I have lusted for your bike for several years but for the exact reason you discuss at the end about oscillation I won't touch it. The speed is limited to something like 100 mph because BMW knows it is a problem, as reported by many other riders. I would love to dump my 15 year old Harley Ultra but I don't have any wobble or wandering at any speed, even over 100 mph. I am a big boy too at 280 lbs and 6'3" with feet at 14. That is my second problem with any BMW, no floorboards or pedals or pegs that I can manipulate with my feet. Why the tiny itsy bitsy foot controls? Excellent review of your bike, rare to find someone as well spoken and detailed as you have done, thanks.

I owned the same 2018 and I change the tires to Michelin that help a lot I have the bike for over three years and test drive other bikes Harley’s Indians and still I like the bike it’s a keeper it make me smile every time I ride it

My 2023 is perfect and drives like a dream. You do have to take care of your tires and keep them properly inflated and not have flat spots.

***Update*** as of Today 4/1/2024 BMW North America is in contact with me and asked I drop if off at a service center for review. Even though the dealer has looked it over already a few weeks ago.

Nice balanced review on what is a cracking motor - I have K16GT btw and no wobble issues 👍🏻 Ride safe.

Great vid. I have the exact same bike as you. I love the side stand position, it’s just great for me. Bike also stable and no wobble or weave. Keep an eye on oil consumption it can be a bit erratic on times. Mine came from the factory full of oil, right up to the top of the oil filler. Thankfully I noticed it within the first 50 miles of break in and corrected it. Enjoy the ride. All the best.

Great review. Very nice touring bike. Did you consider the R1250RT? I would be interested on how your bike compares to that model. Thanks again for a very thorough review. Ride safe.

Hey Nick, you are right, the K1600B is “skittish” on the highway. I had a brand new one here in the UK, if I took my eyes off the road for a second it would wonder all over the place! Quite alarming! Felt very light at the front end and you certainly COULD NOT, take your hands off the bars! Constant small inputs required to keep the bike going straight. The engine failed after 230 miles (mine also suffered the rattling/ clanking engine noise between 2-3000rpm in all gears with light throttle!) When BMW said it would need a new engine I rejected the bike under UK Consumer law and managed to get all my money back. I was in a way relieved as the bikes handling (even in the turns) is questionable. I was given a GT (with no top box) for 3 weeks whilst it was being fixed, it does not have the same handling issues at all. Here in the UK, there are all sorts of theories - the tyres, design of the panniers, floorboards, windshield and suspension. I would describe it as VERY light at the front at high speed and affected by wind/ wind flow. There is a reason, after all, why BMW restrict the speed of this model to 100mph! The GT with the rear 49ltr top box attached DOES have the same/ similar problem as well!!! Anyone out there - I would wait for the redesigned 2025 bike as the engine is (when it works) fantastic! In the meantime I have converted to the 1250RT which is WAY more stable!

I'd definitely get the Rear Protection bars for the bags for $400. If you're a handyman, you can install it yourself. I had a K1600B back in 2019 and really liked it. I did not experience any stability issues at highway speeds. Mine had the infamous Transmission recall during C-19, so the whole bike had to be disassembled (not kidding) and then put back together.

You need the rite windshield and arrow wings,it solved my buffering on my 2018BGA,also I've heard the floor boards may be a issue. Get the Bren tune

I also already heard about the oscillating problem with another model which is Grand America, which it broke the deal So it now seems Bagger also has the same thing. It seems like it is a major design faulr Did they solve the issue ?

I ride with the suspension set two up. Stiff as can be but handles like a dream in turns and it cuts out a ton of of any wobble in dirty wind.

One modification that I had to do on my 2023 K1600 GTL was to install a bracket that I made for my Garmin GPS, The onboard navigation system does not work well even after downloading the BMW app since it works of the WIfi. Had to take the Otter cover off my Galaxy 9 phone in order to fit on the cell phone storage and purchase a 90 degree USB C cable so I could connect the phone to the bike and charge the phone at the same time. Found out when I rode from Arlington Texas to Weatherford Texas once I got off I20 and lost cell phone connection with Tmobile. Not a fan of using my cell phone for navigation, besides my Garmin Zumo XT2 is water proof and does not lose connection. So far, I have not experience any drifting on a normal day unless I go through crosswinds greater than 15 mph. I will swap the stock Metzler tires for the Michelin Road 6, I like how Michelin tires ride.

Hello, what is the length of the windshield you put on the bike and what is your height. Great review 👍

I have a 22 and an 18 prior..no wiggle for me..trucks on the interstate are troublesome..I learned to keep tire pressure up on the 18..I mistakenly ran them at 32 for too long..went to mich gt5..sweet difference…I also dislike the nav requiring my phone..

They say the not tracking straight has to do with the floorboards. The model with out them is good. Also the one with the tourpack on it is limited to 100mph because of aerodynamics

I went from a GSA to a RT last year it wobbled like your saying on the bigger 16 , I couldn’t get on with it so I swapped it in for a GSA . I’m a big lad 140kg’s maybe it’s a rider weight thing I don’t know it was very disconcerting though ,I enjoyed your review nice job ,I love that paint job 🎉🎉🏍️

Thank you, sir, for an honest and wholesome opinion! Finally I see a US person giving honest opinion regarding HD vs BMW. I remembered I exchanged my K1300R to brand new Breakout for a quick 150 miles run. I was devastated by almost everything regarding HD: - Horrible brakes - Horrible seating position (I am 6.13) - Non-informative display (in fact a stock display was like a Casio calculator from the 80-th) - Bike truly didn't like curves - 114 CI engine and it is slow as hell I know the bikes are quite different and probably I am comparing a Zeppelin with a racing boat, but the overall necessity of going aftermarket with HD is ridiculous. Many miles and joy to you, sir, enjoy this beautiful machine.

I just bought a ‘23 K1600 B, 2 months ago. I’ve read up a bunch on the road oscillation problem, and other folks take on them. Full disclosure: I had a ‘13 K1600GT for 10 years before trading for this one, and it never displayed the problem: rock stable on the highway, regardless of the air. One interesting comment I’ve heard is that the windscreen may be a contributor to the airflow problem; that changing to a taller/wider ‘screen may help quite a bit. For my own bike, I’ve never experienced this problem (yet!). I can basically ride hands off for quite a distance without wandering laterally. But, I’ve only got about 350 miles on my bike due to late winter/early spring snowfalls. I’ve also heard that the Grand America seems to be worse in this regard, suggesting that the top case is also a contributor to the airflow oscillation.

2018 here,coming from a Wing I feel it in the first ride and I hate it.!! previous owner already changed tires ,when to dealer and they confirmed that the K1600b ga do that and is nothing they can do to fix it..😢 I wish I knew that before. Now I'm stuck it with the bike. Trying to get used to.. But is like u said,on back rd and mountain areas bike feels like a sport bike (love it) but on hwy with wind or heavy traffic is like riding on ice...😢😢😢 GTL don't do this,so it must be some aerodynamic issue.. Good luck

I have the B version and have noticed the wind behind trucks etc on the highway. As far as I can tell it's the windshield. I had a 7 Jurock installed and depending on how much you put it up depends on how much you feel it. I tried a GT wind shield and it definetly changed. I just installed the Klock Werks like you have. That shield works much better when its down all the way in general so I will keep you posted. The BMW has a much higher center of gravity than the Harley, I also switched, so I think that's what we are feeling. The wind from truck impacts cars sometimes so to say some don't feel it is just not realistic, it's just so much different than Harleys.

I traded my 2018 GW DCT for a K1600GT. Owned it for 8 months and traded it in on a GSA. Weight distribution on the K bike was top heavy. Wind would almost blow you over as well as being next to any tractot trailers on the highway. What i love about the GW and GSA is that their weight is much lower and more balanced. They are the 2 best bikes I've owned.

So, have you traded it away yet?

This issue also reminds me of the s1000xr vibration issue..sometimes social media is great ! I was able to steal one because of it! All in-line 4s have vibration..even Honda..it was an easy resolve..

5/15/24 Update - As of now, my bike still wobbles and it hasn't been fixed. The service center didn't find any issues with the bike and said "It rides like other K1600B's, its just the way the bike is for some people unfortunately". BMW stated to me "The bike is operating as designed" - Nice so, instability behind a truck or car is as designed? Harley doesn't have this issue, nor does Honda on their touring model bikes. I've ridden a ton of them over the years. I've got an update video in the works which will showcase the problem and comments from other owners. I've reached out to the heads of BMW with no resolve as of now, they told me 7 to 10 days they would have an answer for me on how they intend to help. We still have a few days left in that time period. I will keep everyone updated, but as I of now, I would HIGHLY recommend NOT purchasing one of these bikes without a very through test ride on a highway.

For sure the first time it happens it kinda freaks you out, I thought it was a tire going down. I have been messing with some 3d printed winglets, that I made, really interesting results, but hard to keep them on much above 85... but will keep trying, downforce rules.

I had a 2018 1600b. Sold it in 2021. I regret it… miss that bike so much. Quality bike. Yours is freaking beautiful!

Did you take a hard look at a GoldWing? Electric smooth engine and legendary reliability and comfort. And btw, Honda GoldWings have had reverse gear since 1988. The Henderson Model K had reverse gear 104 years ago. 😉

Not sure if comparing the K1600B to a Harley is useful - different market, different purpose?

Regarding the oscillation issue,,,,,, I use to weigh in at 290-315 lbs.. Wether I was riding a bicycle or my motorcycle, all that extra up top weight definitely had a similar effect while riding . I’m now at 240-250 lbs. and no longer have this issue.

I’ve got a 22GA. I could write a book on this.

Why not Goldwing?

Good tyres, Michelin or Pirelli, right pressures, and right suspension settings, owned mine for 6 years and never had a problem

Minute 14:30 👈 - ;-) - play with the tyre pressures a little. it's not that bad and you can ride through it.

I thought this issue was specific to the Grand America, with floorboards combined with trunk = bad aerodynamics. A shame because I like the design of the GA over the GTL, but the instability issue plus that valve inspection… maybe the 1250 RT is the way to go, but it’s so much smaller. Meanwhile, I do not hate my Road Glide Limited even though it does not handle like a K16.

Man your opening comments sounded just like me at my BMW dealership yesterday having my first (600 mile) run in service on my R1250 RT when I was explaining why after 40+ years of Harley ownership I moved to BMW. The Harlkey's arrive in the UK all chocked up to meet US emissions so they all have at least a stage 2. I changed my seats, suspension, bars and on and on. Don't get me wrong I loved that bike but when I decided to do more longer touring a Fat Boy made no sense. My dealer has a road glide CVO for over £40k what.......They lost me with these inflated costs.

I have the Grand America and it does the same wiggling ..

BMW has been aware of the problem since the B models were introduced. That's why they put the 101mph speed limiter on it. I think those owners that say they "have no weave" are ether BMW Kool-Aid drinkers unwilling to admit the problem, or simply don't ride on the interstate in all the disturbed air that creates the aerodynamic instability the bike has. Personally, unless BMW has a change of heart and wants to spend the $$ to come up with a fix, I think all the B and GA models of the K1600 should be recalled and crushed.

How much does it cost to get a permit for the death valley drive?

B is a beautiful bike. I was looking to get one but I will avoid it until BMW takes ownership and rectifies. Hate that corp playing dumb sh**!

I have the 2019 Grand America and it drifts quite a bit. Scary as $h!+ when it mysteriously occurs. Michelins didn’t fix my problem.

All the k 1600 b’s and GT’s have that issue. No other bikes have that issues. Harley’s Indians other bmw models triumphs Hondas. Perfect. But all my 1600 K bikes are terrible on the highway.

I can't believe I made it to the 6 minute mark.....

As far as I know, only the K1600B/GrandAmerica has wobbling problems. The K1600GT/GTL are fine.

Nice review nice bike

No, it's not you. I owned a 22 K1600 grand America for 4 months, bought brand new. The connection to the infotainment sucked, I had to set the phone a certain way to stay connected, it was a pain. The feel of the bike on the highway feels like' being on a jetski' , it would glide all over the highway, especially behind trucks. I tried windshield and tires, they both didn't help. The 22" Klockworks made it worse, and the GT6 tires felt the same. So after it sat over the winter it developed an oil leak out of the reverse gear shaft. Spring came and I traded it back for a HD, this time an Ultra Limited 2023, I traded a 2016 Street Glide for the BMW. I have put 8000 miles on the Ultra so far and have been trouble free and rides perfectly! This has been a known issue for BMW since they introduced this model, and won't accept it. I hope you figure it out and can enjoy it.

Video title starts at 13:00

I bought a 2018 K 1600b Here is your fix. On the riding mode Get it OFF CRUISE .. Set to ROAD ( both settings should say ROAD ) SET MODE ALSO TO HELMET + Luggage. It worked for me. ( that it skiddles left , right a little sometimes doesn’t really bother me. Going on 66k miles very soon. Bike will not wiggle out of control or drop you. This is one fine machine 😎

aerodynamic 🙂 It may have something to do with width, not talking bike

You need to see this video BMW K1600 G A UNSTABLE NO MORE

Had 2 K 1600. 16 GTLE and new, back in 18, Grand America. I was so hopeful to own the GA for many years to come and do many...many miles. But, NOPE! Once reached 15K on her, problems....problems here we come. Dealers in the USA, is a nightmare to find. Parts and labor is insane. Very complicated machine to work on. Too much can go wrong. Not comfortable for a long tides, if you are over 6' tall. HWY wobbles in "dirty air" was ugly. Handlebar tend to go to the left. Never shut the engine off while in reverse mode. It could be bad news. Yes, fun to ride. yes, powerful machine. Yes, sweet shift assist. NO for me!!! I am riding a new Goldwing now, DCT Tour and its magical.

I own a 2022 GA. I have 10,000 miles. Very rare instances of a wobble. Love the bike. My research has found it is a light front end issue. Light weight riders (I am 160) have few wobble issues. There is a fix (shouldn’t be needed) by adding aero wings to the fairing to keep the front tire weighted down.

My 2017 GT has that very issue, but not all the time...

All saddle bags be off correct.

Should have bought a Goldwing.

The title says major issues and early on you say there aren’t any issues. Clicking close on the video was the result of your contradiction.

aerodynamics are bad, thats why it's speed limited. BMW isn't going to fix it because there isn't a fix. additionally, when it comes down to a safety item on any vehicle? The manufacturer will never own up to it because when they do, they will have to recall and fix every one of those motorcycles. It's just like Harley Davidson, owning up to the fact that they built a defective transmission and oil supply system for the engine when they first produced M8. they would have to recall every one of those first generation MA8 engine transmission combination and fix the problem. Therefore, they will never own up to it. They will never ever give you your money back they will never ever in any kind of formal communication Admit there's a problem. and I can promise you the GT does not have the problem. I test rode a GT at 125 miles an hour and it's rock solid even around the air from other cars on a motorway.

Goldwing!

Navigation from BMW is a joke

P r o m o S M

I have had the same damn issue…. Awesome bike except she like to wobble! Mine is a 2022 and I’ve put 12k on it with my second set of tires. SOB wobbles and won’t track straight in the wind.

I was out today looking at a GS 1250 Adv at a local dealer. An absolutely beautiful bike that would be a pleasure to tour on......until I see videos like this, and they shock me into the reality that the only way to go for value and reliability is Japanese. I'll be putting my money on a Suzuki 1050 DE instead I think. BMW just are NOT reliable enough.