2015 BMW R 1200 RT

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.

NHTSA ID

11479890

Incident

Mar 12, 2022

MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAT 30,000 MILES AND IS LESS THAN FOUR YEARS OLD BUT THE FROM TPMS SENSOR HAS COMPLETELY FAILED AND NO LONGER READS ANY TIRE PRESSURE. I HAVE A CONSTANT TPMS FAILURE LIGHT ON MY DASH BOARD. A REPLACEMENT SENSOR IS OVER $200 NOT INCLUDING LABOR FOR INSTALLATION AND REPROGRAMMING OF THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER.

NHTSA ID

11208944

Incident

Oct 1, 2018

Mileage

25,000 mi

AFTER FIRST 200 MILES OIL WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE REAR SHOCK DYNAMIC ESA SYSTEM. CONFIRMED BY DEALERSHIP AND APPROVED FOR REPLACEMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID

10706379

Incident

Apr 12, 2015

Mileage

200 mi

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1. The new maintenance schedule is not limited to vehicles affected by the SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), but is valid for all K5x models - including retroactively. In case of retroactive validity (model year 2023 and older), affected customers will be informed about the change. This will be in the form of a direct-to-customer letter with a description of the new maintenance schedule, specific owner’s manual insert, and consumer warranty book insert. 1. For vehicles affected by SI 33 02 22 (SERVICE ACTION: Swingarm Drain retrofit and Driveshaft Check), this service action must be performed first. All conditions described in this bulletin apply after the open Service Action has been completed. No additional communication is required for K5x models model year 2024 and onwards. Those models have the new maintenance schedule in their owner’s manual.

Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions.

BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving.

The Sirius(r) Satellite Radio is inoperative.

The options in the Reversing Assist Camera menu are greyed out and cannot be adjusted.