Beemer Drive Shafts ?

[Trotts]

Had a debate today with a mate and his Triumph on the merits of chain v drive shaft. I have owned a big varadera and a Tiger in previous life, both with old scotoiler. Have to admit good mileage put on same and never a problem with chains, although bit of mess etc. Really rate the beaks drive, however looking at the threads i have seen a few owners have had failures in the drive on the GS ??

Any problems experienced with shall we say 'newer' models or is it really a pretty 'bomb proof' system of final drive. Not that I am really bothered with another years warranty, but as an 'interest' topic how many happy miles can i expect before . if (?) I have a problem from your experiences ??::

 

[finglonga]

RE Beemer Drive Shafts

The shaft drive (in my opinion) is much better than a chain as you have zero mess and you dont need to adjust it every time it rains or you get it wet.
However at just over 18000 miles the final drive bearing needed to be replaced because it had play in it. It was all done under the 12 month warranty. At the time the bike was 13 months old and was done as a good will gesture by BMW.
Then at the 24000mile service the bearing had gone again this was done free as the last repair was guaranteed for a year and it failed 11 months into it. I have been told that there was a batch of faulty bearings and that it should not happen again (time will tell).
The bike is a 2001 1150gs and despite the problems with the bearing is the best bike I have owned!!

Hope I haven't put you off shafty's.

 

[Deadskin]

RE Beemer Drive Shafts

GS passed it's first mot yesterday
some play in the pivot bearing but within seviceable limits.
Chatting to a Triumph Tiger owner who had a new chain + sprockets fitted by a Triumph dealer, apparently the chain had a tight spot which destroyed the new sprockets

 

[Howard Millichap]

My experience with shaft drive is mixed.
I've owned 3 Yamahas with shafts and not had an ounce of trouble. 45000 miles on the XS750.
I then buy the R100GS and have nothing but grief. The gearbox and shaft have been in and out more times than Bishop up the actress. The newer GS seems to be better.
With regard to chains.
I have owned a Triumph Tiger 955i since Aug 2002 and have covered 17500 miles. I have a Scott oiler fitted. The chain has needed adjusting about 6 times. As for mess. It is minimal once you've adjusted the Scott oiler correctly.

To sum up.
I am a shaft fan so long as it's japanese.
Chains with a Scott oiler aimed at them are not the problem a lot of people here seem to think they are.

 

[BBB61]

I'm on my third BM, second GS, and have covered a total of 70000 miles on them with no trouble at all from the drive shafts.

Bob