Stranded In Salt Lake -- Final Drive Failure 2006 R1200RT

[marcopolo]

Here I sit in SLC with my wife, and my '06 RT at BMW of Salt Lake awaiting parts after my final dive failed. I detected the problem at my friend Doug's house in Landre, Wyoming -- five hours drive from here. Clues were a wiggle in the rear while riding, and a noticeable wobble when grabbing and wiggling the rear tire while on the center stand. Doug, and friend Tim, tore into it, and quickly concluded that the bearing(s) were tight and seemed OK, but that the splines on the brake rotor, and on the final drive itself (where these two surfaces mated) were very rough (grinding each other?). I won't go into what BMW Roadside Assistance did , or didn't do, but suffice to say Doug let me use his pickup to transport the bike the five hours to SLC. The dealer took it right away this morning (Friday), confirmed Doug's diagnosis, and ordered a final drive, rotor, lug nuts etc. All were in stock in California and expected in SLC Saturday morning. If they arrive as expected, I'd have the bike back same day. If not, we're stuck even longer -- until Wednesday (normal Sat/Sun closing, and state holiday on Tuesday to boot).

 

We could not even have had a chance to have the bike fixed by Saturday had it not been for Doug (DouglasR). Hats off to him, and Tim.

 

Word to the wise -- give your rear tires a good wiggle to check for play. There was no argument whatsoever about this being warranty work. That said, the bike's only 15 months old with 38,000 kms (about 22,000 miles).

 

Worst part of this, we're on a five week cross-continent ride which has now been sigificantly affected. We still hope to hit the weat coast, but will miss a significant part of the trip (Oregon, N. California etc.).

 

Makes one wonder whether life would be better in a Miata.

[Joel]

 

I hope they get you back on the road soon.

 

Aside from diagnosing it as failure, did they give you any information about what went wrong?

[flyingreg]

<SNIP> Makes one wonder whether life would be better in a Miata.

Considering your love for riding, I don't think it would take a week to answer that question. The operative word in your statement is "in" a miata, versus "on" a motorcycle.

 

Really sorry to hear of your misfortune. I hope you are back on the road quickly and this turns into just a distant unpleasant memory.

 

Considering the other options, I still think the BMW marque to be the best engineered and best looking bikes out there. Too bad they are made by mere human hands.

[kcscout]

Makes one wonder whether life would be better in a Miata.

I've thought the same thing and then realized... they break, too.

 

Just a small hiccup in a big adventure. Enjoy the ride.

[Lawman]

Makes one wonder whether life would be better in a Miata.

 

That's exactly why I have both!

 

Good luck...I'm actually surprised that you will back on the road so soon..

[marcopolo]

 

I hope they get you back on the road soon.

 

Aside from diagnosing it as failure, did they give you any information about what went wrong?

 

Yeah, it was the same diagnosis as we made -- the splines. A friend also told me via e-mail that there's a service bulletin on this, and I've seen reports on other forums of RTs and K bikes with the same rear wheel wobble resulting in a replacement of the final drive. Pretty pricey just for the parts.

[Lawman]

Considering the other options, I still think the BMW marque to be the best engineered bikes out there. Too bad they are made by mere human hands.

 

I know I'll get flamed for this but do you really think they are better engineered than Honda? How many final drive failures or other catastrophic failures do you know of in the ST1300? I ride my RT not because I think it's better but because I like it more in spite of it's unreliability..

[marcopolo]

Makes one wonder whether life would be better in a Miata.

 

That's exactly why I have both!

 

Good luck...I'm actually surprised that you will back on the road so soon..

 

That's only if the parts arrive overnight from California. If not, bike won't be fixed until next Wednesday at the earliest, and we'd only be on the road again on Thursday. They'd better be here tomorrow, or I'll be one really unhappy guy, not to mention my wife who's sitting here burning her holidays. That said, we had a good dinner tonight in SLC.

[John Bentall]

Considering the other options, I still think the BMW marque to be the best engineered bikes out there. Too bad they are made by mere human hands.

 

I know I'll get flamed for this but do you really think they are better engineered than Honda? How many final drive failures or other catastrophic failures do you know of in the ST1300? I ride my RT not because I think it's better but because I like it more in spite of it's unreliability..

 

I am not going to flame you, but say that BMW are differently engineered.

For instance, I believe that if they added the robustness and engineering strength back into a 1200RT so that it would be the same weight as an ST1300 (say another 60 lbs) it would be as reliable as the Honda.

[blkvelvt]

Considering the other options, I still think the BMW marque to be the best engineered bikes out there. Too bad they are made by mere human hands.

 

I know I'll get flamed for this but do you really think they are better engineered than Honda? How many final drive failures or other catastrophic failures do you know of in the ST1300? I ride my RT not because I think it's better but because I like it more in spite of it's unreliability..

 

I'm not going to flame you here. I just think some BMW's have a lot more farkles to mess up. Some owners are not used to the extra sophistication with some later model bikes. The simpler the design seems to have a lot to do with what an owner has to deal with. I had a VFR and the valve train retainers cracked. I noticed it on a valve adjustment. Gl1200 with the worse set of leaking forks since day one. I had a Suzuki that was a bear to keep the carbs in synq. The list goes on and on. I figure most bikes are high strung/ high performance vehicles that tend to shake rattle and roll at the owners expense. I would not call my BMW unreliable, but in the same breath, I keep a close eye on everything about it. I wish I had the answer to Honda charging systems. My Hondas ate voltage regulators and required constant battery and reg/rec replacement. Some bikes I've owned require brake pads with every oil change. It's called riding. I'm a very spirited rider and I need to keep up on my steed, no matter what the brand/trademark. I bummed the final drive went sour here on the OP's bike. My 1981 R100rs is still on the original final drive hauling around a sidecar. Life's can be a b*tch, and so is our motorcycles. I like playing in the garage, so maybe my RT will be more reliable to some peoples' standards. Time will tell. The ST1300 is a fine bike but it does have heat problems it likes to share with the rider. This wouldn't stop me from buying one. I would stock up on charging system parts.

[BamaRider]

I've been on the Honda side 6 years, and 165k miles. Seven cross country rides of 7k miles each, 5 rides into Canada at 5k miles, and more regional tours then I can count on 2 Honda STs (97k miles on the 11, 62k miles on the 13)and have never once not had one run pefectly.

 

I know 2 forums full of guys on STs, many with 100k plus miles, and never heard of a failed charging system or final drive. My 1300 with 62k miles has never had the valve covers off,and still the same spark plugs. I would not hesitate to go out there right now and ride it anywhere on this continient the only prerequiste it would need would be a oil change and tires.

 

On the other hand my 05 1200RT with 35k miles has only suffered 2 headlight bulb failures, but it has been pampered beyond belief with 6k interval checks and service.

 

Having said that, I enjoy riding both bikes immensely. In terms of function the RT is one of the finest bikes in the world, but BMW has to get a handle on their reliability problems, as I now compare EVERY BIKE to my Honda experience. In my view, the Honda ST is the standard all others are judged when it comes to reliability.

 

I'm not gonna go by what this magazine says, or this or that. I'll refer to my time on the vast roads of North America, and the bikes I ride, and know of from others. And I don't see the BMW anywhere as close as reliable. Now I might be an anomaly, but I don't think so. I'm sure there is some poor schmuk out there with a lemon ST, but I can't find him, and I've been around a mile or 2.

 

 

The ST 13000 that sits in my garage (O4) with 62k miles still has almost 3 years of unlimited mile warranty remaining (original factory 3 years unlimited, extra 3 unlimited miles bought from Honda for 400 dollars).

 

Still, I chose to buy a RT understanding it was not going to be as reliable as the Honda, and it was going to need more attention, I accepted that, because it is such a fun bike to ride, and I love the way it looks. So far, I have not regretted it, and I'd recommend the bike to anyone wanting to buy, but if dead pan reliability is a issue, I steer them to the Honda.

 

I've yet to take the RT on a cross country ride. The last 2 years I've had a choice of which bike to take. I ride the Honda, because I don't fully trust the RT to get my back, and the holes in the dealer grid out west are known to all here if you DO run into a problem.

 

I love the RT, how it looks and how it rides, and it is close to convincing me it is worthy of a cross country run. Perhaps next year.

 

The RT is well thought out, and with all the things a touring bike should have. I believe BMW is a little better at knowing and understanding what makes a good touring bike. I think they are better with the little details, that make a difference to riders such as me.

 

This many bikes with a failed final drive makes me wonder.

[keithb]

Hi Mark

Sorry to hear about your challenges with the final drive but it sounds like you will be up and running soon. See some sights around the Salt Lake area. There is some good stuff to see. Since reading your post regarding the final drive I guess it is time to go out to the garage and shake Ruby's rear wheel back and forth. The last time I went out to the garage after reading a post she needed new tranny seals and the entire clutch. I sure hope there is no shake, rattle, or roll when I check it. Let us know when you get back on the road.

KB

[JustKrusen]

I have to echo BamaRider's comments. I have a lot of friends on high mileage Hondas and problems are far and few between. I put 90,000 on a '94 GL1500 with no problems in 4 years. My current '02 GL1800 has over 92,000 and has never had anything but routine maintenance on it. I also still have 2 years of warranty left on it. A friend of mine is on his way to Alaska on his '02 1800 with over 125,000 on it. My '06 R1200RT has 14,000 on it now in one year. The RT is by far the most fun to ride one up. Unlike BamaRider I would not be afraid to ride the RT cross country tomorrow. But I now have doubts in the back of my head about BMW's overall realiability. I'll just deal with that when/if the time comes. If I could only own one MC it would probably have to be a Honda.

[Highway41]

Hope you are back on the road by now Mark.

Like others, I've read of failed final drives and wonder how many failed with the original "lifetime" fluid fill versus failures after the rear drive fluid was changed. Had yours been changed?

Bill

[blkvelvt]

Bama, you missed my whole point. All major brands will produce high mileage bikes and all brands have failures as well. That was all I was pointing out. To respond with my friends do this and my friends do that is great. I'm glad you ride in a perfect world. With decades of riding under my belt, I can speak from experience and not friends and forums. I have yet to have any bike leave me stranded where I had to get to a dealer. I got many multistate rides in. I trust my BMW to do the trip. I trust Hondas as well. I don't need forum friends to back me up. It's good to see your faith is in Honda. They do make great bikes. I rode a GL1800 a spell before I got my RT. If I wanted to sit on my couch at home, I would have bought the Goldwing.

[flyingreg]

Considering the other options, I still think the BMW marque to be the best engineered bikes out there. Too bad they are made by mere human hands.

I know I'll get flamed for this but do you really think they are better engineered than Honda? How many final drive failures or other catastrophic failures do you know of in the ST1300? I ride my RT not because I think it's better but because I like it more in spite of it's unreliability..

They all have issues of one sort or the other. If its not valve guide problems, then it is overheating, heat expelled onto the rider, head shakes, high speed wobbles, vibration in the engine, poor brakes, the list goes on. And yes, they can all be unrelaible. And yes, I think the engineering, fit and finish is top notch on the beemer line. IMO, Japanese bikes are so, so cheesy.

[Lawman]

IMO, Japanese bikes are so, so cheesy.

 

I really can't tell you what it is about the RT that causes me to prefer it over the ST but perhaps you said it...It just doesn't get it done for me..

[awagnon]

At the oilhead tech session at the BMWMOA Rally in Wisconsin, there was a discussion on final drive failures. Out of curiosity, someone asked how many in the crowd had personnally experienced a final drive failure. I would guess at least 10% or more of the nearly 80-100 people there raised their hands. I'm sure this isn't a normal sample of BMW riders, but it's still pretty sad.

[TowJam]

... I'm sure this isn't a normal sample of BMW riders, but it's still pretty sad...

...especially considering that BMW has been building shaft drive bikes since 1923. You would think that by now, the FD would be one of the most bullet-proof features of a BMW.

[motoguy128]

Do any other companies use a singe sided swing arm with a shaft drive? I think this design, though really cool and a engineering marvel, it findamentally the root cause of problems. It seems like if the internal components are at all out of spec or not assembled properly, it's a ticking time bomb. For 90% of the riders, it's never a problem.

 

I owned a R1150R with 17k miles and have been the proud owner of a R1200RT for 12 hours now. I love the new bike, but I fear I might be the unlucky 1 in 10.

 

I'm just going to ride and try not to think about it. No other bike on the market can match the overall package.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I'm just going to ride and try not to think about it. No other bike on the market can match the overall package.

 

Any bike from any manufacturer can have a critical failure and leave you stranded. My mindset is just to enjoy the ride, and if things go to hell in a hurry ... that's just part of the adventure. I won't be happy about it, but I'll make the best of it.

 

I do hope that Mark makes it home safely and that the shop(s) take care of him properly.

[texasaggie97]

I agree. I replace all my fluids every other oil change. I have had no issues with any part of my GS. I hope that everyone who write here really does take care of there bike. I know that its easy to dog out the bike and get mad when there is a failure. I have seen a lot of people really treat their bikes like crap and then wonder why it blows up. I know that this is not always the issue but just know that it does enter into the equation.

I have had people tell me the same stuff we are talking about here concerning cars. Some people like Ford or Chevy. Trust me you will here all kinds of stories about both type depending on who is telling the story.

Bottom line just buy what you want and take care of your investment and I bet for the most part it treats you right.

[blkvelvt]

... I'm sure this isn't a normal sample of BMW riders, but it's still pretty sad...

...especially considering that BMW has been building shaft drive bikes since 1923. You would think that by now, the FD would be one of the most bullet-proof features of a BMW.

 

I've got a 1981 R100RS EML and the F/D is great with a two person side car. I think having a double sided swingarm makes all the difference.

[jakfrost]

Sooo Mark....howzit going? No news good news? You on the road again?

When you have time, did you have the FD fluid changed before you left? I did mine at 10,000kms before I left for Dallas but now have 28,000kms and wondering if your 30,000kms failure is a marker...

Sorry to hear about your trip interuption...at least no blood was spilled, yet

 

Jim W.

[awagnon]

Mark,

 

I forgot to mention, it was pointed out at the MOA rally that everyone experiencing a final drive failure should report this to the NTSA for at least two reasons. First, this could be a significant safety issue if there was a catastophic failure and the rear wheel locked up. Secondly, only the NTSA has the clout to make BMW admit there is a problem and to come up with a solution. Whats going to happen when these final drives continue to fail after the warranty expires and will this affect the resale value of our bikes.

[motoguy128]

I think to quiet concerns, BMW should consider offering a 100,000 miles 10 year warranty on the final drive unit or at least offer a prorated replacement cost.

 

Everyone talks about the German engineering from a performance standpoint, but I will mention that BMW automobiles are rated mid pack for reliability and Mercedes is consitently at the very bottom.

 

Reliability and durability can be mutually exclusive. I think BMW motorcycles prove that.

[marcopolo]

Hope you are back on the road by now Mark.

Like others, I've read of failed final drives and wonder how many failed with the original "lifetime" fluid fill versus failures after the rear drive fluid was changed. Had yours been changed?

Bill

 

Yup, I had the fluid changed at the end of its first season (last fall). That said, the failure was wher the splines on the axle ube, and the splines on the rotor "flange" come together. I'm the furthest thing from a mechanic, but I don't believe there's any lubrication in that area of the final drive.

[marcopolo]

Sooo Mark....howzit going? No news good news? You on the road again?

When you have time, did you have the FD fluid changed before you left? I did mine at 10,000kms before I left for Dallas but now have 28,000kms and wondering if your 30,000kms failure is a marker...

Sorry to hear about your trip interuption...at least no blood was spilled, yet

 

Jim W.

 

Hi Jim. I did have the FD fluid changed when I put it away for winter last November.

 

Now the good news, we, and the bike, are back on the road. I'm posting this from the throbbing metropolis of Winnemucca, Nevada. We rode here from Salt lake City very early this morning. We left SLC at 4:30 a.m., and arrived here at 9:30 (10:30 with the time zone change) in a bid to beat the desert heat. The strategy worked. In fact, it was cool pretty much the whole ride. Tomorrow it's on to San Francisco and back on our original itinerary.

 

As for the bike woes, BMW of Salt lake did a fine job looking after us. I first spoke to them Thursday afternoon, after discovering the problem. I got the bike to them mid-morning on Friday (a five hour ride in the back of a pickup from Wyoming). Getting there Friday morning allowed them to confirm the diagnosis, and order the parts (all in stock in Ontario, California). Andy at BMW SLC made sure to speak to a live human at the other end to make sure the parts actually were on the shelf, and would be put in the overnight shipment. Parts arrived Saturday morning, and I picked up the repaired bike mid-afternoon Saturday. They replaced the final drive, the rear rotor, lug nuts,a nd one other small bit. It was 9 hours labour. Total cost was about $2,000. All was covered by warranty, of course.

 

All in all, we were off the road for two days (Friday and Saturday), but it took an exceptionally generous gesture by our friend Doug Gilmer ("DouglasR"). He helped diagnose the problem after I found the wobble while washing the bike, and inspecting the tires/checking pressure etc. He also suggested that we load the bike on his truck, and get it to Salt Lake ourselves, so we'd have it there by Friday morning. Had I relied on BMW's towing arrangements, the bike would not have been picked up in Lander, Wyoming, until 9:30 p.m. Friday! That would have meant the bike would not jhave arrived at SLC until Saturday. I had already been advised by BMW Salt lake that arriving saturday would mean I would not be back on the road until the following Wednesday as they're closed Sun/Mon, and there was a state holiday in Utah on Tuesday. That would have meant being stuck in SLC for five freakin' days. Thanks BMW. They found one towing company who was prepared to get the bike to SLC on Friday, but they wanted $1,000 up front, and I would not get a dime from BMW. I said no thanks to that one.

 

Thanks again Doug, and Tim (a mutual friend, and GS rider who also helped in Lander).

 

All of this leaves me wondering about the design of the final drive. This specific failure( splines on axle tube and on rotor flange) was the subject of a BMW service bulletin for the 1200 GS not long after it was put into service. There's only one fix -- replace the final drive. I also don't think the fluid change is at all related, as these sets of splines are not lubricated by the FD fluid as far as I know (though you know how limited my mechanical knowledge is).

 

We're certainly happy that we were only set back two days, but one does wonder about the bike's reliability, and nobody but BMW knows how many FDs fail, and they're sure not talking. This was certainly not the first one SLC has replaced in similar circimstances.

[Pictou]

I personally believe the ST1300 is more reliable than an RT - however I wouldn't own one because they just don't do it for me. The RT never fails to put a grin on my face - the ST feels like sort of like an appliance to me.

[Wyn]

Let's hear it for SLC BMW. Seems like they took good care of you.

 

Wyn

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I personally believe the ST1300 is more reliable than an RT - however I wouldn't own one because they just don't do it for me. The RT never fails to put a grin on my face - the ST feels like sort of like an appliance to me.

 

It won't likely leave you stranded, if that's what you mean by reliable. Aside from that, I had 2 recalls, 1 warranty drive flange bearing failure, 1 chronic coolant leak, and 1 failed thermostat on the ST. Other than than it was change tires and fluids and ride. The RT has had 1 recall, change tires and fluids ... and it puts the grin on my face.

[marcopolo]

Let's hear it for SLC BMW. Seems like they took good care of you.

 

Wyn

 

Absolutely, they treated us well. I'd certainly recommend them to anyone.

[RodB]

After reading this thread, I checked my bike for looseness at the final drive; everything looks OK. I'm glad to hear of the excellent service provided by BMW in Salt lake city.

 

From what I understand, marcopolo's final drive failure is not due to any kind of lubricant related failure as he explains the parts involved are the axle tube and the wheel (rotor) flange.

 

Looking at the parts fiche for the final drive, I see that this flange is splined to the tube and secured with an external snap ring. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to remove the flange and lubricate the splines as part of a regular service. If so, has anyone here separated these parts? How difficult of a job is it? It would seem to me that in order to prevent these types of failures; the flange would have to be a press fit to the tube.

 

Rod

[quaintance]

just as kind of an aside.. I think "RoboRider" over on the bmwxplor.com site posted the same failure just a few weeks ago with his '05 RT...

 

at least it sounds to me like the same but I'm too lazy to back and search.

[jakfrost]

On the subject of 'final drive fluid' and 'spline lube'...when I changed the final drive fluid I had to 'drop' the final drive to the vertial position to drain out the old fluid. While it was draining I applied 'BMW Spline Lube' to the drive shaft splines where they were now exposed.

 

Is this the point where there appears to be a 'lack of lubricant'...at least in Mark's case? As far as I know there are only 2 sets of 'splines', at the transmission and at the final drive.

 

Am I missing something here? The dealer seemed to know exactly what I was talking about when I asked for 'spline lube'. Sold me a little tube from BMW for about 25.00.

 

Jim

[TonyS]

At the oilhead tech session at the BMWMOA Rally in Wisconsin, there was a discussion on final drive failures. Out of curiosity, someone asked how many in the crowd had personnally experienced a final drive failure. I would guess at least 10% or more of the nearly 80-100 people there raised their hands. I'm sure this isn't a normal sample of BMW riders, but it's still pretty sad.

At the last Santa Barbara BMW Riders meeting two members mentioned they had had final drive failures in the last month (our club has 34 members), both on 1150s (GS and RT). The mileage on my '04 RT (48k) is higher than either of them. It certainly gives me reason to be concerned. I'll continue to check the rear wheel play, change the fluid with synthetic regularly, and am looking forward to the two day ride to the Quincy rally come Sept. This does seem to be a hit or miss problem more than a lack of maintenance or abuse problem. Call it the bliss of ignorance, but I wouldn't hesitate to take the bike on an extended trek. Should the thing fail, I'm back to Honda.

[Satguy]

NO, NO, No!! You don't want to take off the wheel/rotor carrier on any R1200XX bike and lube it. It is a press fit and the snap ring is to ensure it does not come off the axle tube. The failure described by Marcopolo has NOTHING to due with any kind of lube failure or final drive oil changes.

 

You have to heat the wheel/rotor carrier to remove it from the axle tube. A slight interference fit is necessary to prevent the exact failure that occured.

 

Drive on and don't worry about it....... I have yet to see any fail in our shop.

[Eschelon1]

There was a guy on a 1200 GS at Paonia, 26k miles, different symptoms, same problem. BMW shop for Grand Junction drove down, picked it up, had it back the next day with a new diff in it, I was impressed...

[bross]

This thread made me go check mine, 21,000kms on my 06 RT. Still nice and snug, no play. I had changed my final drive fluid last fall when I put the bike away and didn't have any shavings etc. on the magnet and other than the fluid being very black looked OK. I'm interested to see what the Amsoil 75W90 looks like when I drain it this fall.

 

Till then I'll just keep checking the read end, and riding the wheels off it.

 

Glad you got back on the road quickly and are back to enjoying your vacation. You're gonna love the California / Oregon coast.

[sb955i]

Don't forget to get a roadside assistance ticket number. Your stay and dinners and expenses are all covered... might ease the pain a little.

[Yukon]

NO, NO, No!! You don't want to take off the wheel/rotor carrier on any R1200XX bike and lube it. It is a press fit and the snap ring is to ensure it does not come off the axle tube. <snip>

 

Holy Crap! You telling me the only thing keeping my rear wheel on is a snap ring!!!!!!?????????

[pismopal]

The first thing I did after buying a friends 05 RT with 15000 miles on it was replace the shocks. They were terrible and made handling scary for me. The dealer pronounced them to be within standards and I immediately pronounced them outside my own and replaced them. I am not a mechanic but BMW ownership makes that skill very desireable (I have owned others). Is it possible (I am asking) that the shock absorber is contributing to early rear drive failure?

[marcopolo]

After reading this thread, I checked my bike for looseness at the final drive; everything looks OK. I'm glad to hear of the excellent service provided by BMW in Salt lake city.

 

From what I understand, marcopolo's final drive failure is not due to any kind of lubricant related failure as he explains the parts involved are the axle tube and the wheel (rotor) flange.

 

Looking at the parts fiche for the final drive, I see that this flange is splined to the tube and secured with an external snap ring. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to remove the flange and lubricate the splines as part of a regular service. If so, has anyone here separated these parts? How difficult of a job is it? It would seem to me that in order to prevent these types of failures; the flange would have to be a press fit to the tube.

 

Rod

 

My friend Doug separated these parts in about 10 minutes. Not a big deal if you know aht you;re doing.

[marcopolo]

On the subject of 'final drive fluid' and 'spline lube'...when I changed the final drive fluid I had to 'drop' the final drive to the vertial position to drain out the old fluid. While it was draining I applied 'BMW Spline Lube' to the drive shaft splines where they were now exposed.

 

Is this the point where there appears to be a 'lack of lubricant'...at least in Mark's case? As far as I know there are only 2 sets of 'splines', at the transmission and at the final drive.

 

Am I missing something here? The dealer seemed to know exactly what I was talking about when I asked for 'spline lube'. Sold me a little tube from BMW for about 25.00.

 

Jim

 

Not the same splines, Jim. The ones that caused the problem were the axle tube, and the flange (attached to the rotor). These are not exposed when you drop the drive to chnage the fluid. Best to check the online parts fiche at Max BMW's website.

[marcopolo]

Don't forget to get a roadside assistance ticket number. Your stay and dinners and expenses are all covered... might ease the pain a little.

 

Interestingly enough the cheap bastards who answered the roadside assistance phone line said I would not be eligible for any trip interruption benefits since I had turned down their incredibly tardy towing offer. I don't believe they were right, but I also called the provider of my out-of-country medical insirance, and they also provide trip interruption benefits. They said they'd give us $150 per person, per day for our stay in SLC.

[flyingreg]

NO, NO, No!! You don't want to take off the wheel/rotor carrier on any R1200XX bike and lube it. It is a press fit and the snap ring is to ensure it does not come off the axle tube. <snip>

 

Holy Crap! You telling me the only thing keeping my rear wheel on is a snap ring!!!!!!?????????

And your point is? It's still rolling down the road, right? Must be a miracle or pure luck.

[sb955i]

That's unbelievable ! Surely documented proof by the dealer will warrant payment. I'd say we should send a few letters to Motorrad if it doesn't.

 

Are you dealing with the Canadian Service folks..?

 

Good luck eh! Fingers crossed..

[sb955i]

PS: I've had two occurances with Road Side.. both went well.. I sent in a spreadsheet with my expenses and got full payment (hotel, meals).. so perhaps there is still hope..

[marcopolo]

That's unbelievable ! Surely documented proof by the dealer will warrant payment. I'd say we should send a few letters to Motorrad if it doesn't.

 

Yeah, it was the Cdn 1-800 number, and it was only the person on the phone who said they would normally not reimburse trip interruption expenses if I refused their tow. I pointed out that by refusing it, I was saving BMW hundreds of dollars in towing fees, and four days of hotels/meals, and car rental expenses. She didn't really see the logic in my argument, and i was too annoyed at that point to waste any more time. I got nothing but cooperation when I phone my out-of-country medical ins provider and explained our predicament. The reply was very simple -- $300 per day for both of us combined (meals/hotel and other reasonable expenses, just keep receipts. They've already sent claim forms to our home address so they'd be there upon our return.

 

Are you dealing with the Canadian Service folks..?

 

Good luck eh! Fingers crossed..

[Yukon]

NO, NO, No!! You don't want to take off the wheel/rotor carrier on any R1200XX bike and lube it. It is a press fit and the snap ring is to ensure it does not come off the axle tube. <snip>

 

Holy Crap! You telling me the only thing keeping my rear wheel on is a snap ring!!!!!!?????????

And your point is? It's still rolling down the road, right? Must be a miracle or pure luck.

 

Well, all my previous bikes have had the rear end secured with a nice solid rear axle anchored on both sides of the wheel with at least a castle nut and carter pin. I guess that's over-engineered according to BMW.....or is it? When was the last time you heard of a rear drive failure on something other than a BMW? Any BMW mech with more than a couple years in the field will tell you that the week portion of a BMW drive train is in the rear. I'll definitely have that snap ring in mind when doing a buck thirty down the road on my K12R I'll tell ya!