2018 BMW K 1600 GTL
2 recalls — 20 complaints — 31 TSBs
26V214000 Apr 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 25, 2026. 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 Ma... Read more
19V692000 Oct 1, 2019
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Defect Description
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... Read more
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 ... Read more
Complaint Statistics
20 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN | 3 |
| ENGINE | 2 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
POWER TRAIN
Jun 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot. As I was moving backward, at approximately 3 to 5 feet, the reverse function suddenly stopped propelling the motorcycle backward c... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
At the end of April, 2026, I was using the 'Reverse Gear' function to assist with parking the motorcycle. I needed to move back about 15 feet into the parking spot. As I was moving backward, at approximately 3 to 5 feet, the reverse function suddenly stopped propelling the motorcycle backward c... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE
May 13, 2022
Incident date: May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K1600 GTL motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle inadvertently shifted into limp mode. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the thro... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 28, 2021
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL Motorcycle. The contact stated fuel was leaking from intake. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to the NHTSA ... Read more
STEERING
Apr 28, 2021
Incident date: Jun 20, 2020
WHILE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60+MPH) NEAR SEMI TRUCK TRAFFIC. THE AIR FLOW COMING OFF OF THE TRUCK WOULD IMPACT THE MOTORCYCLE, THE BIKE WOULD WOBBLE SIGNIFICANTLY MAKING IT VERY HARD TO CONTROL AND ON THE CUSP OF LOSING CONTROL. THE SAME WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THERE WERE CROSS WINDS O... Read more
ENGINE
Sep 22, 2020
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K-1600. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE MOTORCYCLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, RESTARTED THE MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENCE. THE MOTORCYCL... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 26, 2020
Incident date: Oct 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE PROBLEM WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF ROAD AND AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTE... Read more
ENGINE
Aug 26, 2020
Incident date: Oct 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE PROBLEM WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF ROAD AND AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTE... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Feb 26, 2020
Incident date: Oct 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K1600 GTL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V692000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW MOTORCYCL... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Jan 23, 2020
Incident date: Jan 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A BMW K1600. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V-692000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. AN UNKNOWN DE... Read more
SUSPENSION
Sep 5, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL. WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WOBBLING IN THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION WAS MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE RIDING BEHIND A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. THE MOTORCYCL... Read more
STEERING
Sep 5, 2019
Incident date: Jul 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL. WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE STARTED TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WOBBLING IN THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION WAS MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE RIDING BEHIND A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. THE MOTORCYCL... Read more
STEERING
Apr 17, 2019
Incident date: Apr 6, 2019
THIS IS A NEW, 2018 MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER ON 4/6/2019 WITH 6 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AFTER A SHORT TEST RIDE THROUGH SEVERAL SHORT BACK-ROADS AROUND THE DEALERSHIP I DECIDED TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. UPON LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP AND HEADING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE IS... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 25, 2018
Incident date: Jul 18, 2018
VEHICLE UNSTABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER,. DEALER MADE ATTEMPTS TO FIX BY BALANCING WHEELS THAT DID NOT HELP. THEN REPLACED TIRES AND THAT ALSO DID NOT HELP. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND NOT GETTING PROPER RESPONSE FROM BMW TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. ATTACHED INVOICE FOR WORK DONE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 27, 2018
Incident date: May 9, 2018
THIS VEHICLE IS A MOTORCYCLE. WHEN STARTING ENGINE FROM A STATIONARY POSITION, WHILE IN NEUTRAL, THE THROTTLE GETS STUCK REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 3000 RPM. CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL OR DECELERATE/ACELERATE THROTTLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 24, 2018
Incident date: May 23, 2018
WHEN TURNING THE ENGINE ON THROTTLE DOSE NOT RESPOND, IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES NOTIFY DEALER THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 1, 2018
Incident date: Mar 30, 2018
I OWNED A 2012 MODEL OF THIS BIKE FEW YEARS BACK AND I HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS ONLY APPARENT IN THIS MODEL OF BMW BRAND BIKES. THIS PROBLEM WELL KNOWN IN THE BMW RIDERS COMMUNITY AS "PULLING TOTHE LEFT" ISSUE ONLY ON K1600GTL MODEL BIKES SINCE YEARS. SOME PULLS EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND SOME ... Read more
STEERING
Apr 1, 2018
Incident date: Mar 30, 2018
I OWNED A 2012 MODEL OF THIS BIKE FEW YEARS BACK AND I HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS ONLY APPARENT IN THIS MODEL OF BMW BRAND BIKES. THIS PROBLEM WELL KNOWN IN THE BMW RIDERS COMMUNITY AS "PULLING TOTHE LEFT" ISSUE ONLY ON K1600GTL MODEL BIKES SINCE YEARS. SOME PULLS EXTREMELY AGGRESSIVE IN NATURE AND SOME ... Read more
STEERING
Apr 1, 2018
Incident date: Feb 7, 2018
BMW INTRODUCED THE K1600 MOTORCYCLE IN 2011. AT THAT TIME CLOSE TO 50% OF THE UNITS SURVEYED (210 OUT OF 424) WANT TO STEER LEFT (INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC), UNLESS YOU COUNTER STEER TO THE RIGHT. HERE IS A LINK TO THE ONLINE POLL AND SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSION BY THE OWNERS: HTTP://WWW.K1600FORUM.COM... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jan 30, 2018
Incident date: Dec 17, 2017
MOTORCYCLE HAS A DELAY IN WIRELESS THROTTLE WHICH WILL NOT ENGAGE ENGINE CAUSING DELAYS IN TAKING OFF & CAUSING VEHICLE IN-OP & LAYING MOTORCYCLE DOWN FROM LACK OF POWER OR RUNNING, 1 ST TIME IN PARKING LOT WITH PASSENGER NO THROTTLE RESPONSE ,HURT LEFT KNEE & LEG TRYING TO KEEP MOTORCYCLE UP RIG... Read more
Technical Service Bulletins — 2018 BMW K 1600 GTL
31 manufacturer communications from 20 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 7 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 4 |
| 060000 ENGINE (PWS) | 3 |
| 118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 3 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 2 |
| 353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM) | 2 |
| 200000 WHEELS | 1 |
| 135000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | 1 |
B611305
Jan 11, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho
MC610522
Dec 8, 2022
200000 WHEELS
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update.
SIB610522
Jul 26, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated.
SIB170222
Jun 1, 2022
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).
SIB610117
May 6, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Electric Systems.
MC710122
Apr 26, 2022
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Emission Control Information.?
MC660114
Sep 3, 2021
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
BMW Motorrad has ascertained that Keyless Ride radio keys produced before March 28, 2014 have faulty software. This can result in the radio key ceasing to work; resulting in the engine not being able to start. If the radio key stops working
MC610821
Jul 13, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit.
MC660118
Jun 17, 2021
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down
MC64010520
Jan 29, 2018
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Incorrect tire pressure appears in the instrument cluster. Contamination or obstruction of the RDC sensor.
MC62719932
Jun 1, 2016
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Engine sysmbol stays on after software update. Software error which is resolved with upgrade.
MC62719932
Jun 1, 2016
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine sysmbol stays on after software update. Software error which is resolved with upgrade.
MC62571524_03
Apr 1, 2016
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
During programming ith ISTA/P software version3.58.2.001. a programming abort occurred. Afterwards the vehicle is inoperative and can no longer be started. Repeated programming is not possible with this tversion. Software bug.
MC53528266
Jan 1, 2016
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Engine warning lights come one when the vehicle is in motion. Throttle Fault "Comparison fault adapted values" is stored in memeory. Reprogramm DME.
MC62133778
Dec 1, 2015
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Map data should be stored on a 64 GB SD card. In GARMIN Express the note appears that a maximum of 32 GB is possible.
MC62133778
Dec 1, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
Map data should be stored on a 64 GB SD card. In GARMIN Express the note appears that a maximum of 32 GB is possible.
MC62223559
Oct 1, 2015
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Ticking noises can be heard from the motorcycle speakers and also from the Bluetooth communication system when a Navigator V is in the cradle. Lin Messages are transmitted through the cradled Navigator at high volume.
MC62223559
Oct 1, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
Ticking noises can be heard from the motorcycle speakers and also from the Bluetooth communication system when a Navigator V is in the cradle. Lin Messages are transmitted through the cradled Navigator at high volume.
MC61326053
Oct 1, 2015
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
After activation of the alarm system, the turn indicators remain on for 1 minute with integration levels higher than k001-15-03-510.
MC60577201
Jun 1, 2015
135000 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
When riding faster thatn 100mph, the armrest folds up and blocks the view in the mirror. A catch is missing.
MC61461571
Jun 1, 2015
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Mist forms in the headlight. This is due to condensation and goes away again.
MC6132605
Jun 1, 2015
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
MC6132605
Jun 1, 2015
353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
MC6132605
Jun 1, 2015
126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
After activation of th ealarm system, the turn signals remain on for 1 minute. Previously they turned off automatically. Software malfunction.
MC60577201
Jun 1, 2015
350000 EQUIPMENT
When riding faster thatn 100mph, the armrest folds up and blocks the view in the mirror. A catch is missing.
MC60577201
Jun 1, 2015
135200 VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
When riding faster thatn 100mph, the armrest folds up and blocks the view in the mirror. A catch is missing.
MC55813536
Oct 1, 2014
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
MC55813536
Oct 1, 2014
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
MC55813536
Oct 1, 2014
350000 EQUIPMENT
Navigator V maintains a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone for a short period.
MC53528266
Jun 1, 2013
060000 ENGINE (PWS)
Fault code memory entry Ox21F960, throttle valve
MC53528266
Jun 1, 2013
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fault code memory entry Ox21F960, throttle valve
BMW K 1600 GTL — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW K 1600 GTL across all model years (2011–2025).
22
Total Recalls
93
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
1
Reported Crashes
1
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW K 1600 GTL — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.