Research, research and research about it.
I thought I had done due diligence before purchasing mine. I love the bike, and am not sure what I'll get next. I'm going out of town this coming week, but when I get back I'll sit down with a Lemon Law Attorney to have BMW take mine back.
I've had it since April and have had:
1. 5 water pumps on it (known issue, BMW has not come up with a replacement but re-installs the same part number each time)
2. Right switch cluster. They fail in the heat and can and will leave you stranded. BMW has a superceded part number. That one hasn't failed yet on mine, but I don't trust taking it far from the dealer on any trips (not what I had intended for a "Sport Touring bike". See video on youtube where one failed on a rider in Arizona. He had a go pro cam going.
3. Left switch cluster. They fail in the heat. Mine failed Wednesday. The windshield won't work, the horn won't work, the right blinker won't work, and the I can't cancel the left blinker. It will be back in the shop upon my return from my trip this next week.
On the switch clusters it has been told that one can take contact cleaner and spray on the clusters or set a bag of ice on them for 15 minutes and the switch will work. This didn't work at all for me.
K1600forum.com has many many of the above tails. I will say that BMW has not hesitated to make each one right; however, I don't trust the bike to not leave me on foot. Did I get a lemon? I am beginning to believe I haven't and that BMW has serious problems on this bike. I believe each one of my problems listed above are a when it will occur instead of if. Newer bikes (built later in 2013) should have the newer switch clusters and not fail. The waterpumps, nope. One on the BMW forum tells of taking one out for a test ride putting 16 miles on it only to bring it back with a leaking water pump.
I think one will find issues with any bike no matter what the brand, especially a new model for the manufacturer. My hopes are they'll iron the wrinkles out on the newer models and have a solid bike. That is exactly why I waited for the 2012 to come out. Perhaps I should've waited for the 2013 or 2014.
Now why a lawyer to help me with the lemon law? In Texas, the bike has already met the requirements to qualify which will be a no brainer; however, BMW won't volunteer to cover my expenses, tax title and license, etc. that I've paid due to their bike. The lawyer will ensure that is covered. I'm not sure if I'll get my money back or take the next newer model. I love the bike, and assuming the issues are ironed out, I'd take the newer one. I'm watching and reading and reading.