RoadVitals

2024 BMW K1600B

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1
Latest Aug 8, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 2, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 2024 BMW K1600B, most frequently naming the steering category. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 2 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1100.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V214000

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS

Apr 2, 2026
9,160 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2025 K 1600 GT, GTL, B and 2018-2025 Grand America vehicles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.
The risk: An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 25, 2026.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
24V165000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Feb 29, 2024
191 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1250RT, K 1600GT, K 1600GTL, and K 1600B motorcycles. The front spring strut may contain an incorrectly manufactured proportional valve that can loosen, and result in strut failure and a loss of stability.
The risk: A loss of stability while riding can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the strut production dates and replace the front spring struts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2025

I purchased this NEW BMW motorcycle on 7/26/2025. On my ride home from the dealership the safety incident occurred on the freeway trying to pass a semi with a trailer. All factory original equipment and only me on the motorcycle. While passing the semi the motorcycle started shaking out of control and I had to slow down to 40 mph in a 70 mph zone trying regain stability of the motorcycle. The dealership was now closed when this occurred. There were no freeways located by the dealership to test this scenario prior to purchase. I posted what occurred on a k1600 forum that night about the problem. I received hundreds of replies saying replace the windshield but it was a common problem even after replacement. Sunday 7/27/2025 I ordered a windshield. When the dealership reopened on 7/29/2025 I called to see what BMW suggests to correct the problem. The dealership told me BMW had no fixes. I said then I would like to return the motorcycle if BMW does not have a fix. They told me they would not return it, but that I should try and replace the windshield with a Klock Werks or 7 Juress windshield and that should fix the problem. I installed the windshield and with no crosswinds was able to pass a semi trailer on the freeway without incident. I felt more confident and continued to ride with hesitance. Then I rode with crosswinds and other traffic and tried to pass the tractor trailer going 60 mph and it did it again. I removed the footboard and tour pack/top pack. After removal it is no longer life threatening to pass a semi in cross winds. My problem is that being a new bike with all the equipment from the factory that the motorcycle should be safe to ride in any road condition. As an experienced rider of 30 years my fear is that in rain should this occur a rider could loose control and have a wreck. BMW needs to fix this problem for rider safety and the safety of others on the American road. I would really like the manufacturer BMW to return this motorcycle.

NHTSA ID
11679407
Incident
Jul 26, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

MC611125

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

After quality inspection it has been found that the reverser control unit PN 61 35 8 524 078 was installed ona number of units. This specific control unit was inadequately manufactured leaving a possibility of corrosionthat could lead to the reverser function failing particularly in more humid climates.

MC330424A

SUSPENSION

Delivery Stop 330008 is now associated with 33 04 24 Service Action: Check Suspension Strut

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW K1600B by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025110—
2024Viewing120—
2023210—
2022310—
2021010—
2020130—
2019631—
2018442149.4
2017010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.