Illustration1- THE MOTORCYCLE HAS AN EXTREME WOBBLING FROM 60 TO ABOVE MPH WHILE BEHIND ANY LARGER VEHICLE (SUV AND TRUCKS) IN THE HIGHWAY. 2- THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A VERY STRONG PUSH TO THE LEFT AT ANY SPEED, CAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL IF NOT 100% HOLDING THE HANDLEBAR IN STREET OR HIGHWAY.
2018 BMW K1600B
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all K1600B years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200–25K
025–50K
150–75K
175–100K
0100–150K
0150K+
22 reports with mileage · 15 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
37 reportsI WAS TRAVELING ON MY MOTORCYCLE IN 6TH GEAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. I HAD TO DO AN EMERGENCY STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SINCE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR, I WAS VERY LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY WITH NO THROTTLE RESPONSE.
MOTORCYCLE IS UNSTABLE ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH AND HAS A WOBBLE AND CAN BE HARD TO CONTROL. WHEN CONDITIONS ARE WINDY OR YOU ARE BEHIND OR SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION IS WORST. IT FEELS LIKE THAT YOU MAY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALERSHIP MECHANIC NOTICED THE SAME CHARACTERIS…
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MOTORCYCLE IS UNSTABLE ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH AND HAS A WOBBLE AND CAN BE HARD TO CONTROL. WHEN CONDITIONS ARE WINDY OR YOU ARE BEHIND OR SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CONDITION IS WORST. IT FEELS LIKE THAT YOU MAY LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND DEALERSHIP MECHANIC NOTICED THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS. DEALERSHIP CONTACTED BMW AND BMW STATED THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE MOTORCYCLE TO EXHIBIT THIS BEHAVIOR. ISSUE STARTED HAPPENING WITH 10 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 180 MILES ON IT.
THE MOTORCYCLE IS NOT STABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MOTORCYCLE WOBBLES CONSISTENTLY LIKE BEING BUFFETED BY HIGH WINDS OR DRIVING ON GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE INSTABILITY FLOWS THROUGH TO THE HANDLEBARS ALSO. CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY KNOW OF NO ISSUES, AS WELL AS BMW. THE MOTORCYCLE IS NOT SAFE, BUT NO O…
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THE MOTORCYCLE IS NOT STABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MOTORCYCLE WOBBLES CONSISTENTLY LIKE BEING BUFFETED BY HIGH WINDS OR DRIVING ON GROOVED PAVEMENT. THE INSTABILITY FLOWS THROUGH TO THE HANDLEBARS ALSO. CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY KNOW OF NO ISSUES, AS WELL AS BMW. THE MOTORCYCLE IS NOT SAFE, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOW BEEN CONSISTENT FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED AND CONTINUES AT 5,000 MILES.
TURBULENT AIR FROM TRAFFIC CAUSE THE FRONT END AND HANDLEBARS TO MOVE ERRATIC AND WOBBLE IN AN UNSAFE MANNER IN THE LANE. THIS HAPPENS AT 70MPH TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE BEHIND A GROUP OF CARS AND TRUCKS ON HIGHWAYS, FREEWAYS AND TURNPIKES. THIS IS A CONSTANT SITUATION. THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON MY OTHER BMW MOTORCYCLES, ONLY THI…
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TURBULENT AIR FROM TRAFFIC CAUSE THE FRONT END AND HANDLEBARS TO MOVE ERRATIC AND WOBBLE IN AN UNSAFE MANNER IN THE LANE. THIS HAPPENS AT 70MPH TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE BEHIND A GROUP OF CARS AND TRUCKS ON HIGHWAYS, FREEWAYS AND TURNPIKES. THIS IS A CONSTANT SITUATION. THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON MY OTHER BMW MOTORCYCLES, ONLY THIS NEW MODEL. THIS INSTABILITY IS SOMETHING THAT BMW WAS AWARE OF PRIOR TO PRODUCTION BECAUSE THEY PLACED A SPEED LIMITER ON THIS MOTORCYCLE. HOWEVER, IT POSES A DANGER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THIS INSTABILITY AND MOVEMENT IN THE FRONT END.
ON (FIRST EVER) RIDE HOME IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE I DROVE ALL HIGHWAY AND WAS HORRIFIED WITH A "DEATH" WOBBLE, ESPECIALLY IN "DIRTY AIR". BIKE ALSO PULLS TO LEFT, ESPECIALLY OVER 40MPH. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND MANAGER AND TECHNICIAN BOTH RODE BIKE AND IMMEDIATELY PUT BIKE ON A SERVICE RACK AND TRIED TO FIND A PROBLEM. MANAGE…
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ON (FIRST EVER) RIDE HOME IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE I DROVE ALL HIGHWAY AND WAS HORRIFIED WITH A "DEATH" WOBBLE, ESPECIALLY IN "DIRTY AIR". BIKE ALSO PULLS TO LEFT, ESPECIALLY OVER 40MPH. TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND MANAGER AND TECHNICIAN BOTH RODE BIKE AND IMMEDIATELY PUT BIKE ON A SERVICE RACK AND TRIED TO FIND A PROBLEM. MANAGER DESCRIBED HIS RIDE "AS IF YOU ARE RIDING ON A GROOVED ROAD". UNFORTUNATELY THEY FOUND NO OBVIOUS PROBLEM(S). THEY ADVISED THAT I (AND THEY ALSO OPENED A CASE WITH BMW) OPEN A CLAIM WITH BMW, AND I DID. BMW'S ONLY AND FINAL RESOLVE WAS "WE'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO, AND ARE CLOSING YOUR CASE". I PAID OVER $30,000 CASH, MY WIFE WON'T (NOR I) RIDE ON THE BIKE BECAUSE IT IS UNSAFE AND ALTHOUGH THE DEALER IS AND HAS DONE EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, I OWN A 30K LEAD WEIGHT ! BMW DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO EVEN TRY TO RESOLVE THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE !
PURCHASED THIS NEW BIKE AND WITHIN 600 MILES IT DEVELOPED A FRONT END WOBBLE. THIS IS THE 3RD WEEK IN THE SHOP AND BMW CORPORATE STATES THE ISSUE IS INHERENT TO THE BIKE. BMW CALLED TODAY AND SAID THEY ARE REVIEWING AND MAY GET BACK IN A WEEK.
Official recalls
119V692000 · Power Train:manual Transmission
Oct 1, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. This could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Double gear engagement or transmission damage can cause the rear wheel to lock up, affecting the vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed November 1, 2019. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA19003 · Steering Oscillation
Opened Oct 11, 2019 · Closed Jan 16, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar; Suspension; Suspension:front
On October 11, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 19003 to investigate reports of steering oscillations in model year (MY) 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles. Complainants alleged steering oscillations (wobble and shake) and instability while traveling at highway speeds that were exacerbated while riding in traffic. ODI opened the EA, upgrading its PE19002 investigation, to evaluate the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect and potential testing options. ODI sent an Information Request containing several technical questions about testing and simulation that BMW conducted during development and production of the subject vehicles. BMW provided responsive details that were reviewed and analyzed by engineers both in ODI and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). BMW provided documentation that confirmed that during the design phase, it had conducted extensive testing and simulations to evaluate and quantify the aerodynamic (wind) loads and overall stability. BMW continues to research aerodynamic improvements that can help reduce effects from turbulent air. In the meantime, to mitigate undesirable effects from aerodynamic loads and other vehicle dynamic forces at excessively high speed, BMW limited the K1600 Grand America variant to approximately 100mph. All produced vehicles of this variant have this speed limitation.Recently, a peer motorcycle was recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V836 for high-speed stability concerns. Like BMW's design for the K1600 Grand America, the recall remedy involved applying a speed restriction. VRTC, in coordination with ODI, mailed out questionnaires to 98 owners of K1600 motorcycles in the State of Ohio. Questions relevant to the investigation included: time of ownership, accumulated mileage, how owners handled potential issues, service received for potential issues, and any crashes of the subject vehicles. VRTC received 44 responses to the questionnaires from owners of the subject vehicles. Of the 44 questionnaire responses, 10 owners responded that they had experienced some form of motorcycle instability, which was relevant to this EA. Of those 10 owners, all were able to safely adjust to the instability without a vehicle crash or injury. At this time, no crashes or injuries have been associated with allegations of steering oscillation or instability. This includes 24 complaints that relate to this issue in MY 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles, which ODI reviewed during NHTSA’s PE19002 and EA19003 investigations. ODI also reviewed complaints about the subject vehicles, which BMW provided to ODI in the form of Field Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Warranty Claims. ODI reviewed a combined 41 unique complaints (removing duplicate complaints) that alleged instability, and none of the complainants indicated an associated vehicle crash or injury. The oscillation occurs during high highway speed (well beyond any US-speed limit), and NHTSA received reports that the operators can adjust their speed to regain full control of their motorcycles without a known crash or injury.Based on the available information, NHTSA is closing this investigation without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Steering
On October 11, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 19003 to investigate reports of steering oscillations in model year (MY) 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles. Complainants alleged steering oscillations (wobble and shake) and instability while traveling at highway speeds that were exacerbated while riding in traffic. ODI opened the EA, upgrading its PE19002 investigation, to evaluate the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect and potential testing options. ODI sent an Information Request containing several technical questions about testing and simulation that BMW conducted during development and production of the subject vehicles. BMW provided responsive details that were reviewed and analyzed by engineers both in ODI and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). BMW provided documentation that confirmed that during the design phase, it had conducted extensive testing and simulations to evaluate and quantify the aerodynamic (wind) loads and overall stability. BMW continues to research aerodynamic improvements that can help reduce effects from turbulent air. In the meantime, to mitigate undesirable effects from aerodynamic loads and other vehicle dynamic forces at excessively high speed, BMW limited the K1600 Grand America variant to approximately 100mph. All produced vehicles of this variant have this speed limitation.Recently, a peer motorcycle was recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V836 for high-speed stability concerns. Like BMW's design for the K1600 Grand America, the recall remedy involved applying a speed restriction. VRTC, in coordination with ODI, mailed out questionnaires to 98 owners of K1600 motorcycles in the State of Ohio. Questions relevant to the investigation included: time of ownership, accumulated mileage, how owners handled potential issues, service received for potential issues, and any crashes of the subject vehicles. VRTC received 44 responses to the questionnaires from owners of the subject vehicles. Of the 44 questionnaire responses, 10 owners responded that they had experienced some form of motorcycle instability, which was relevant to this EA. Of those 10 owners, all were able to safely adjust to the instability without a vehicle crash or injury. At this time, no crashes or injuries have been associated with allegations of steering oscillation or instability. This includes 24 complaints that relate to this issue in MY 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles, which ODI reviewed during NHTSA’s PE19002 and EA19003 investigations. ODI also reviewed complaints about the subject vehicles, which BMW provided to ODI in the form of Field Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Warranty Claims. ODI reviewed a combined 41 unique complaints (removing duplicate complaints) that alleged instability, and none of the complainants indicated an associated vehicle crash or injury. The oscillation occurs during high highway speed (well beyond any US-speed limit), and NHTSA received reports that the operators can adjust their speed to regain full control of their motorcycles without a known crash or injury.Based on the available information, NHTSA is closing this investigation without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
On October 11, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 19003 to investigate reports of steering oscillations in model year (MY) 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles. Complainants alleged steering oscillations (wobble and shake) and instability while traveling at highway speeds that were exacerbated while riding in traffic. ODI opened the EA, upgrading its PE19002 investigation, to evaluate the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect and potential testing options. ODI sent an Information Request containing several technical questions about testing and simulation that BMW conducted during development and production of the subject vehicles. BMW provided responsive details that were reviewed and analyzed by engineers both in ODI and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). BMW provided documentation that confirmed that during the design phase, it had conducted extensive testing and simulations to evaluate and quantify the aerodynamic (wind) loads and overall stability. BMW continues to research aerodynamic improvements that can help reduce effects from turbulent air. In the meantime, to mitigate undesirable effects from aerodynamic loads and other vehicle dynamic forces at excessively high speed, BMW limited the K1600 Grand America variant to approximately 100mph. All produced vehicles of this variant have this speed limitation.Recently, a peer motorcycle was recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V836 for high-speed stability concerns. Like BMW's design for the K1600 Grand America, the recall remedy involved applying a speed restriction. VRTC, in coordination with ODI, mailed out questionnaires to 98 owners of K1600 motorcycles in the State of Ohio. Questions relevant to the investigation included: time of ownership, accumulated mileage, how owners handled potential issues, service received for potential issues, and any crashes of the subject vehicles. VRTC received 44 responses to the questionnaires from owners of the subject vehicles. Of the 44 questionnaire responses, 10 owners responded that they had experienced some form of motorcycle instability, which was relevant to this EA. Of those 10 owners, all were able to safely adjust to the instability without a vehicle crash or injury. At this time, no crashes or injuries have been associated with allegations of steering oscillation or instability. This includes 24 complaints that relate to this issue in MY 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles, which ODI reviewed during NHTSA’s PE19002 and EA19003 investigations. ODI also reviewed complaints about the subject vehicles, which BMW provided to ODI in the form of Field Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Warranty Claims. ODI reviewed a combined 41 unique complaints (removing duplicate complaints) that alleged instability, and none of the complainants indicated an associated vehicle crash or injury. The oscillation occurs during high highway speed (well beyond any US-speed limit), and NHTSA received reports that the operators can adjust their speed to regain full control of their motorcycles without a known crash or injury.Based on the available information, NHTSA is closing this investigation without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Suspension
On October 11, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 19003 to investigate reports of steering oscillations in model year (MY) 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles. Complainants alleged steering oscillations (wobble and shake) and instability while traveling at highway speeds that were exacerbated while riding in traffic. ODI opened the EA, upgrading its PE19002 investigation, to evaluate the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect and potential testing options. ODI sent an Information Request containing several technical questions about testing and simulation that BMW conducted during development and production of the subject vehicles. BMW provided responsive details that were reviewed and analyzed by engineers both in ODI and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). BMW provided documentation that confirmed that during the design phase, it had conducted extensive testing and simulations to evaluate and quantify the aerodynamic (wind) loads and overall stability. BMW continues to research aerodynamic improvements that can help reduce effects from turbulent air. In the meantime, to mitigate undesirable effects from aerodynamic loads and other vehicle dynamic forces at excessively high speed, BMW limited the K1600 Grand America variant to approximately 100mph. All produced vehicles of this variant have this speed limitation.Recently, a peer motorcycle was recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V836 for high-speed stability concerns. Like BMW's design for the K1600 Grand America, the recall remedy involved applying a speed restriction. VRTC, in coordination with ODI, mailed out questionnaires to 98 owners of K1600 motorcycles in the State of Ohio. Questions relevant to the investigation included: time of ownership, accumulated mileage, how owners handled potential issues, service received for potential issues, and any crashes of the subject vehicles. VRTC received 44 responses to the questionnaires from owners of the subject vehicles. Of the 44 questionnaire responses, 10 owners responded that they had experienced some form of motorcycle instability, which was relevant to this EA. Of those 10 owners, all were able to safely adjust to the instability without a vehicle crash or injury. At this time, no crashes or injuries have been associated with allegations of steering oscillation or instability. This includes 24 complaints that relate to this issue in MY 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles, which ODI reviewed during NHTSA’s PE19002 and EA19003 investigations. ODI also reviewed complaints about the subject vehicles, which BMW provided to ODI in the form of Field Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Warranty Claims. ODI reviewed a combined 41 unique complaints (removing duplicate complaints) that alleged instability, and none of the complainants indicated an associated vehicle crash or injury. The oscillation occurs during high highway speed (well beyond any US-speed limit), and NHTSA received reports that the operators can adjust their speed to regain full control of their motorcycles without a known crash or injury.Based on the available information, NHTSA is closing this investigation without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Suspension:front
On October 11, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 19003 to investigate reports of steering oscillations in model year (MY) 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles. Complainants alleged steering oscillations (wobble and shake) and instability while traveling at highway speeds that were exacerbated while riding in traffic. ODI opened the EA, upgrading its PE19002 investigation, to evaluate the severity and frequency associated with the alleged defect and potential testing options. ODI sent an Information Request containing several technical questions about testing and simulation that BMW conducted during development and production of the subject vehicles. BMW provided responsive details that were reviewed and analyzed by engineers both in ODI and at NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). BMW provided documentation that confirmed that during the design phase, it had conducted extensive testing and simulations to evaluate and quantify the aerodynamic (wind) loads and overall stability. BMW continues to research aerodynamic improvements that can help reduce effects from turbulent air. In the meantime, to mitigate undesirable effects from aerodynamic loads and other vehicle dynamic forces at excessively high speed, BMW limited the K1600 Grand America variant to approximately 100mph. All produced vehicles of this variant have this speed limitation.Recently, a peer motorcycle was recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V836 for high-speed stability concerns. Like BMW's design for the K1600 Grand America, the recall remedy involved applying a speed restriction. VRTC, in coordination with ODI, mailed out questionnaires to 98 owners of K1600 motorcycles in the State of Ohio. Questions relevant to the investigation included: time of ownership, accumulated mileage, how owners handled potential issues, service received for potential issues, and any crashes of the subject vehicles. VRTC received 44 responses to the questionnaires from owners of the subject vehicles. Of the 44 questionnaire responses, 10 owners responded that they had experienced some form of motorcycle instability, which was relevant to this EA. Of those 10 owners, all were able to safely adjust to the instability without a vehicle crash or injury. At this time, no crashes or injuries have been associated with allegations of steering oscillation or instability. This includes 24 complaints that relate to this issue in MY 2018-19 BMW K1600 motorcycles, which ODI reviewed during NHTSA’s PE19002 and EA19003 investigations. ODI also reviewed complaints about the subject vehicles, which BMW provided to ODI in the form of Field Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Warranty Claims. ODI reviewed a combined 41 unique complaints (removing duplicate complaints) that alleged instability, and none of the complainants indicated an associated vehicle crash or injury. The oscillation occurs during high highway speed (well beyond any US-speed limit), and NHTSA received reports that the operators can adjust their speed to regain full control of their motorcycles without a known crash or injury.Based on the available information, NHTSA is closing this investigation without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.