2011 BMW R 1200 GS

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

POWER TRAIN

While under hard acceleration to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, the engine power suddenly cut out completely that created a dangerous situation and suddenly put me at risk for a collision. Fortunately, the vehicle I was passing noticed I had a malfunction and reduced speed allowing me to return back into my lane and safely coast to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was able to idle only, but turning the throttle had no effect as if the throttle cable had snapped. I had my vehicle towed back home and after inspection determined that the plastic throttle body cable pulleys on both throttle bodies have split in two pieces disabling the throttle cable's ability to open the butterflies on the throttle bodies. The plastic pulleys are brittle and obviously an inferior material used on a critical safety component. Part numbers 1354 7705239 and 1354 7705240. Online forums revealed that this is a very common failure on BMW motorcycle boxer engines with many owners suggesting preventative maintenance to reinforce the plastic throttle body cable pulleys with metal washers and JB weld or replace with aftermarket custom made alloy machine parts. This is a very common problem and can result in death or injury if the part fails on the wrong time. It blows my mind that BMW is ignoring such a well-known issue and not issuing a recall to replace the throttle bodies with upgraded parts that are safe.