt motorcycle. The contact stated that whenever stopped and in first gear, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was able to be restarted immediately. The failure recurred as often as once a month. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they would have to keep the vehicle for inspection of the failure. The manufacturer was notified who but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed May 25, 2012 · Fuel system · 42,772 miles · OH

Engine began stalling frequently at end of riding season (fall 2011) when the engine was at its normal operating temperature. Engine stalling occurred when decelerating with clutch engaged or at idle, engine would not return to normal idle speed without stalling. The engine was serviced/maintained by an authorized local bmw motorcycle dealer on 3/10/2012 ? 3/13/2012 with hopes that engine would return to normal operating behavior for the following riding season (2012). This service/ maintenance included but was not limited to bmw inspection with annual service, includes all fluids and valve adjustment and throttle body synchronization. But on 5/6/2012 the bike was ridden on its first long ride of the season. After riding approximately 65 miles the bike began to have the same symptoms as during the last ride in the fall of 2011. On 5/8/2012 the bike was taken to the same local bmw motorcycle dealer that performed the annual maintenance in march. During the week of 5/15/2012 the bike was diagnosed, repaired and available to be picked up on 5/18/2012. The diagnosis from the dealer's service technician is stated on the service invoice as follows: plastic fuel connector had hairline crack causing fuel cut relay to not activate when decelerating causing engine to stall. Upgraded plastic fuel connector with metal connector. Parts replaced were bmw part numbers: 16 12 1 176 918:hose clamp 13 53 7 700 800:plug (metal fuel line male connector) n/a:fuel hose cut 1ft.

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Brakes · 77,400 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw r1200 rt. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact attempted to down shift but the vehicle would not shift gears. As a result, the vehicle would not decelerate until the contact began to repeatedly apply pressure to the clutch. As the contact was moving the vehicle from the roadway, it stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to his residence and an authorized dealer was contacted. The dealer advised that either the master cylinder or the slay cylinder was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 77,400.