BitScribbler Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I just took a call from my dealer, who has told me, with immediate effect, that I must not ride my '14 R1200RT. BMW UK have issued a notice to say that all such bikes featuring ESA (which will be most, I'd hazard a guess) are not to be used until further notice. It's not April 1, and I know the person who rang me. My European trip looms less than 2 weeks away. Not impressed? No, me neither. I await further information. Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Morning BitScribbler Interesting info-- Let us know what the problem turns out to be. I have heard of some front end wobble issues on the water cooled GS but first time hearing anything suspension-wise on the RT. Link to comment
Mike Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 There have been a flurry of posts on the BMW MOA Facebook group's page. One of the individuals who's confirmed this is with BMW of Atlanta and says it does apply to U.S. units, too. There hasn't been any description of the problem yet, as far as I've seen. Link to comment
kgerry Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I would think 95% of the new RT's out there have the Dynamic Pkg....and 100% have the Dynamic ESA.... not good Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Quoted from MCN--- "BMW has issued an urgent instruction to all owners of 2014 BMW R1200RT owners fitted with the Dynamic ESA electronic suspension system to stop riding their motorcycles with immediate effect. The problem concerns the rear suspension system and the potential failure of the plunger rod assembly inside. The instruction to stop riding motorcycles only relates to the 2014 model of the RT; the bike with the updated water-cooled boxer engine that was launched just a few months ago and only those models with the Dynamic ESA suspension option fitted. A statement from BMW reads: "We regret to inform you that with immediate effect all 2014 R 1200 RT with Dynamic ESA must not be ridden. At this moment, we cannot guarantee that the plunger rod assembly for the rear suspension unit will not fail. "Customers of affected machines will be contacted by their dealer immediately and asked not to ride their motorcycle. Whilst this is extremely disappointing for our customers their safety is BMW Motorrad's priority." BMW dealers are currently contacting the 500-or so UK owners to explain the situation and work out how affected motorcycles will be fixed." Link to comment
TEWKS Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Interesting, I bent my front rim (14 RT) hitting the same pothole on I 84 as did a 2006 RT and a Ninja. Unlucky, or could it have been a suspension issue? Pat Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Interesting, I bent my front rim (14 RT) hitting the same pothole on I 84 as did a 2006 RT and a Ninja. Unlucky, or could it have been a suspension issue? Morning Pat Usually just a little lower on tire pressure. If the tire deflects in far enough when you hit the pothole edge it can easily bend a rim. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Interesting, I bent my front rim (14 RT) hitting the same pothole on I 84 as did a 2006 RT and a Ninja. Unlucky, or could it have been a suspension issue? Morning Pat Usually just a little lower on tire pressure. If the tire deflects in far enough when you hit the pothole edge it can easily bend a rim. Thanks DR, that's most likely the answer but, fishin' is fishin'! Pat Link to comment
Jeff in VA Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I got the same call from my dealer - do not ride. They do t have enough info from BMW to know the exact problem, the fix or the timing. Link to comment
simonB Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just had a call 50 miles from home whilst at work on the bike, bike was picked up within 10 minutes of calling BMW recovery - now need to figure out alternative transport! Link to comment
AndyS Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 What about that 1100 in your garage? Link to comment
kgerry Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I wonder if dealers/BMW will be issuing refunds for those paid for but not yet delivered? would suck to pay for a new bike and then be told you cant ride it for weeks.... Link to comment
Skywagon Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just got the call from my dealer...it's true. I live 5 miles from dealer and they don't want me to ride it in. They are coming to get it....Arghhh No fix from BMW available right now. Dealer waiting on instructions from the motherland... P.S. By the way, what is a plunger rod for the rear assembly? Link to comment
AndyS Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 "Can't ride it for weeks" - where is this info coming from? Link to comment
Glenn Reed Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 "Can't ride it for weeks" - where is this info coming from? My guess is that he is inferring from the "don't ride it" and "we don't have a fix yet" statements, that the time these owners are without their bikes will not just be a couple of days. But that's just me inferring that. Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 clip-- P.S. By the way, what is a plunger rod for the rear assembly? Afternoon Skywagon My guess would be the long rod that that attaches the top of the shock to the inter piston (the rod that goes in & out when you hit a bump) Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 My guess would be the long rod that that attaches the top of the shock to the inter piston (the rod that goes in & out when you hit a bump) So I wonder what the failure mode is that they're so concerned about? Two that I can think of: -failure at the connection between the rod and the piston resulting in complete loss of damping. You may suddenly find your bike riding like The Beast from "Uncle Buck:" OR -failure at the connection between the rod and the bike, in which case - if the shock becomes dislocated - it could rub against the tire and lock up the wheel, or completely slip out of place allowing the suspension to collapse and let the weight of the bike bear directly against the top of the tire. Either way, this would not end well. Thankfully I don't have a 2014 RT, but I'll be very curious as to the specifics of what they're so concerned about. Link to comment
kgerry Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 "Can't ride it for weeks" - where is this info coming from? i am only speculating that since it's obviously a hardware issue and not a software issue... they are going to need a heck of a supply of replacement parts... do you know how many RT's were sold so far this year?? Plenty!! i really hope everyone is up and running very, very quickly... i was only saying if i had just paid for a new bike and hadnt yet taken delivery and was then told it is unridable, i would expect a refund to persue other options if that was my choice... or wait patiently for a fix... this is June... the beginning of the peak riding/touring season.... Link to comment
simonB Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Approx 500 bike in the UK at the moment, given that our local dealer has servicing fully booked out until the 22nd June, this may take a while especially if there has to be a modified shock developed, manufactured and fitted! Link to comment
biometrics Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Some R1200RT owners other forums are reporting that you need to call your dealer and give them your VIN to verify if you are part of the stop riding order. Apparently some 2013 models with ESA option may also be affected. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 all speculation right now, but suspect a manufacturing defect in the shock. I am hopeful the manufacture of the shock can get a bunch out in the market place quickly. I don't know how complicated it is from a labor perspective to change it out e.g. 1 hour or 10 hours.... I just sold my other two bikes so now I am bikeless.....with two trips planned later this month. Link to comment
TEWKS Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just got the call from my dealer. They said if the plunger rod fails it will dump fluid on the rear tire. Pat Link to comment
DanDE Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just got the call from my dealer. They said if the plunger rod fails it will dump fluid on the rear tire. Pat Yeah, but then the ASC and ABS would kick in so no harm no foul. (This sucks) Link to comment
Big Ben Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Big Ben is not a happy camper. Who thinks BMW will offer any compensation if this thing takes weeks or months to fix? Not! Link to comment
Kathy R Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 All that really matters right now is that no one get's hurt. I'm grateful BMW didn't hide a life threatening deficiency. We don't need a motorcycle version of what GM is going through. Link to comment
Roadwolf Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Guys, this is not for all 2014 RTs... there is a specific VIN range and my dealer just confirmed that my Feb 22 delivery date RT (with ESA) is NOT affected. I am good. So for some us, we can ride on. For others, it has got to bite. Sorry guys. Link to comment
walton66 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 biometrics mentioned some 2013's. Would like to know more about that. Link to comment
Bob Palin Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 with immediate effect all 2014 R 1200 RT with Dynamic ESA must not be ridden In other words - TADT! Link to comment
Roadwolf Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Disregard previous post... I just got a call back... yep, I am affected as well. : ( Link to comment
bubbamoore Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just got a call from my dealer telling me not to ride the bike , they will be sending someone out to pick it up. Something to to do with ESA system. Anyone have any details concerning this ? Also just found this , http://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/06/05/manufacturers/bmw/bmw-warns-potential-defect-2014-r1200rt-suspension/ Link to comment
Mike Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 This is, I believe, the BMW press release: As of today, BMW Motorrad is notifying all owners of the current R 1200 RT, model year 2014, fitted with the Dynamic ESA option that there is a potential defect in the rear spring strut. At the present time it cannot be ruled out that the piston rod of the rear spring strut in connection with the Dynamic ESA option could potentially break. For this reason, customers are requested not to ride their motorcycle until further notice. This is a precautionary measure which BMW Motorrad is taking in the interests of customer safety based on a supplier report. To date there have been no injuries related to this issue. Approximately 8,000 vehicles are affected by this measure worldwide. A technical campaign is in preparation to replace the part in question. BMW Motorrad regrets any inconvenience caused to customers affected by this precautionary measure. Link to comment
cali_beemer Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Damn, this looks like an extremely serious issue if BMW is going so far as to tell people to stop riding right this minute and picking the bike up where you are. I was considering a new 14 before buying the connie and very happy now I didn't. My guess, simply a guess is this is much bigger than losing the oil in the shock. I think Joe Frickin Friday is probably more accurate. Link to comment
ADulay Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Yep, just got the call myself as my bike is in the VIN number range. Just swell. Now I have to borrow my neighbor's Harley (2010 with 1900 miles) until mine gets "fixed". I don't believe he will be letting me borrow his BMW K1600, just the Harley that got parked. The shame of it all. AD Link to comment
Alfred02 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Sweet... I can put money on it that when I call my dealer this morning, he will have heard nothing about it and won't know what I am talking about. For some reason my dealer (or more likely BMW Australia) seem to be weeks/months behind the rest of the world to hear about updates. Is there a way that I can find out if we are affected? I would be very surprised if we wouldn't be as I can't see BMW having a different suspension system for specific countries. Link to comment
AlanS. Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Sounds more like the piston rod in the rear shock can break. Dealer called me and said they would call later today or tomorrow with more news and a solution. I am at work and did ride the RT today. Since I have 1100 miles on it I am not worried about 30 more to make it home. Alan Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Afternoon Alfred This one sounds different than the standard BMW evasion, retreat, & denial that they usually take. This one also sounds like a non-government forced recall so my guess is that a few riders might have been hurt with this failure already. Link to comment
RTster Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just when I finished planning a weekend trip through the Cascades(WA) this morning and I got the call from the Vancouver dealer!! Damn!! I wonder if this has something to do with the rear wheel wobble/tail spin I experienced I had discussed in a different thread sometime back. There were was one more rider who had experienced the similar sensation on the highway. Hope it gets fixed soon. We all are going to some precious riding time meanwhile!! Link to comment
Alfred02 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Just had a look at the German forum: "rt-freunde.de" Everybody in Germany is being notified to stop riding immediately!! Danger of the piston rod "braking". Further news to come from BMW on the 12-06-2014. Might have to become a forum member and get my rusty native language a workout. Link to comment
Kitsap Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Interesting day today. I walked into my dealer today for a different issue to find two RTs with SOLD stickers on them and their customers unable to ride them away. My salesman hands me the memo and says it's your call too ride home or not. With just shy of 6k on the clock I decided to ride her home. I sure hope this gets settled out before June 16th Link to comment
smiller Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 This one also sounds like a non-government forced recall so my guess is that a few riders might have been hurt with this failure already. Yes, if BMW is actually doing something preemptively before being forced then they must really be scared of something. Or all the recent GM stuff caught their notice. Link to comment
Kitsap Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 To me this reads as a Notice of Escapement from one of the process houses. Likely a process specification and related testing was lost in the translation from engineering requirements to the manufacturing engineering plans. Pick your mode of transportation it happens in all the industries and all manufacturers; don't ask how I know. Link to comment
Alfred02 Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Got to go to work..will check in this afternoon. Link to comment
kgerry Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Apparently some 2013 models with ESA option may also be affected. any more details on this? fact or fiction?? Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Afternoon kgerry Try calling your dealer as they should have an (effected vehicle) list by now. Link to comment
kgerry Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 they said as far as they know it's only 2014's.... but they didnt seem to have a lot of info.... Link to comment
Clievma Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Was due to pick mine up tomorrow morning. Had the call this afternoon Already changed insurance and all that stuff ready for tomorrow. No idea of next update :( Link to comment
dirtrider Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Afternoon kgerry You really need to keep on your dealer about your bike but so far the info I have seen seems to point to ESA waterhead bikes, so that sort of points to the 2014RT & maybe the 2013/14GS. But time will tell if the problem is carried over into the 2013RT. Link to comment
philbytx Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Sent Mike the Mod's notification/linky via E to a friend of mine with a 14 RT. Also called him, just in case he was out on his bike! Dave heard about it this morning. He just returned from a "shake down" 4k road trip on his RT and it ran flawlessly. He said he received a call from Lone Star BMW in Austin this morning telling him not to ride it and that they will send someone out to pick it up from his house. I must give BMW some props for this....but it appears it will seriously dent this years earnings!!!! Link to comment
Kitsap Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I've been on the phone with BMW North America; the representative I spoke with says he will attempt to set me up with a loaner bike in the interim as my sole source of transport is my bike. He also stated they had an internal conference call on this matter in regards to supporting their customers. As an eternal optimist I’m hoping they step up to the plate, it would go a long way in customer relations. Let’s see if they can make some lemonade. Link to comment
MLS2GO Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 I got the call the moment my Dealer opened this morning. Mine was in the garage, I picked it up Tuesday. I do have another bike to ride at least. Link to comment
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