BMW Motorrad Recalls K 1600 Series Over Faulty Reverse Gear Control Unit Seal

BMW Motorrad has announced a global recall for its K 1600 motorcycle lineup due to a faulty reverse gear control unit seal. This issue affects units produced between November 2016 and January 2025. The defect may cause overheating and, in some cases, fire when the reverse gear is used.

Key Highlights

• BMW Motorrad recalls K 1600 motorcycles over faulty reverse gear control unit seal
• Recall affects units produced from November 2016 to January 2025 with optional reverse gear
• 9,160 units in North America are impacted by the recall
• Issue may cause overheating or fire and is more likely in tropical climates
• K 1600 B and K 1600 GTL owners should contact dealerships for checks

Recall Details and Affected Models

The recall targets motorcycles equipped with the optional reverse gear. The seal on the reverse gear control unit can deteriorate over time, allowing humidity to enter. This can lead to corrosion of the internal electronics and loss of reverse gear function. The issue is more likely to occur in tropical climates, increasing the risk for riders in such regions.

The problem was first identified in a non-US market K 1600 motorcycle. BMW Motorrad has since expanded the recall to include affected models worldwide. In North America, the recall covers 9,160 units produced during the specified period. The recall includes the K 1600 B and K 1600 GTL models.

Impact in India and Owner Guidance

The K 1600 B and K 1600 GTL are available in India. The K 1600 B is priced from Rs. 37,50,000, while the K 1600 GTL starts at Rs. 35,62,000, both ex-showroom prices. Given India's tropical climate, motorcycles with the optional reverse gear may be at higher risk for this defect.

Owners of the K 1600 B or K 1600 GTL are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealership. Dealerships can provide more information about the recall and check if a specific motorcycle is affected. Addressing the issue promptly can help prevent potential safety hazards related to the faulty seal.