2019 BMW K 1600 GTL: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 3 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2019 bmw k 1600 gtl. The contact received a recall notification in the mail for NHTSA campaign number: 19v692000 (power train). The contact took the vehicle to euro cycles of daytona (118 e fairview ave, daytona beach, fl 32114, (386) 257-2269) and was informed to not drive the vehicle due to a ticking sound coming from the gear box. The dealer associated the noise with the recall and also informed the contact that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the recall and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. *dl”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2019
“My motorcycle had a ticking sound coming from the gearbox. The dealer decided it was not safe to ride the bike, that I should leave it until bmw comes with a solution. I currently have a 2019 k1600 gtl sitting in service without any resolution. The bike is with eurocycles of daytona. The vehicle was being serviced at the time when the service manager notices th sound coing from the gearbox. This is oart of the current transmission recall. I've spoken to bmw but they have no solution.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2019 bmw k 1600 motocycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v692000 (power train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. (bmw motorcycles of louisville dealer, located at 1700 arthur st, louisville, ky 40208) was contacted by phone and it was confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2019
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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 of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk was mailed November 1, 2019. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear link strut, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters to inform owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 11, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 25, 2026.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2019 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact K 1600 GTL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL reliable?
NHTSA has 3 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:manual transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.