VehicleVerdict

2023 BMW K 1600 B problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2023 BMW K 1600 B — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other K 1600 B years?

K 1600 B NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted63 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 63 complaints2019: 12 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 5 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 0 complaints
K 1600 B NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K 1600 B years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 BMW K 1600 B problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering240%
Speed Control120%
Body & Structure120%
Suspension120%

Does the 2023 BMW K 1600 B have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V214000TransmissionApril 2, 2026 · 9,160 units

Defect

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. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 6, 2023

“After spending 500 miles on the motorcycle, having spent money on a set of new tires (supposedly was the fix) even and I even had the dealer look over the motorcycle, I have came to the conclusion that there is a serious engineering issue with this motorcycle. At speeds above 55mph, the motorcycle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 25, 2024

“At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 6, 2023

“At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 6, 2023

2023 BMW K 1600 B — common questions

Is the 2023 BMW K 1600 B reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2023 BMW K 1600 B have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 BMW K 1600 B. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW K 1600 B years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the K 1600 B years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among K 1600 B years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.