The seal in your bike's reverse gear system is a critical part that keeps moisture out, allowing you to shift smoothly into reverse. But in some 2017-2025 K 1600 GT models, this seal can break down and let water in, causing the control unit to overheat.
Risk if Unfixed
If the reverse gear control unit overheats, it could catch fire, which could cause serious damage to your bike and put you at risk of injury.
Free Fix
Your authorized BMW dealer will replace the reverse gear control unit with a new one, at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification letter once the repair is available, and you should schedule it as soon as you can.
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 transmission in your motorcycle is made up of several parts that work together to shift gears. In some 2017-2020 K 1600 GT, 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL, and 2018-2020 K 1600 B models, these parts may not be strong enough, which can cause gear shifting problems.
Risk if Unfixed
If the transmission parts fail, it could cause the rear wheel to lock up while you're riding, making it harder to control your motorcycle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty transmission parts with stronger ones, free of charge. You'll get a notice from BMW with instructions on how to schedule the repair once the fix is available.
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 link strut in your motorcycle's rear suspension is a crucial part that connects the suspension to the frame. It helps keep the rear of your bike stable and controlled while you ride.
Risk if Unfixed
If the link strut becomes damaged, the rear of your motorcycle could hit the rear wheel, making it harder to control your bike and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty link strut with a stronger one, absolutely free. You'll get a recall notice with instructions on how to schedule the repair.
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.
