BMW K 1600 B Complaints

7 consumer complaints on file.

#11755407August 7, 2026
WHEELS, STEERING
The contact owns a 2025 BMW K1600 B. The contact stated that while riding 55 MPH or higher, the motorcycle became unstable, with a noticeable left-right movement. The contact stated that the failure was most noticeable while overtaking other vehicles going in the same direction. There were no warning lights illuminated. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was caused by a torquing issue with the rear-wheel bolts. The motorcycle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The motorcycle was returned to the dealer and diagnosed with rear shock failure. The motorcycle was repaired again; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was returned a third time; however, the dealer did not diagnose the motorcycle because the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679407August 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
I purchased this NEW BMW motorcycle on 7/26/2025. On my ride home from the dealership the safety incident occurred on the freeway trying to pass a semi with a trailer. All factory original equipment and only me on the motorcycle. While passing the semi the motorcycle started shaking out of control and I had to slow down to 40 mph in a 70 mph zone trying regain stability of the motorcycle. The dealership was now closed when this occurred. There were no freeways located by the dealership to test this scenario prior to purchase. I posted what occurred on a k1600 forum that night about the problem. I received hundreds of replies saying replace the windshield but it was a common problem even after replacement. Sunday 7/27/2025 I ordered a windshield. When the dealership reopened on 7/29/2025 I called to see what BMW suggests to correct the problem. The dealership told me BMW had no fixes. I said then I would like to return the motorcycle if BMW does not have a fix. They told me they would not return it, but that I should try and replace the windshield with a Klock Werks or 7 Juress windshield and that should fix the problem. I installed the windshield and with no crosswinds was able to pass a semi trailer on the freeway without incident. I felt more confident and continued to ride with hesitance. Then I rode with crosswinds and other traffic and tried to pass the tractor trailer going 60 mph and it did it again. I removed the footboard and tour pack/top pack. After removal it is no longer life threatening to pass a semi in cross winds. My problem is that being a new bike with all the equipment from the factory that the motorcycle should be safe to ride in any road condition. As an experienced rider of 30 years my fear is that in rain should this occur a rider could loose control and have a wreck. BMW needs to fix this problem for rider safety and the safety of others on the American road. I would really like the manufacturer BMW to return this motorcycle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616722September 26, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The Reverse function failed at 18,000 miles and 2 years in service. I am told that on the BMW K1600 motorcycles it's a matter of "when" the reverse fails rather than "if" . stopped facing downhill could be bad on a fully loaded motorcycle built for touring and packed for a trip, and the reverse function doesn't work. If the vehicle didn't have the feature one could take precautions, but this cold be dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614864September 16, 2024
STEERING, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On this motorcycle while traveling at highway speeds oscillation or swaying occurs. Or described by a wobble. Mine definitely does this and it’s very unsafe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579342March 25, 2024
STEERING, SUSPENSION
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 is having a steering oscillation issue. Basically, it does not track straight and exhibits a wobble. This can happen at any time, even on open highways, in traffic it seems to be worse. It can feel like it is becoming uncontrollable at times. This has been happening since mile #1 of the motorcycle. I have spoken with other owners and this seems to be an issue for others as well. There is documented video of this on youtube. Please investigate and determine why this is happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540698August 25, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STRUCTURE:BODY, STEERING
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 Motorcycles of Cleveland inspected it, rode it and verbally stated that they agree it has stability issues over 60 MPH, but only indicated in the written report that it handles to spec. It is available for inspection by any other BMW or Independent motorcycle technician. There are no warning messages or indications on the motorcycle indicating this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485921September 22, 2022
STEERING
The motorcycle is unstable at speeds above 60 mph from excessive wind buffeting. The issue is made even worse when riding on freeways with semi-trucks. The steering starts to shake and the motorcycle feels out of control.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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