So 08 has more FD problems than other BMWs "WOW

[dcan]

Are there signs before the FD fails?

Is there a fix?

How in the hell can a high dollar bike have so many problems?

They been putting FD on bikes for 100 years, looks like they could get it right.

 

[dirtrider]

Are there signs before the FD fails?

Is there a fix?

How in the hell can a high dollar bike have so many problems?

They been putting FD on bikes for 100 years, looks like they could get it right.

 

Morning dcan

 

So 08 has more FD problems than other BMWs--No, not even close. The 08/09 1200RT has had a few issues but for the most part just seal leakage & an occasional bearing failure. Even then most of the seal seepage went away when BMW specified a lower oil level through a service bulletin.

 

Is there a fix?-- in some cases the 1200RT final drive issues can be easily repaired if caught early enough. In other cases (like early crown bearing failures) the failures will keep returning due to mis machining of the bearing bore or spool axle. The #1 problem was gear oil seepage & #2 was crown bearing failure. The 08 & 09 (hexheads) were not too bad as by 08 the final drive had the larger pinion bearing, lowered gear oil level, more robust drive shaft, etc. The 08/09 did have a few rear wheel flange failures but BMW did a recall to install a steel rear flange (make sure that your bike has this update)

 

Are there signs before the FD fails?--Sure, if a rider knows what to look for & feel for. Like growling/vibration in the foot pegs & excessive rear wheel lateral movement.

 

How in the hell can a high dollar bike have so many problems?-- Mainly because they are a complex motorcycle with lightweight high tec parts & BMW will not respond to customer input as they think they are God.

 

A final drive failure is a big deal & cried & complained about but no one complains about putting a $200-$300 chain & sprockets on a motorcycle every 15-20K.

 

They been putting FD on bikes for 100 years, looks like they could get it right-- They sure could but that might add weight, add width, add complexity in rear wheel changes, & most importantly decrease their motorcycle profits. You have to keep in mind that the BMW hexhead final drive is designed to fail if not built EXACTLY right with perfect machining & perfect quality control (BMW has no interest in either as riders will buy their motorcycles no matter what)