BMW K 1600 Recall Issued in North America

• Issue is a faulty reverse gear control unit seal
• Could lead to overheating and even a fire
• Affects MY17 to MY25 units

BMW Motorrad has issued a recall for the K 1600 lineup units produced between November 2016 and January 2025. The fault with the motorcycles stems from a faulty reverse gear control unit seal, which could result in overheating and even a fire when using the reverse gear.

The sealing of the gear control unit may deteriorate over time, allowing humidity to enter the unit. This could lead to the corrosion of internal electronics and loss of the reverse gear function. This problem is more prominent in tropical climates, according to the recall notification.

It was first noticed in a non-US market K 1600, and could affect bikes globally. In North America, it will affect 9,160 units equipped with the optional reverse gear, produced during the timeframe mentioned above.

The K 1600 B and K 1600 GTL are sold in India, with the K 1600 B priced starting from Rs. 37,50,000 and the K 1600 GTL starting from Rs. 35,62,000 (all prices are ex-showroom). Given India’s tropical climate, this issue could be present in motorcycles here with the optional reverse gear fitted.

If you’re a K 1600 B or K 1600 GTL owner, you can reach out to your nearest dealership for more information on this and also to check if it is present in your bike.