Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 BMW K 1600 B peaked in 2021, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 BMW K 1600 B
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from May 19, 2021 to May 19, 2021.
Recall campaigns covering this model year214k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2020 motorcycle
Severity index0.02020 motorcycles average 7.1
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 BMW K 1600 B name steering
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
2 recall campaigns cover the 2020 BMW K 1600 B
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-214 | Apr 2, 2026 | Seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating | Powertrain | 9,160 | Part replacement |
| 22V-023 | Jan 21, 2022 | Link strut connecting the rear suspension to the frame may have insufficient strength, which can cause the link strut to become damaged | Suspension | 5,063 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 BMW K 1600 B
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 19, 2021Failure May 14, 2021Beavercreek, OHSteering, Unknown or other
At highway speeds when approaching any large vehicle the motorcycle oscillates to the point of loss of control. This occurs at distances up to 300 yards. In brisk cross winds on open road the same condition exists, but is multiplied in close proximity to other vehicles. I had the bike inspected and serviced by a BMW dealer and nothing mechanical was found. My background is in aviation, and in my 30 years experience this acts and feels like an aerodynamic instability issue. I have been riding for 40 years and outside of "tank slap," when racing I have never experienced anything like this on a road bike under normal riding conditions. There are many forum posts with the same concerns, but no viable solutions. BMW has not been helpful.
NHTSA complaint 11417724
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
9 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MC230121 Feb 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Sealing ring on the differential cover of the reverser is leaking. Radial shaft seal faulty. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - MC610522 Dec 8, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, certain sub functions will not be active until after a software update. - SIB170222 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the N63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166). - SIB610522 Jul 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a hardware change to the angular rate sensor, a specific function "Front Wheel Lift Detection" of the Pro Driving Modes is not activated. - MC710122 Apr 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Emission Control Information.? - MC610821 Jul 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit. - MC660118 Jun 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button. The keyless Ride button must be pressed for several seconds to shut the bike down - MC000621 Jun 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective June 23 , 2021. Three different plans will be offered for consumer bikes, as well as two Authority-specific plans. Model-year 2020 and newer BMW Motorcyc…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.