BMW K 1600 B Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The fuel pump failed in a way that it soaked my left leg with fuel while riding the motorcycle. My safety was at risk from major burns if the fuel had ignited on the exhaust. No warning lights came on.

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 wobble. The bike never really loses control but it feels like [XXX] (to put it bluntly) and it forces you to either backoff or try and get around the traffic as quickly as possible. If it is a windy day, the problem is exponentially exacerbated to the point that is truly unsafe to ride. Again, I have NEVER experienced this with any other motorcycle, not even a BMW GT650 Scooter handled traffic as bad as this bike. I feel as there is some sort of defect with the design of the bike that causes this "wobble" when it encounters unstable air. For reference, I also test drove a 2021 version of the exact bike and it experiences the same affects as my 2019 model does. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

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.

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.

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.