Recall 22V023 covers 5,063 2019-2020 BMW K 1600 GTL, GT, and B motorcycles for weak rear link struts. Free dealer repair.
BMW is recalling 5,063 2019-2020 K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, and K 1600 B motorcycles because the rear suspension link strut can lack enough strength and become damaged. If the strut fails, the rear of the motorcycle can contact the rear wheel, affecting stability and control; BMW dealers will replace the part free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The link strut on the 2019-2020 BMW K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, and K 1600 B motorcycles is a rear suspension support piece. It connects the rear suspension to the frame, so loads from the rear wheel and shock move through the motorcycle structure instead of bending one weak point.
On affected motorcycles, the link strut was not produced to BMW's specification by the supplier. That leaves the part with insufficient strength for the loads it is designed to carry. Over riding use, the link strut can become damaged, which affects the connection between the rear suspension and the frame.
BMW did not list an owner-noticeable symptom before the link strut becomes damaged. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, and K 1600 B across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the rear suspension link strut.
| 2019 BMW K 1600 GTL | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW K 1600 GTL | rear suspension |
| 2019 BMW K 1600 GT | rear suspension |
| 2020 BMW K 1600 GT | rear suspension |
| 2020 BMW K 1600 B | rear suspension |
| 2019 BMW K 1600 B | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 5,063 |
A matching year and K 1600 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged rear link strut can let the rear of the motorcycle contact the rear wheel. That affects riding stability and control and increases the risk of a crash. If the bike feels unstable, stop riding and call a BMW dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 BMW K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, or K 1600 B is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear link strut replacement that fixes the weak rear suspension link.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V023 when you call.
- Ride carefully until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the rear suspension feels unstable or contacts the rear wheel.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or recall number 22V023.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the rear link strut that connects the rear suspension to the motorcycle frame. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket to replace the rear link strut before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 21, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 18, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| August 18, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 3, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 3, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V023?
Recall 22V023 covers 5,063 2019-2020 BMW K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, and K 1600 B motorcycles with a rear suspension link strut that can become damaged because it has insufficient strength. BMW dealers will replace the rear link strut for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 BMW K 1600 GTL, K 1600 GT, or K 1600 B is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 22V023. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the rear link strut replacement. Reference recall number 22V023 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the rear link strut free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer. Parts and labor are covered for motorcycles included in recall 22V023.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V023?
The safety risk is reduced riding stability and control. If the rear link strut is damaged, the rear of the motorcycle can contact the rear wheel, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free repair with a BMW dealer if your motorcycle is included.
What if I bought my BMW K 1600 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If BMW did not mail you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then call a BMW dealer with recall number 22V023.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V023000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V023 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V023000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →