What 4 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 BMW R1200 RS

Motorcycle Engine Control Unit (ECU) is experiencing control logic faults and forces the engine into low power "Limp Mode" operation. In my case, several of these events occurred at ~18,000-miles (May 2020) and the servicing could find no mechanical or electrical problem. The manufacturer recommended re-programming of ECU. At 27,000 (July 2021) the same control logic faults (21F961 & 21F971) occurred again. Additional fault events and limp mode operation have occurred since. The transition to Limp Mode may protect the engine, but the rapid loss of engine power when traveling on multi-lane highways places the motorcyclist at extreme risk of being rear-ended by following traffic. In addition, in many areas, there is minimal berm.

NHTSA ODI 11432413

The engine control unit is activating "Limp Mode" operation (reduced power/low rpm) forcing the operator to navigate traffic with minimal power. First events (4~5 times) occurred in May 2020 at odometer reading of 18000~18200. The engine control unit (ECU) had stored fault codes, 21F961 & 21F971 "Throttle Valve #1 Out of Range". The Dealership consulted with BMW and was directed to update the ECU. The Dealership noted several other occurrences of this problem and reported that hardware changes had not been very successful. The Dealership suggested trying the software upgrade. In 2021, "Limp Mode" operation was activated in August 2021 at ~27500 miles and twice in September 2021 at ~28500. The stored ECU fault codes are the same as in 2020, 21F961 & 21F971, indicating the same problem. As owners of similar BMW models (R1200 RT, R1200 GS & R1200 R) have noted in their reports, the sudden shift to "Limp Mode" in Interstate or multi-lane highway traffic is going to kill some unfortunate rider in the future.

NHTSA ODI 11431802