NHTSA Complaint #10671553 — 2009 BMW R1200 RT

WHEN SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR, THE ENGINE SPEED DROPPED TO IDLE AND I LOST ALL POWER AND THE ABILITY TO CONTROL ENGINE SPEED. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW AS THE BIKE WOULD ONLY IDLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION AFTER I GOT THE BIKE HOME, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC PULLEYS ON THE THROTTLE BODIES HAD SHEARED OFF. THIS REQUIRES REPLACEMENT OF THE THROTTLE BODIES. I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THE PULLEYS ARE PLASTIC. PREVIOUS MODELS WERE METAL AND MOST CARS/BIKES USE METAL, WHICH WOULD BE MORE RESISTANT TO FAILURE. TO QUOTE ANOTHER COMPLAINT: "IF OR WHEN THE PLASTIC FAILS, THERE IS NO THROTTLE AND THE ENGINE GOES TO IDLE, THUS CREATING AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD IF ONE IS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND UNABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE. IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE THE RIDER COULD BE FORTHRIGHTLY IN HARM'S WAY AND ENDANGERED. THIS SHOULD BE AN URGENT RECALL ISSUE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE PLASTIC PART WITH A SOLID CABLE PULLEY WHICH WILL NOT BREAK. PREVIOUS MODELS USED METAL CABLE PULLEYS WHICH DID NOT FAIL." THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGER. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN ACCELERATING BEHIND ME, I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED. BMWS INTRANSIGENCE IS MIND BOGGLING. *TR