The seal in your motorcycle's transmission is there to keep water out of the reverse gear control unit. In some 2017-2025 K 1600 GT and 2018-2025 Grand America models, this seal can break down and let water in.
Risk if Unfixed
If the control unit gets too hot, it could catch fire, which is a serious risk while you're on the road.
Free Fix
Your local BMW dealer will replace the reverse gear control unit with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice, and keep an eye out for a second letter when the repair is ready.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An overheated reverse gear control unit increases the risk of a fire.
Original — 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.
The gears in your motorcycle's transmission are made to shift smoothly and quietly. In some 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and GTL models, a manufacturing issue might have made the gears too soft, which could cause problems with shifting.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gears don't shift properly, your rear wheel could lock up, making it hard to control your bike and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the affected gears for you, at no cost to you. They'll swap out the shift forks, the 5th/6th gear selector sleeve, and the 6th gear gear wheel – it's a free repair, and you should schedule it when you receive the follow-up notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
The rear link strut in your motorcycle connects the rear suspension to the frame, helping to keep your bike stable while you ride. In certain K1600 models, this strut might not be strong enough, which could lead to a problem.
Risk if Unfixed
If your link strut becomes damaged, the rear of your motorcycle could hit the rear wheel, making your bike unstable to ride and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty link strut with a stronger one, at no cost to you. Schedule the repair as soon as you get your recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K1600 GT, K1600 GTL, and K1600 B motorcycles. The link strut connecting the rear suspension to the frame may have insufficient strength, which can cause the link strut to become damaged.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A damaged link strut can cause the rear of the motorcycle to contact the rear wheel, affecting riding stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear link strut, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 11, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
