Recall 16V392 covers 340 2016 Kymco K-Pipe motorcycles with a reversed gear-shift pattern. Repair is free at any franchised Kymco dealer.
Kymco is recalling 340 2016 K-Pipe motorcycles because the gear shift pattern was assembled in reverse from the standard setup, leaving the bikes out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 123. That reversed pattern can confuse a rider into selecting the wrong gear, affecting control and increasing crash risk; the Kymco dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2016 Kymco K-Pipe uses a manual transmission, so the rider selects gears with the shift lever instead of an automatic gearbox. On a small 125cc entry level motorcycle, that pattern matters because the rider builds muscle memory around where the next higher or lower gear is.
On affected K-Pipe motorcycles, the shift pattern was assembled in the reverse sequence when compared with the required motorcycle control layout. The parts still move the transmission through its gears, but the lever sends the rider through the gear order opposite from what the federal motorcycle control standard requires. That mismatch is the defect.
There is no warning sign before failure. The motorcycle shifts in the reverse pattern whenever the rider changes gears, so the problem is present during normal riding rather than after a separate part breaks.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Kymco K-Pipe | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 340 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
The K-Pipe can shift opposite of other motorcycles. That difference can confuse a rider, lead to selecting the wrong gear, affect control of the motorcycle, and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, ride cautiously and call a franchised Kymco dealer for next steps. Repair will be free at any franchised Kymco dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kymco K-Pipe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kymco dealer to schedule the free repair for the reversed gear-shift pattern.
- Bring the recall notice if Kymco mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V392 when you call.
- Ride with extra care until the repair is complete, since the shift pattern is opposite of the standard setup.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kymco technician repairs the K-Pipe motorcycle so the gear shift pattern matches the required control setup. The recall record does not name a specific part replacement or inspection step, so confirm the service procedure when you schedule with the dealer. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The issue involves the shift pattern being assembled in reverse sequence compared with the standard setup.
Timeline
| June 1, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V392?
Recall 16V392 covers 340 2016 Kymco K-Pipe motorcycles with a gear shift pattern assembled in reverse sequence from the standard setup. That fails FMVSS 123 for motorcycle controls and displays. Kymco dealers repair the motorcycles for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Kymco K-Pipe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V392. If it is, contact a franchised Kymco dealer to schedule the shift-pattern repair. Reference recall number 16V392000 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kymco dealers will repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. Kymco customer service is listed at 1-888-235-3417.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rider confusion from a shift pattern that works opposite of other motorcycles. Selecting the wrong gear affects control of the motorcycle and increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Kymco dealer repair.
What if I bought this Kymco K-Pipe used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific K-Pipe is included, then contact a franchised Kymco dealer and reference recall 16V392000.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V392000 |
|---|---|
| Kymco customer service | 1-888-235-3417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V392 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V392000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →