Total Complaints
12 filings
BMW K1600b · model year
12 NHTSA complaints, and 3 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The verdict
The 2019 BMW K1600b posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.
The 2019BMWK1600b carries 12 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2019 K1600b is steering with 4 filings, followed by suspension (4) and unknown or other (3). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2019 K1600b. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.
Total Complaints
12 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 4 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
SUSPENSION:REAR
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K1600 GT, K1600 GTL, and K1600 B motorcycles. The link strut connecting the rear suspension to the frame may have insufficient strength, which can cause the link strut to become damaged.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SEALS/GASKETS
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.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. This could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement
I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this point. The only times I have experienced this type of behavior from a motorcycle was during High-speed racing and, as with this bike, I've been able to correct it by SLOWLY reducing speeds. However, With this bike it's during normal highway speeds (usually around 70+) while approaching traffic. Semi-trailers seem to be the worst culprits, but it happens with regular vehicles as well. Any disturbance in the bike's slipstream seems to cause the wobbl
I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this point. The only times I have experienced this type of behavior from a motorcycle was during High-speed racing and, as with this bike, I've been able to correct it by SLOWLY reducing speeds. However, With this bike it's during normal highway speeds (usually around 70+) while approaching traffic. Semi-trailers seem to be the worst culprits, but it happens with regular vehicles as well. Any disturbance in the bike's slipstream seems to cause the wobbl
I'm a recent owner of this motorcycle and have experienced a consistent feeling of what motorcyclists refer to as a "Death wobble" or at a minimum the beginnings of one. It happens during interstate highway speeds and predominantly during heavy traffic and it's magnified even more while approaching and passing tractor-trailers. I've been riding motorcycles both competitively as well as for personal use for well over 40 years and have NEVER experienced this phenomenon with any other motorcycle I've owned, well over 30 different models at this point. The only times I have experienced this type of behavior from a motorcycle was during High-speed racing and, as with this bike, I've been able to correct it by SLOWLY reducing speeds. However, With this bike it's during normal highway speeds (usually around 70+) while approaching traffic. Semi-trailers seem to be the worst culprits, but it happens with regular vehicles as well. Any disturbance in the bike's slipstream seems to cause the wobbl
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC, THE BIKE BEGINS TO WOBBLE AND BECOMES HARD TO CONTROL. I LIST AN INCIDENT DATE OF 04/29/2020 BELOW, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT IT ON 04/11/2020.
Mileage: 1,100
2 ISSUES 1. WHEN REACHING SPEEDS OF 60+ BIKE SHAKES VIOLENTLY DURING HIGH WINDS OR BEHIND TRUCKS. SWITCHING LANES IS EVEN MORE SCARY. TO ENHANCE THIS ISSUE ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RAISE YOUR WIND SCREEN FULLY AND OPEN UP THE AIR VENTS ON THE SIDES OF THE BIKE. FOR HAVE YOUR PSI ON TIRES AT 40 OR BELOW. 2. WHEN IN RAIN MODE, WHEN I ACCELERATED PASS THE CAP. THE BIKE VIOLENTED STARTED TO RETARD ITSELF SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN BUT THE ENGINE MAKING A VUT VUT VUT VUT SOUND WHILE DOING IT. I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPOND. WHEN I MAKE TO A FULL STOP AND PUT THE BIKE IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING THE SAME NOISE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT. I DID A FULL CYCLE AND AND OFF THE BIKE AND THE BIKE WENT TO NORMAL AGAIN. 3. REAR SPEAKERS BLOW AFTER LONG DISTANCE RIDING AT HIGH VOLUME. THIS HAPPEN TWICE ALREADY. ISSUE OF #2 UPLOAD FAULT CODE SHOWN BY MY GS-911 THERE WERE MORE FAULT CODES BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD MORE THEN ONE.
Mileage: 1,700
2 ISSUES 1. WHEN REACHING SPEEDS OF 60+ BIKE SHAKES VIOLENTLY DURING HIGH WINDS OR BEHIND TRUCKS. SWITCHING LANES IS EVEN MORE SCARY. TO ENHANCE THIS ISSUE ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RAISE YOUR WIND SCREEN FULLY AND OPEN UP THE AIR VENTS ON THE SIDES OF THE BIKE. FOR HAVE YOUR PSI ON TIRES AT 40 OR BELOW. 2. WHEN IN RAIN MODE, WHEN I ACCELERATED PASS THE CAP. THE BIKE VIOLENTED STARTED TO RETARD ITSELF SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN BUT THE ENGINE MAKING A VUT VUT VUT VUT SOUND WHILE DOING IT. I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPOND. WHEN I MAKE TO A FULL STOP AND PUT THE BIKE IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING THE SAME NOISE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT. I DID A FULL CYCLE AND AND OFF THE BIKE AND THE BIKE WENT TO NORMAL AGAIN. 3. REAR SPEAKERS BLOW AFTER LONG DISTANCE RIDING AT HIGH VOLUME. THIS HAPPEN TWICE ALREADY. ISSUE OF #2 UPLOAD FAULT CODE SHOWN BY MY GS-911 THERE WERE MORE FAULT CODES BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD MORE THEN ONE.
Mileage: 1,700
2 ISSUES 1. WHEN REACHING SPEEDS OF 60+ BIKE SHAKES VIOLENTLY DURING HIGH WINDS OR BEHIND TRUCKS. SWITCHING LANES IS EVEN MORE SCARY. TO ENHANCE THIS ISSUE ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS RAISE YOUR WIND SCREEN FULLY AND OPEN UP THE AIR VENTS ON THE SIDES OF THE BIKE. FOR HAVE YOUR PSI ON TIRES AT 40 OR BELOW. 2. WHEN IN RAIN MODE, WHEN I ACCELERATED PASS THE CAP. THE BIKE VIOLENTED STARTED TO RETARD ITSELF SLOWING THE BIKE DOWN BUT THE ENGINE MAKING A VUT VUT VUT VUT SOUND WHILE DOING IT. I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPOND. WHEN I MAKE TO A FULL STOP AND PUT THE BIKE IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WAS STILL MAKING THE SAME NOISE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME OUT. I DID A FULL CYCLE AND AND OFF THE BIKE AND THE BIKE WENT TO NORMAL AGAIN. 3. REAR SPEAKERS BLOW AFTER LONG DISTANCE RIDING AT HIGH VOLUME. THIS HAPPEN TWICE ALREADY. ISSUE OF #2 UPLOAD FAULT CODE SHOWN BY MY GS-911 THERE WERE MORE FAULT CODES BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD MORE THEN ONE.
Mileage: 1,700
THIS MOTORCYCLE IS UNSTABLE IN ANY WIND CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS SEVERELY BUFFETED SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CAUSE FEAR EVEN IN AN EXPERIENCED RIDER. I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT, WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE BIKE IS AT THE LIMITS OF THE ENVELOP OF STABILITY AND EXPECT IT TO WOBBLE OR WEAVE INTO DEADLY OSCILLATIONS. THE DEALERS SHOULD WARN PEOPLE NOT TO BUY THIS MACHINE. I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR 50 YEARS ON ALL TYPES OF MOTORCYCLES AND THIS IS THE MOST UNSTABLE I HAVE EVER RIDDEN. BMW NEEDS TO BE COMPELLED TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS CONDITION AND EITHER REMEDY IT IN SOME WAY OR REPLACE IT. THE FIRST TIME I ENTERED AN INTERSTATE IN SLIGHTLY WINDY CONDITIONS WAS THE SECOND DAY I OWNED IT. I COULD ONLY PROCEED TO THE FIRST EXIT AND COULD NOT REMAIN AT THE 80 MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT DUE TO THE BUFFETING AND WHAT SEEMED LIKE HUNTING FOR STABILITY. THE BIKE IS NOW PARKED IN MY GARAGE WITH 300 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT A HONDA GOLDWING AFTER OPERATING IT IN 40 MPH CROSS WIND - SOMETHING
Mileage: 100
THIS MOTORCYCLE IS UNSTABLE IN ANY WIND CONDITION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS SEVERELY BUFFETED SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CAUSE FEAR EVEN IN AN EXPERIENCED RIDER. I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT, WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE BIKE IS AT THE LIMITS OF THE ENVELOP OF STABILITY AND EXPECT IT TO WOBBLE OR WEAVE INTO DEADLY OSCILLATIONS. THE DEALERS SHOULD WARN PEOPLE NOT TO BUY THIS MACHINE. I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR 50 YEARS ON ALL TYPES OF MOTORCYCLES AND THIS IS THE MOST UNSTABLE I HAVE EVER RIDDEN. BMW NEEDS TO BE COMPELLED TO FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS CONDITION AND EITHER REMEDY IT IN SOME WAY OR REPLACE IT. THE FIRST TIME I ENTERED AN INTERSTATE IN SLIGHTLY WINDY CONDITIONS WAS THE SECOND DAY I OWNED IT. I COULD ONLY PROCEED TO THE FIRST EXIT AND COULD NOT REMAIN AT THE 80 MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT DUE TO THE BUFFETING AND WHAT SEEMED LIKE HUNTING FOR STABILITY. THE BIKE IS NOW PARKED IN MY GARAGE WITH 300 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT A HONDA GOLDWING AFTER OPERATING IT IN 40 MPH CROSS WIND - SOMETHING
Mileage: 100
AT HIGH SPEEDS THE REAR END OF THE MOTORCYCLE SHAKES AND TORQUES LIKE A SNAKE. IT DOES NOT INCREASE WITH WIND. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 100
AT HIGH SPEEDS THE REAR END OF THE MOTORCYCLE SHAKES AND TORQUES LIKE A SNAKE. IT DOES NOT INCREASE WITH WIND. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 100
AT HIGH SPEEDS THE REAR END OF THE MOTORCYCLE SHAKES AND TORQUES LIKE A SNAKE. IT DOES NOT INCREASE WITH WIND. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE YOU LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 100
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2019 BMW K1600b; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.