From memory about 24nm - they're M8's and new ones should be used once removed.
Another rear wheel collapse..
- Thread starter Oldrat
- Start date
From memory about 24nm - they're M8's and new ones should be used once removed.
I can't be the only one using a stripe of tamper proof marker paint on my caliper bolts and other critical fasteners, can I? A quick glance will show if any bolt or nut has moved even slightly. "Cross Check" is one brand, others are available.
Victor c
Registered user
I do the same on my GSA. Simple and effective reference marks. It won’t take much for them to back off enough for the Calliper to contact the wheel spokes.
Delboy777
Registered user
But not because the bolt has been stretched or stressed, but because it takes time to clean off the loctite off the oem bolts and apply more. New ones that come with threadlock already attached, as far as i understand it, that is.
®win
Registered user
24 Nm is correct.
http://www.jimvonbaden.com/Wethead Torques 4.pdf
If that is the cause of the problem, then it appears strange to me that I’ve only seen spoke wheel related accidents and no similar alloy wheel issues ...
My thought exactly; you see these bikes loaded up with everything bar the kitchen sink along with a wilderbeast or 2 and you have to ask yourself; just how much over load is there; me and the mrs are on the hefty side; and we have been all over Europe 2 up with camping gear; but thats been on jap bikes with cast wheels; i only use my GS solo; so weight has never been an issue. Saying that; i dont think Ewan and Charlie had any wheel collapse problems.
Delboy777
Registered user
My nephew always rides solo, and although, like me he's a hefty chunk of prime Scottish beef, hes no where near the load limit. His 2018 GSA is suffering from slack spoke syndrome. They have already been tightened by the local dealer who has said that if it happens again they will replace the wheels. Well they are going slack again, a couple on the front and 7 on the rear. His bike never leaves the blacktop.
My friend, the subject to this collapse is, shall I say, a slim chap and not of a tall or large stature. Luggage was negligible.
Hi, yes, I do have photos of my incident (and the other I referred to involving the 650) that resulted in the rear wheel being literally torn off the bike. I am aware of another Chap in the States where it happened to him at low speed and broke spokes (similar to the pic at the start of this thread).
FYI - I have now with my present bike replaced the brake caliper bolts with high tension steel, drilled and safety wired, used thread locker and marker pen (to all 3 caliper). Not surprisingly I also regularly check them.
FYI - I have now with my present bike replaced the brake caliper bolts with high tension steel, drilled and safety wired, used thread locker and marker pen (to all 3 caliper). Not surprisingly I also regularly check them.
Sorry, it would appear I am not able to post an image (perhaps it’s because of my new membership?)
I only replied to the thread to alert members this is not the only occasion this has occurred and I did not want any one else to go through what I have experienced (broken shoulder, flail fractures to 15 ribs, punctured lung, lacerated spleen, etc; a written off motorcycle; lengthy time off work; and, financial hardship).
My bike (about 10,000km old) at the time of the incident was not loaded, being ridden on the expressway on my way to work, and, had never been ‘toured’ or ridden off road.
BMW Australia were made aware of my incident.
My only suggestion is for one to regularly check brake caliper bolts (among others) they are secure and be mindful this ‘failure’ can (and does) occur.
Cheers
I only replied to the thread to alert members this is not the only occasion this has occurred and I did not want any one else to go through what I have experienced (broken shoulder, flail fractures to 15 ribs, punctured lung, lacerated spleen, etc; a written off motorcycle; lengthy time off work; and, financial hardship).
My bike (about 10,000km old) at the time of the incident was not loaded, being ridden on the expressway on my way to work, and, had never been ‘toured’ or ridden off road.
BMW Australia were made aware of my incident.
My only suggestion is for one to regularly check brake caliper bolts (among others) they are secure and be mindful this ‘failure’ can (and does) occur.
Cheers
FWIW I don't believe the bolts have been overly stressed at 24nm as up untill around 2015 I don't think they were threadlocked or single use. Something caused BMW to change the spec, which is why I will change the bolts - why spend upwards of £16k on a bike only to try and save £3.00 on a couple of bolt's?
Granted, a serious wheel collapse shouldn't happen but, yes, you should check the spokes.
In the Maintenance Chapter of the Rider's Manual there's a section headed "Check Spokes" which states:
- Make sure the ground is level
and firm and place the motorcycle on its stand.
- Draw the handle of a screwdriver or a similar instrument
across the spokes and listen
to the notes of the individual
spokes.
- Have the spokes checked by a
specialist workshop, preferably
an authorised BMW Motorrad
dealer.
Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to state an interval so this is left to the common sense of the rider. I tend to check mine each week, more if I've been doing some high mileage, and/or been on badly maintained roads.
There has been some mention (or speculation) that this is only happening since BMW switched the manufacture of these wheels from Behr, around 2016(?).
There certainly seems to be more reports of this happening since then, but this type of failure was being reported well before then. On some occasions it appeared the caliper had become loose and/or ripped off, on others the caliper was intact.
Here are two threads in these forums where it is discussed:
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/367838-You-don-t-want-this-to-happen?
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/343199-GSA-30th-Anniversary-Accident?
These include links/mentions to other incidents around the World.
There certainly seems to be more reports of this happening since then, but this type of failure was being reported well before then. On some occasions it appeared the caliper had become loose and/or ripped off, on others the caliper was intact.
Here are two threads in these forums where it is discussed:
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/367838-You-don-t-want-this-to-happen?
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/343199-GSA-30th-Anniversary-Accident?
These include links/mentions to other incidents around the World.
It definitely seems to be after the change of manufacturer. I have the old silver spokes on my GS lc and they are solid.
I cannot believe a manufacturer the size of BMW is accepting the risk. They must have a budget for liability which works out cheaper than replacing/recalling the spoked wheels.
How is this ethically or morally correct in modern day society?
How is this ethically or morally correct in modern day society?
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