FREE Lifetime Driveshaft Replacement by BMW

[RadioFlyer]

You have probably heard about BMW's "service campaign" for R1200/1250GS bikes to install a duck bill valve on driveshaft housing to permit water to exit and the associated testing of driveshafts for faults with the faulty driveshafts being replaced and even driveshafts over a certain mileage being replaced.

More recently with the release of the R1300GS it has come to light that its maintenance schedule calls for the lubrication of the splines every 20,000 kms and the replacement of the driveshaft at 80,000 kms. Thus the driveshaft has become a consumable item.

Coincident with this BMW decided to amend the scheduled maintenance on the liquid cooled R1200/1250 bikes to also include lubrication of the splines every 20,000 kms and to specifiy that those driveshafts are also consumable but at 60,000 kms.

Most recently a number of BMW forums in the EU have had posts claiming that BMW is now offering lifetime FREE replacement of the driveshafts on the R1200/1250 liquid cooled bikes at the aforementioned intervals. Understandably this has been greeted with some skepticism.

This development was posted on ADVRIDER here along with a link to a moto website in the Netherlands:
www.advrider.com/f/threads/drive-shaft-r...page-2#post-49128575

I reported this to a contact I have at l'association francophone des motos BMW (AFMB.BIKE) who in turn contacted the BMW factory in Berlin for confirmation.

He has reported that BMW has confirmed the reports. 

BMW will offer FREE of charge mileage-based driveshaft replacement for the lifetime of the bike even if the mileage threshold is reached several times.

The measure also applies to the R and RT bikes.

Time will tell if conditions apply.

[RadioFlyer]

From an Italian forum:

Official statement from BMW Motorrad
Here is the official statement from BMW Motorrad on this topic (as of October 2023):

"BMW Motorrad has decided to make a change to the maintenance schedule for the R 1200 and R 1250 models in the interest of customer satisfaction During ongoing field observations, it has been determined that occasional damage may occur to the cardan shaft of the above models, which could affect the function of the drive. In individual cases, propulsion can be lost. These complaints occur to a greater extent in the R 1200 GS and R 1250 GS models as well as government vehicles in the series than in the road models. Against this background, a service campaign was decided on for these models in 2022, as part of which the cardan shaft will be replaced at 60,000 km and, at lower mileages, checked for previous damage to the universal joints using a specially developed test method.

Cardan damage occurs extremely rarely in the road-oriented models of the R 1200 and 1250 families. The more moderate chassis geometry (lower articulation angle of the cardan shaft in the swingarm) as well as the usage profile without any terrain component ensures a significantly lower load level on the component. Nonetheless, BMW Motorrad has decided to adapt the maintenance schedule for all models in the interest of customer satisfaction over the service life and as a preventative quality measure.

,
The mileage-related replacement of the cardan shaft is free of charge for customers over the entire life of the vehicle, even if the replacement limit has been reached several times and regardless of the vehicle's age. Depending on the country, affected customers with vehicles up to model year 2023 will either be given an insert for the operating instructions during their next visit to the workshop or sent directly with an information letter. From model year 2024, the maintenance plan is already included in the operating instructions; affected customers will no longer be informed separately.

The replacement of the cardan shaft has also already been taken into account in the maintenance plan for the new R 1300 GS. In contrast to the R 1250 GS, where the cardan shaft is replaced at 60,000 km, the cardan is changed on the R 1300 GS at 80,000 km.

The recommended (voluntary) inspection of the cardan every 20,000 km increases the workload during the inspection by 9 AW. With the voluntary inspection every 20,000 km, the customer is free to decide whether costs are incurred or not - it is not a mandatory increase in costs.

It only affects the R 1200, R 1250 and 1300 models. Other series (R nineT, K 1600, etc.) are not affected."

[Bernie]

It is interesting that the K bikes are excluded from this campaign.

[9Mary7]

2 hours ago, Bernie said:

It is interesting that the K bikes are excluded from this campaign.

Wonder if the smoothness cancels out the 160 HP.....?

[Skywagon]

Does this apply to RT or just R

[marcopolo]

From everything I’ve read, I believe it only applies to 1200/1250 GSs, GSAs, and RT-Ps. 

[RadioFlyer]

Elsewhere I saw both the R and the RT included. Note "all models" above.

[BrianT]

This is going to be interesting.  Disposable driveshafts?  First time I've heard of that from a manufacturer. 

[AviP]

WTF! German engineering seems to be a myth! 

[Bernie]

The news release in Germany said it covers all R Bikes from 2014 till 2023 models. Including the civilian models, like the seldom used RT, RS and R versions. 

[RadioFlyer]

FWIW one person on the Italian forum where the BMW statement in post #2 was posted commented that their reading of the statement was that the free driveshaft only applied to the R1200/1250 bikes and not the R1300 bike. It's ambiguous.

One line of thought supporting the application to only the R1200/1250 is that BMW made a big deal of claiming that the shafts were maintenance free and as we know it turned out that not only do they need periodic inspection and lubrication but they can be judged to need replacement even if they look ok visually. Conversely the R1300 maintenance schedule includes periodic inspection and lubrication and replacement explicitly.

[Twisties]

Has there been confirmation that this applies to BMW North America?  Will they be including hexheads?

[RadioFlyer]

A further clarification....

nieuwsmotor.nl followed up its earlier story and obtained the following from BMW Netherlands:

"Response from BMW Motorrad Netherlands November 13, 2023:
It is indeed true that, unlike the R 1250 GS where the propeller shaft is replaced at 60,000 km, the propeller shaft of the R 1300 GS is replaced at 80,000 km.

BMW Motorrad covers the costs of replacing the propeller shaft for the R 1200 and R 1250 models due to the change in the maintenance plan that was applied retroactively for the majority of our customers. These additional costs were not expected when purchasing their motorcycle. This is not the case for the R 1300 GS, where maintenance has been known since market launch. From model year 2024, the maintenance plan will already be included in the user manual.

The costs for replacing the propeller shaft of the BMW R 1300 GS are €970, including 21% VAT. This amount includes the 50 minutes required for the replacement of the parts."

https://nieuwsmotor.nl/nieuws/motornieuws/2024-bmw-r1300gs-nieuwe-cardan-na-80-000-km-voor-970-euro/

[RadioFlyer]

Translated from the original German....

 

BMW  MOTORCYCLE

 

SERVICE  INFORMATION 

 

INFO337390

 

MAINTENANCE  SCHEDULE  CHANGE

 

R  1200 /  1250  GS  (K50) 

 

R  1200/1250  GS  ADVENTURE  (K51) 

 

R  1200 /  1250  RT  (K52) 

 

R  1200/1250  R  (K53) 

 

R  1200 /  1250  RS  (K54) 

 

10.2023 

 

FACTS

 

A  changed  maintenance  plan  has  been  in  effect  for  all  K5x  models  since  October  2023.  For  the  first  time,  it  includes  maintenance  positions  for  the  cardan  shaft.

 

CF  NOTE

 

The  validity  of  the  new  maintenance  plan  is  not  limited  to  vehicles  that  were  affected  by  service  campaign  0033130000,  but  applies  to  all  K5x  models  -  even  retroactively.  If  the  validity  is  retroactive  (model  year  2023  and  older),  communication  will  be  sent  to  customers.  This  is  subject  to  different  requirements  depending  on  the  market  and  may  therefore  be  described  in  a  separate  service  information.

 

For  all  vehicles  from  model  year  2024,  the  maintenance  plan  change  is  already  part  of  the  operating  instructions,  so  it  is  not  communicated  separately.

 

All  vehicles  with  model  year  2023  and  older  are  marked  with  this  service  information.

 

NEW  MAINTENANCE  CONTENT

 

•  Mandatory:  Replace  the  cardan  shaft  every  60,000  km  of  mileage  of  the  cardan  shaft  -  the  mileage  must  be  checked!

 

o                Mileage  of  the  cardan  shaft:  if  the  shaft  of  the  vehicle  has  already  been  replaced  once  at  30,000  km  (vehicle  mileage)  (as  can  be  seen,  for  example,  from  the  service  history  in  AIR),  then  a  replacement  as  part  of  maintenance  is  only  necessary  at  90,000  km  (vehicle  mileage). .

 

o                This  maintenance  position  is  free  for  all  customers,  regardless  of  the  age  and  mileage  of  the  vehicle  or  the  customer's  service  history.

 

Billing  is  carried  out  using  the  finding  number  9033009900.  (The  finding  number  87331000000  originally  stated  in  AIR  does  not  work  as  intended  and  will  be  changed  to  the  new  number  in  AIR  with  release  12/23).

 

•  Voluntary  (offer  to  the  customer  as  part  of  the  service  acceptance):  Check  the  cardan  shaft  using  the  ISTA-guided  test  method  and  grease  the  splines  every  20,000  km

 

o  This  maintenance  measure  is  carried  out  at  the  customer's  expense  (not  included  in  central  service  inclusive  packages).

 

 

o  If  a  replacement  becomes  necessary  due  to  the  inspection  of  the  cardan  shaft  (test  result  It.  ISTA),  this  can  be  billed 

with  the  corresponding  normal  findings  regardless  of  age  and  mileage  (no  billing  for  service  action  0033130000!).

 

o  If  a  replacement  becomes  necessary  due  to  the  inspection  of  the  cardan  shaft  (test  result  It.  ISTA),  this  can  be  billed 

 

with  the  corresponding  normal  findings  regardless  of  age  and  mileage  (no  billing  for  service  action  0033130000!).

 

CF  NOTE

 

For  vehicles  for  which  service  action  0033130000  has  not  yet  been  completed,  this  must  be  carried  out  first.  All  conditions  for  maintenance  described  above  apply  after  the  service  action  has  been  carried  out.

 

FREQUENTLY  QUESTIONS

 

To  support  your  customer  communication,  please  use  the  help  listed  below.  If  you  have  any  further  questions,  please  contact  your  responsible  market  manager.

 

What  changes  does  the  maintenance  plan  for  the  R  1200/1250  models  (K5x)  have  and  since  when  are  they  valid?

 

BMW  Motorrad  has  decided  to  adjust  the  maintenance  schedule  for  the  above-mentioned  models  in  the  interest  of  customer  satisfaction  over  the  life  of  the  vehicle.  The  following  content  has  been  newly  added:

 

-                  Replace  the  cardan  shaft  every  60,000  km  (mileage  of  the  cardan  shaft,  not  the  vehicle).  This  exchange  takes  place  over  the  entire  lifespan  of  the  vehicle  at  BMW  Motorrad’s  expense.

 

-                  Maintenance  recommendation:  check  the  cardan  shaft  every  20,000  km  (tester-guided  test  method)  and  re-grease  the  splines.  This  recommendation  is  not  a  mandatory  content  of  the  maintenance  plan  and  is  only  carried  out  at  the  customer's  request  and  expense.

 

The  changed  maintenance  plan  has  been  valid  since  the  beginning  of  October  2023,  and  for  vehicles  with  model  year  2024  even  since  the  start  of  production  in  August  2023.

 

Which  vehicles  are  affected  by  the  change?

 

The  changed  maintenance  plan  applies  to  all  R  1200 /  1250  models  (K5x)  since  the  start  of  production  (also  retroactively).

 

Why  is  the  cardan  shaft  no  longer  maintenance-free?

 

During  ongoing  field  observations,  BMW  Motorrad  has  discovered  that  the  cardan  shaft  of  the  R  1200 /  1250  models  (K5x)  occasionally  suffers  damage  that  impairs  the  function  of  the  drive.

 

In  individual  cases,  propulsion  can  be  lost.  The  cases  we  know  of  show  an  increase  with  higher  mileage,  and  there  is  also  a  connection  with  the  technical  design  of  the  drive  train  (including  driving  position)  and  the  segment-specific  usage  behavior.

 

 

These  complaints  occur  to  a  greater  extent  with  the  R  1200/1250  GS  models  and  government  vehicles  in  the  series  than  with  the  road  models.  Against  this  background,  a  service  campaign  was  decided  on  for  these  models  in  2022,  as  part  of  which  the  cardan  shaft  would  be  replaced  at  60,000  km  and  at  low  temperatures.

 

 

After  more  frequent  mileage,  a  specially  developed  test  method  is  used  to  check  for  previous  damage  to  the  universal  joints.

 

In  the  road-oriented  models  of  the  R  1200 /  1250  family,  cardan  damage  only  occurs  extremely  rarely.

 

The  more  moderate  chassis  geometry  (lower  articulation  angle  of  the  cardan  shaft  in  the  swingarm)  as  well  as  the  usage  profile  without  any  terrain  component  ensure  a  significantly  lower  load  level  on  the  component.

 

Nevertheless,  BMW  Motorrad  has  decided  to  adapt  the  maintenance  schedule  for  all  models  in  the  interest  of  customer  satisfaction  over  the  service  life  and  as  a  preventive  quality  measure.

 

What  costs  will  affected  customers  incur?

 

The  mileage-related  replacement  of  the  cardan  shaft  is  free  of  charge  for  customers  over  the  entire  life  of  the  vehicle,  even  if  the  replacement  limit  has  been  reached  several  times  and  regardless  of  the  vehicle's  age.

 

The  recommended  (voluntary)  inspection  every  20,000  km  increases  the  workload  as  part  of  the  inspection  by  9  AW.

 

Why  is  the  exchange  mandatory  and  the  verification  voluntary?

 

In  view  of  the  higher  risk  of  damage  as  the  duration  increases,  BMW  Motorrad  ensures  that  customer  satisfaction  is  the  focus  over  the  entire  lifespan  of  the  vehicle  by  offering  preventive,  free  replacement  of  the  cardan  shaft  at  regular  intervals,  even  for  older  vehicles  and  frequent  drivers.  Checking  and  re-greasing  at  intervals  is  at  the  customer's  discretion  in  order  to  take  into  account  the  different  operating  conditions  of  the  vehicles  and  the  personal  priorities  of  the  driver.

 

Why  is  the  exchange  carried  out  at  the  expense  of  BMW  Motorrad,  but  the  inspection  is  subject  to  a  charge to the Customers?

 

Since  BMW  Motorrad  is  changing  the  maintenance  plan  retroactively,  it  would  not  be  customer-oriented  to  subsequently  impose  increased  maintenance  costs  for  standard  content  on  affected  owners  of  an  R  1200/R1250.  BMW  Motorrad  will  therefore  cover  the  costs  of  replacing  the  cardan  shaft  for  maintenance  reasons.  With  the voluntary  inspection  every  20,000  km,  it  is  the  customer's  decision  whether  to  have  this  carried  out  or  not.  It  is  therefore  his  decision  whether  he  wants  to  bear  the  associated  costs  or  not.

 

Will  the  customer  suffer  any  disadvantages  if  he  foregoes  the  voluntary,  paid  inspection?

 

No,  this  does  not  result  in  any  disadvantages  for  the  customer.  A  rejection  of  the  maintenance  recommendation  is  not  documented  in  the  service  history.

 

How  will  affected  customers  find  out  about  the  changed  maintenance  plan?

 

Depending  on  the  country,  affected  customers  with  vehicles  up  to  model  year  2023  will  either  be  given  an  insert  for  the  operating  instructions  during  their  next  visit  to  the  workshop  or  sent  directly  with  an  information  letter.

 

From  model  year  2024,  the  maintenance  plan  is  already  included  in  the  operating  instructions;  affected  customers  will  no  longer  be  informed  separately.

 

Will  there  also  be  maintenance  plan  content  for  the  cardan  shaft  for  other  series  with  cardan  drive  in  the  future?  For  new  series  there  may  be  maintenance  plan  content  for  the  cardan  shaft  (e.g.  for  the  R  1300  GS).

 

There  are  no  changes  to  the  maintenance  plans  for  existing  series  (K  series,  R  nineT  models  or  R  18  models).  (On  the  R  18  models,  re-greasing  the  splines  with  spray  wax  as  part  of  every  maintenance  visit  has  been  mandatory  since  their  market  launch).

 

Why  do  the  maintenance  schedule  contents  of  the  R  1300  GS  differ  from  those  of  the  previous  model?

 

The  specifications  for  replacement  and  maintenance  intervals  depend  on  the  technical  design  of  the  component  and  its  use  in  the  respective  vehicle.

 

Why  isn't  replacing  the  cardan  shaft  on  the  R  1300  GS  free  of  charge  for  the  customer?

 

BMW  Motorrad  will  cover  the  costs  of  replacing  the  cardan  on  the  K5x  series,  as  the  maintenance  plan  change  is  made  retroactively  for  the  vast  majority  of  customers,  i.e.  the  customers Purchase  did  not  have  to  assume  that  these  inspection  costs  would  be  incurred.  This  is  not  the  case  with  the  R  1300  GS,  here  is  the  wait

 

AFFECTED  VEHICLES

 

A  list  of  the  affected  vehicle  identification  numbers  is  made  available  to  the  affected  markets  on  a  daily  basis  in  the TCM  (Technical  Campaign  Management).  Affected  BMW  motorcycle Partners  will  receive  a  list  of  their  vehicle  identification  numbers  in  the  known  local  systems  as  soon  as  the  promotion  has  been  approved  by  the  respective  market.

 

Before  processing  the  technical  action,  it  must  be  checked  in  AIR  or  S-Gate  whether  the  vehicle  is  actually  affected  by  this  action.  Not  all  vehicles  in  a  model  series  are  always  affected  by  an  action.

 

CONTACT

 

Dorit  Mangold,  EX-VA-2

 

Phone:  +49  89  382  33664

 

E-Mail:  info.campaign@bmw-motorrad.com

[Lone_RT_rider]

My R1250GS is coming up on 36K miles (60K Km's).  It might be time to call my dealer.  :(

[Bernie]

@Lone_RT_rider your GS should also be covered by the worldwide recall of all GS/GSA models drive shafts.

Keep us posted to what your dealer has to say.

[BrianT]

9 hours ago, Lone_RT_rider said:

My R1250GS is coming up on 36K miles (60K Km's).  It might be time to call my dealer.  :(

Let us know how it goes.  My next service will be the 36k but it'll be a while until I hit that.

[9Mary7]

On 11/13/2023 at 6:36 PM, Twisties said:

Has there been confirmation that this applies to BMW North America?  Will they be including hexheads?

It does not apply to Hexheads, only Water-cooled Boxers.

[Janky59]

My ‘18 RT1200 clicked over 36 K today. I’m planning on taking it in next weekend for that service routine. I’m quite curious if the service writer will bring this topic up.

I’ll let you know what happens.

[Skywagon]

Janky… post back what happens. 

[Janky59]

Well, I dropped off my ‘18 R1200RT today for its 36K mile service. After the discussions of what would get done, cost, turnaround time, etc. the subject of a drive shaft replacement wasn’t raised by the service writer (Dustin) at Bob’s BMW.

There was that point in the conversation where it was time to wrap things up, that I asked if he was aware or had heard of a service campaign on driveshaft replacement on 1200/1250 RT’s. I went into a recap of what is posted above, but that didn’t ring any bells with him.

He was aware of the replacement campaign for GS’s and government use RT’s but nothing on the topic of this thread. Several times he referenced that he didn’t see anything in “the system” open against my VIN number.

I don’t really have a dog in the fight currently so I didn’t press the issue. I’ve lubed my splines at a tire change or two since owning it so I sleep pretty good every night.

My hunch is this TSB hasn’t made its way to or through BMW NA or to our local dealers.

 

The last paragraph of the Nov 23rd post by RadioFlyer, the “Affected vehicles” section, lays out to me why my service writer was in the dark. Maybe at my next service this coming summer this TSB information will be more widely known. We shall see.

[Rinkydink]

Me thinks they better get to manufacturing drivetrain parts and get them all shipped out to what few dealers they have left. That’s where the bottleneck will be I bet. 

[rideaway]

To bad it doesn't cover the older R1200RT, I have replaced mine once, probably due for another soon @ 190,000 kms.

[Mellow]

20 hours ago, rideaway said:

To bad it doesn't cover the older R1200RT, I have replaced mine once, probably due for another soon @ 190,000 kms.

 

LOL.. I avoid dealerships at all costs - minus initial purchase - so I'll just ride my '21 until it hits 60,000 miles but will check the shaft u-joints every 12k or maybe 24k.  I'll just change it myself, sure it may cost a little but I trust my mechanic (me) more than any one at a dealership.

[Bernie]

6 hours ago, Mellow said:

 

LOL.. I avoid dealerships at all costs - minus initial purchase - so I'll just ride my '21 until it hits 60,000 miles but will check the shaft u-joints every 12k or maybe 24k.  I'll just change it myself, sure it may cost a little but I trust my mechanic (me) more than any one at a dealership.

I changed my drive shaft at 98K miles out of caution. It is a very simple process, as long as the front spline of the drive shaft is not rusted on to the transmission output shaft. And BMW has/had lowered the price to $219.00 or something like that when the GS/GSA/RTP recall started.

The drive shaft was in better condition then the drive shaft I replaced at 122K miles on my 2007 HexHead.

 

[JS818]

Apparently this is the case. I am in CT and just had my 2018 R1200RT in for the Software Update Recall and while they had it they replaced the Driveshaft as a Warranty Repair. It has 41,600 Miles on it. I hadn't even been aware it was a thing until I saw it on the repair order when I picked up the bike and looked it up on the web. 

[JCtx]

I don't think I'll get to 40K miles on the R, but I wouldn't change the shaft anyway. Having said that, I need to change the tires, and after reading this thread, I'd like to check and lube all splines (front and rear), just in case they weren't lubed properly at the factory. But this would be the only time I do that. Since it's a naked bike, it'll be rare to get caught in rain (none so far), plus I always ride solo with my 165#, so my shaft will have a much easier life than most other heavier R bikes 'affected'. Anyway, no mention at all of which grease to use in there. Any recommendations? I'd greatly appreciate that. And will search for YT videos on how to remove the shaft  for full lubrication. With the muffler and rear wheel removed, should be a relatively easy job, I hope. Thanks again.

[Oldrider51]

I use a moly paste, TS-60, from Ted Porter's the Beemershop.com. it was formulated just for this service. Look at some videos from Boxflyer on this subject.

[JCtx]

Thank you for that; will look for it at Beemershop's site. And do you know which of Ted's videos has that maintenance? I believe I have all saved, but none says that. That'd save me time going thru each one. Thanks.

[Rockosmith]

I just got the driveshaft replaced today under SB 33 04 23 at 75600 miles.  Mine was stuck on the transmission output shaft and the final drive pinion shaft. They had to cut the shaft and remove the swingarm in order to get it out.  My RT never sits outside, except when traveling, and seldom sees rain. Too bad BMW didn’t adequately grease them and make periodic inspections  a part of the 12K maintenance.

[Bernie]

2 minutes ago, Rockosmith said:

I just got the driveshaft replaced today under SB 33 04 23 at 75600 miles.  Mine was stuck on the transmission output shaft and the final drive pinion shaft. They had to cut the shaft and remove the swingarm in order to get it out.  My RT never sits outside, except when traveling, and seldom sees rain. Too bad BMW didn’t adequately grease them and make periodic inspections  a part of the 12K maintenance.

That sound’s familiar, I am sure they tried to accuse you of pressure washing your bike and riding it through flooded streets. But I am glad that your dealer got you all fixed up.

[DBULL]

Had mine replaced today at Moto Union in Wisconsin

[Rockosmith]

29 minutes ago, Bernie said:

That sound’s familiar, I am sure they tried to accuse you of pressure washing your bike and riding it through flooded streets. But I am glad that your dealer got you all fixed up.

Actually they were very professional about it. No accusations, just asked how long I have owned it. This was my first interaction with this dealer and I must give credit where it is due. They made a great first impression.  

[DBULL]

Rockosmith, where is your dealer located?   Today was my first 'real' dealing with Moto Union in WI, and I was pleased.  I've had a couple wheels mounted, and bought my parts, but this was a very good first experience.  So glad to have a BMW dealer in WI after a long time without

[Rockosmith]

4 minutes ago, DBULL said:

Rockosmith, where is your dealer located?   Today was my first 'real' dealing with Moto Union in WI, and I was pleased.  I've had a couple wheels mounted, and bought my parts, but this was a very good first experience.  So glad to have a BMW dealer in WI after a long time without

I took it to Woolys in ATL. They have been a BMW dealer for years. 

[JCtx]

Have a question for those with experience lubing the splines. I watched several videos, and the great majority of folks just lube the rear (final drive) splines. Apparently it's not easy to dislodge the front end, since it's held by a C-clip on the output shaft splines. And if you manage to dislodge it, then it's practically impossible to re-install it, so the 2 folks who did, they removed the C-clip, and then it went in... but I wouldn't like having to leave that part out, since it must be there for a reason. One guy who removed the shaft said there wasn't a C-clip, but I suspect he bought the bike used, and previous owner couldn't re-install the shaft with it. Anyway, I wanted to remove the shaft to lube both sides, just in case it wasn't lubed properly at the factory... but with that stupid clip there, I'm thinking to just do the lower side, and leave it alone up there for now. Just pushing the shaft in and out with the 1 or 2mm of play at the front, should be enough to know it's not stuck, and maybe okay. Thoughts on this? Thank you. By the way, thought the shaft would slide a little in and out of the splines constantly, making it impossible to seize, but guess that's not the case, at least on our non-GS bikes (less travel). Maybe the C-clip is to just force the lower side to slide? Curious why that C-clip is there. Does anybody know?

[BrianT]

Copied from ADV Rider.  Here's the North America Service Bulletin.  Same bulletin number Rockosmith posted for his replacement.

 

 

[Rinkydink]

BMW is giving us the shaft, free?  There’s a change!

[Indy Dave]

On 2/17/2024 at 2:15 PM, JCtx said:

Have a question for those with experience lubing the splines. I watched several videos, and the great majority of folks just lube the rear (final drive) splines. Apparently it's not easy to dislodge the front end, since it's held by a C-clip on the output shaft splines. And if you manage to dislodge it, then it's practically impossible to re-install it, so the 2 folks who did, they removed the C-clip, and then it went in... but I wouldn't like having to leave that part out, since it must be there for a reason. One guy who removed the shaft said there wasn't a C-clip, but I suspect he bought the bike used, and previous owner couldn't re-install the shaft with it. Anyway, I wanted to remove the shaft to lube both sides, just in case it wasn't lubed properly at the factory... but with that stupid clip there, I'm thinking to just do the lower side, and leave it alone up there for now. Just pushing the shaft in and out with the 1 or 2mm of play at the front, should be enough to know it's not stuck, and maybe okay. Thoughts on this? Thank you. By the way, thought the shaft would slide a little in and out of the splines constantly, making it impossible to seize, but guess that's not the case, at least on our non-GS bikes (less travel). Maybe the C-clip is to just force the lower side to slide? Curious why that C-clip is there. Does anybody know?

 

 

I've never had a problem removing or replacing a driveshaft and have never removed the C clip on [RT's and GS models]. I'm guessing the videos you watched were trying to remove the shaft without removing the front boot? The C clip is intended to keep the driveshaft connected to the output shaft - it's not designed to be removed [the clip from the shaft], and is the shaft designed to stay in a fixed position on the output shaft. The C slip isn't as obvious on the driveshaft splines as one might thing - and it would not be easy to remove. It's easy enough to miss when looking right at it.

[marcopolo]

What caught my attention in the Service Information Bulletin is that the new maintenance shedule requirements involve more than just regreasing the splines every 20,000 km.  The dealer also has to TEST  the driveshaft ("....ISTA-led test method...").  It presumably is the same test carried out under BMW's earlier - and still ongoing -service campaign.  I think the takepaway is that this test can only be performed by a dealer.  This also leaves open the possibility that some driveshafts will be replaced well before 60,000 km (as happened with some bikes during the service campaign).  Also of note, the driveshaft is replaced at 60,000 km, which BMW North America has rounded down to 36,000 mi.  Finally, seems pretty clear from the Bulletin that all these new requirements are covered under warranty (see page 2 of the Bulletin) for wethead R bikes up to, and including, model year 2023.  For 2024 bikes, like the new 1300GS, the customer foots the bill, because these new requirements are in their owners' manual from the get-go, though I can't imagine that dealers are going to go out of their way to point this out to prospective buyers.

[marcopolo]

IndyDave, so you simply pull the front boot back to access the output shaft to driveshaft coupling?  Or, do you have to remove the swingarm to remove/replace the driveshaft?

[Indy Dave]

On the Hex/Camhead RT's [K26], and the [K21] R nine T the swing arm needs to be removed. Regardless - it's a tight space up front with the gator compressed, and in the end, one may find it easier to remove the swing arm. 

[Bernie]

2 hours ago, marcopolo said:

IndyDave, so you simply pull the front boot back to access the output shaft to driveshaft coupling?  Or, do you have to remove the swingarm to remove/replace the driveshaft?

It’s also tight on the WetHead bikes. But to lube the transmission output shaft splines, you need to remove the driveshaft. To remove the driveshaft on the RT, you need to remove the swing arm, remove the rear wheel, muffler and disconnect the shock absorber and rear brake caliper. 
I believe that BMW’s recommended spline lube is for the rear drive splines and the rear driveshaft, since does are designed to slide back and forth as the suspension moves up and down. 

[Indy Dave]

15 minutes ago, Bernie said:

It’s also tight on the WetHead bikes. But to lube the transmission output shaft splines, you need to remove the driveshaft. To remove the driveshaft on the RT, you need to remove the swing arm, remove the rear wheel, muffler and disconnect the shock absorber and rear brake caliper. 
I believe that BMW’s recommended spline lube is for the rear drive splines and the rear driveshaft, since does are designed to slide back and forth as the suspension moves up and down. 

 

The K52 RT - AKA wethead 1200/1250 does NOT require the swing arm removal to remove the driveshaft. TECHNICALLY - The factory removal/install procedure does NOT require the Swing Arm to be removed. On the K26 RT [Hex/Cam head RT] - you ain't gettin the driveshaft out without removing the swingarm. The 1250R also does not require swing arm removal, but again, it's probably worth it for the extra room to work.

 

BUT - from a practical standpoint - it's probably time well spent. I'm sure the BMW shop techs have this down and don't remove the swing arm. Then again, they have others in the shop to lend a hand - which is also practical at points. As Bernie alludes to - you've already unbolted the bottom of the rear shock, rear wheel, etc etc, so it's just one more step to remove the swing arm.

 

[Bernie]

1 hour ago, Indy Dave said:

 

The K52 RT - AKA wethead 1200/1250 does NOT require the swing arm removal to remove the driveshaft. TECHNICALLY - The factory removal/install procedure does NOT require the Swing Arm to be removed. On the K26 RT [Hex/Cam head RT] - you ain't gettin the driveshaft out without removing the swingarm. The 1250R also does not require swing arm removal, but again, it's probably worth it for the extra room to work.

 

BUT - from a practical standpoint - it's probably time well spent. I'm sure the BMW shop techs have this down and don't remove the swing arm. Then again, they have others in the shop to lend a hand - which is also practical at points. As Bernie alludes to - you've already unbolted the bottom of the rear shock, rear wheel, etc etc, so it's just one more step to remove the swing arm.

 

Yes, correct Dave, my bad.  I forgot that the reason I had to remove the swing arm on my RT, was because the driveshaft was rusted to the gear box outlet shaft. I was told that this was caused by living 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and also due to high humidtiy in the tropical climate I reside at.  The second time I replaced it, I didn’t have to remove the swing arm, since I used some grease on the splines during the first replacement.

[JCtx]

17 hours ago, Indy Dave said:

I'm guessing the videos you watched were trying to remove the shaft without removing the front boot?

Well, you cannot remove the front boot without removing the swingarm... but it has to be pulled back, if that's what you meant. Removing the shaft is easier, once you lever it with something. But the problem is reconnecting it. It apparently requires A LOT of force with that C-clip in there, and the 2 guys I watched trying to do it, just couldn't do it, and gave up.

 

9 hours ago, Bernie said:

The second time I replaced it, I didn’t have to remove the swing arm, since I used some grease on the splines during the first replacement.

Hey, so how exactly did you manage to push the driveshaft against the C-clip? Really curious to learn about this. Thank you.

 

Finally, I don't believe it's necessary to replace the shaft on street bikes like mine, which might never see rain (or very little), and are always parked in a (desert) dry garage. Maybe the call to replace it is because nobody removes it from the tranny when lubing splines at only the rear? But it was also directed to off-roaders who 'abuse' their bikes not only by treading on water, but jumping too. The good news is they're offering it for free, for those who might want to do it.

[Indy Dave]

Yes - it's pealed back.

 

 

reconnecting it doesn't take much force - hit it with a rubber mallet. The key is to (once the shaft is lubed, spines are lined-up and slid onto the output shaft) to have the swing arm and driveshaft  as level (horizontal)  as possible  before tapping it. Again, this process can be less dramatic if you remove the swing arm - but it's not necessary. I've had several driveshafts on and off - the C clip isn't stupid or problematic.

 

 

39 minutes ago, JCtx said:

 

Finally, I don't believe it's necessary to replace the shaft on street bikes like mine, ....

 

Then don't bother with it. You were the one who wanted to go the extra mile and lube the front splines! But you're correct, you probably do not need to lube the front.

 

Bernie's RT had the front of the shaft rusted onto the tranny output shaft - and I guarantee you he never did water crossings or other GS type 'abuse' (unlike some of us ), so there's that. But that's an RT outlier and more the exception rather than the rule. The closest thing Bernie's' RT's have come to a GS is being parked outside a coffee shop. Often. But it's never for long, and it was never the destination or reason he was on his bike.

 

 BMW have FREE shaft checks and replacement. Clearly they know something more than just a feeling or belief. 

[Bernie]

Every one needs to remember that it is only a recommendation. So if you don’t want to do it, no problem. I personally like to change my drive shaft every 100k Miles. I do lube the rear drive and rear drive shaft splines every 24k miles. But that is also just a personal recommendation. Bikes that are ridden for very sporty style with low mileage on sunny cool days, with no insect activity should never have this problem. 

[RTinNC]

7 hours ago, JCtx said:

 

…….    Finally, I don't believe it's necessary to replace the shaft on street bikes like mine, which might never see rain (or very little), and are always parked in a (desert) dry garage. Maybe the call to replace it is because nobody removes it from the tranny when lubing splines at only the rear? But it was also directed to off-roaders who 'abuse' their bikes not only by treading on water, but jumping too. The good news is they're offering it for free, for those who might want to do it.

Following on what Dave noted I ride my GS 99% on paved roads with an occasional gravel parking lot.  Never done a water crossing and while I put miles on my RT and GS they are well pampered.  I have the splines lubed every tire change. When my 2018 GS was checked under the last recall the drive shaft failed and was replaced.  So it appears abusing the bike is not necessarily the reason the replacement is required.  I am guilty of parking in front of Starbucks….. maybe there is a Starbucks connection to failed drive shafts 😊

[Mellow]

28 minutes ago, RTinNC said:

Following on what Dave noted I ride my GS 99% on paved roads with an occasional gravel parking lot.  Never done a water crossing and while I put miles on my RT and GS they are well pampered.  I have the splines lubed every tire change. When my 2018 GS was checked under the last recall the drive shaft failed and was replaced.  So it appears abusing the bike is not necessarily the reason the replacement is required.  I am guilty of parking in front of Starbucks….. maybe there is a Starbucks connection to failed drive shafts 😊

How many miles on the GS when they replaced it... did is actually 'fail' or does over 36k miles constitute a 'fail' in BMW's mind.