BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

anyone else had the recall notice regarding the sticking kill switch ?

Mine was delivered in April with a sticking switch. Replaced at 600 mile service.

How long ago was that?  I've just got my letter today

I picked mine up in April. Kill switch and ignition switch were US. No problem with replacement.

Maz12 wrote: How long ago was that?  I've just got my letter today

Thats odd.  Asked my dealer this afternoon and they have no record of a switch recall.  Who was the  letter from. Recall ones come directly from BMW.  Thousands of switches have been replaced over the last 2 or 3 years but only when they fail, never under any recall programme 

Mine wasn't a recall. Just a duffer from the delivery.

12.11.2014
Dear Customer


I am writing to inform you that your BMW motorcycle has an outstanding recall
Within the framework of quality monitoring. BMW has ascertained that when latched, the rocker switch in the right multifunction switch assembly can stick in the EMERGENCY OFF position.
If this happens considerable pressure subsequently has to be applied to operate the starter button, in rare cases it can mean it is not possible to start the engine.
Right multifunction switches of improved design will be fitted to your bike to rectify this issue.


It then goes on to say,  contact the service dept to arrange to have the work done free of charge and it takes about 30 mins.
This was from my dealer

Very interesting letter.  I have had the stiff (solid) switch syndrome on a 1600 as have many others. They are always replaced without question under warranty no matter how old the bike. I think your dealer has reacted to the technical bulletin put out by BMW.  Good  on them 

Alan Jefferies are my dealer and are first class...  Always been fair with me

Just seen the technical bulletin from BMW.  It points out that all twin cylinder bikes with the one switch indicator system (that's 2010 models onwards) could have a defective right hand multi switch where the  starter rocker switch can go very stiff. It effects all bikes manufactured before 6 May 2014. Dealers have been told to replace the complete switch if it fails or at the bikes next service.   

As a precaution, have given the kill switch a squirt of ACF-50 & checked the rocker action.

Had a problem with the windscreen control on the LHS switch. The bike had been outside overnight in the rain & I guess some water may have got into the switch.
The screen had a mind of it's own & would drive down without touching the switch. Gave the switch a squirt of ACF-50 & had no further problems.

Every time I wash mine I try to remember to give each set of switches a liberal squirt of WD40.

I'm sure the odd squirt wont do the switches any harm but I suspects wont help either. When the starter switch goes it just suddenly goes as part of the rocker mechanism breaks and the only cure is a new one. I have had 2 go, both on 1600s.  The first was the kill bit that although it hadn't been touched disable the bike. The only cure was a trip in the back of a  van to the dealers. The second was the more normal near solid starter switch on a 2 month old bike.  This doesn't normally strand you in the middle of nowhere, just gives you a sore thumb.     

Found this thread on the BMW LT site, "Bypass Bad Or Defective Start Switch".

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/rt-series/7 ... witch.html

DaygloDavid wrote: Found this thread on the BMW LT site, "Bypass Bad Or Defective Start Switch".

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/rt-series/7 ... witch.html

Wonder why he didn't just bump start it.