2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL has 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is fuel system problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: on turning on the ignition key in my garage, the fuel pump was audible, and the bike failed to start when the starter button was pressed. immediately i noticed a very large torrent of gasoline pouring out of the bottom of the engine, right over the exhaust headers, which were fortunately not yet ho. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.
44
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.2x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
FUEL SYSTEM
10 complaints- • ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HO
- • AFTER RETURNING FROM A RIDE, I NOTICED A FUEL SMELL. I LOCATED DROPS OF FUEL BENEATH THE BIKE AND BEGAN TO TRACE THE LIQUID TO IT'S SOURCE. THE SOURCE WAS A CRACKED FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHERE A THREADED FITTING WAS INSTALLED. BMW ISSUED A RECALL ON 2012 K1600 GTLS, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE MY VIN. BMW CUSTOM
- • FUEL PUMP FAILURE; GAS WAS GUSHING ( APPROX. ONE-HALF LITER IN 2 MINUTES OUT OF BOTTOM OF MOTORCYCLE ON TO VERY HOT EXHAUST PIPE. VERY LUCKY BIKE DID NOT IGNITE GAS THAT WAS LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY FUEL PUMP.BIKE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET (GREENFIELD AND BASELINE; GILBERT, AZ 85234 AT 1;00PM). TUR
“ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HO”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL
Based on 36 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 5K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
STEERING
FUEL SYSTEM
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw K 1600 GTL Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2012 K 1600 GTL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 44 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: ON TURNING ON THE IGNITION KEY IN MY GARAGE, THE FUEL PUMP WAS AUDIBLE, AND THE BIKE FAILED TO START WHEN THE STARTER BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED A VERY LARGE TORRENT OF GASOLINE POURING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST HEADERS, WHICH WERE FORTUNATELY NOT YET HO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW K1600 GTL MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH, HE ENGAGED THE HORN AND ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES, BUT THE DRIVER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO HEAR THE HORN, ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN OUTPUT WAS NOT LOUD ENOU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A PRONOUNCED PULL TO THE LEFT. SO MUCH SO THAT THE BIKE WILL WANDER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC IF THERE IS ANY INATTENTION. *KB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: I HAVE SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY 2012 TRIUMPH TIGER 800 ABS. IT RELATES TO ENGINE STALLING. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON INTERNET FORUMS, AND SO I HAVE DECIDED TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. I HAVE HAD MY TIGER 800 FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, AND HAVE PUT ON ABOUT 1500 MILES. ON TWO SEPARATE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw K 1600 GTL — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 44
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 20
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Bmw K 1600 GTL