Ah, thanks. Yes, that makes perfect sense. I guess it's an easy enough job to drill and fit your own plug if worried.
BMW 1250 Technical Recall
- Thread starter hawkeye
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Personally, I wouldn’t be drilling holes in my single sided swing arm, I’m not qualified to know if it would be safe or not
if you’re worried have a look at your splines and pop a spot of grease on them whilst you’re at it
I checked mine on a 2016 bike and it was perfect, here’s a description of how to do it ……….
Can I have a great big slice of that humble pie please ?
If your bike is 2.5 years old, it will be one of those covered under the 3 year warranty. No, Just missed out on that.
www.ukgser.com
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Did that on my 2016 GSA after 12K miles and it was perfect. Current bike has 5K miles so I'll probably leave it until next service. RE safety, I am a qualified engineer but your point is valid 
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Forgive me but I read so much nonsense about this. I am going to suggest that owners crack the final drive and lube the splines every couple of years and change the drive oil at the same time. I have seen so may shocking jobs done by BMW on this mod that I felt the need to take maintenance into my own hands.
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I do the FD oil every year when I change the engine oil, I know it’s supposed to be every 2 but it costs less than 3 euros in consumables so I do it whilst I’ve got my tools out
my drive shaft and splines were like new so I probably won’t bother looking again
Vrooom_uk
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Well I had drive shaft test / bung / drain recall carried out at my annual service today . Not impressed . Ran my hand under the final drive housing , found the plug and it was already loose ffs. Got home and pulled it out to take a look . that’s gonna pop right in at the first sign of any real pressure , hit from a stone or even just cleaning the bike . Why is it not double flanged ?
My RS went in for a software update and I was told this bung work was currently only offered to GS owners as "the exposure to water" is bmw's priority so are offering this on GS models only....so every GS owner wades through fords and streams?
. I would think pressure washing the bike is where most of the real risk of water seeping in is, unless the gaskets are shot enough to allow road surface water spray inside. I have seen a 1250RS with the bung in. The owner may have done this himself though because I haven't noticed it on others...Have also had reports from some mates with GS bikes on the bungs coming loose. Poor fitment design?
. I would think pressure washing the bike is where most of the real risk of water seeping in is, unless the gaskets are shot enough to allow road surface water spray inside. I have seen a 1250RS with the bung in. The owner may have done this himself though because I haven't noticed it on others...Have also had reports from some mates with GS bikes on the bungs coming loose. Poor fitment design?RSMike
Registered user
I just bought a 2021 1250GS from a main dealer and the valve was missing ( so much for "BMW Approved and Checked"), just a hole drilled in the casing, I have asked them for a replacement valve.My RS went in for a software update and I was told this bung work was currently only offered to GS owners as "the exposure to water" is bmw's priority so are offering this on GS models only....so every GS owner wades through fords and streams?
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BMW contacted me earlier this month to get this mod done to my 2016 R1200R along with a check of the cardan shaft. They also replaced all the footrest circlips as part of another "Campaign". Took it in on the 10th of this month and got it done, no charge of course.
RSMike
Registered user
Moto Guzzi on the other hand seem to know how to build a shaft drive swing arm, they already have a drain hole as part of the design
I recently spoke with my local dealers re this ‘enhancement’ on my 2018 RT.
I was told that for those bikes under 37,000 miles the shaft would be inspected and tested, after that mileage the shaft would be replaced as a matter of course.
They also do a software update and replace the footrest circlips,
A friend with the same year/model had his done and on inspection found he had the rubber whatsit fitted to the underside of the shaft housing as well.
I was told that for those bikes under 37,000 miles the shaft would be inspected and tested, after that mileage the shaft would be replaced as a matter of course.
They also do a software update and replace the footrest circlips,
A friend with the same year/model had his done and on inspection found he had the rubber whatsit fitted to the underside of the shaft housing as well.
RSMike
Registered user
Had a closer look at the Guzzi solution tonight, BTW it's the shaft drive housing on a 2021 V85TT, the Guzzi solution is simply a 5mm drain hole, no valve. Makes me wonder if BMW overthought their solution, drilling a 10mm hole (~ 4 times larger than a 5mm hole) and then inserting what appears to be a flimsy / flyaway valve in the hole. OK a simple drain hole will let water in if submerged, but I assume it will drain out pretty rapidly again when it surfaces. The other potential issue with the valve is it could more easily get clogged with dirt.Moto Guzzi on the other hand seem to know how to build a shaft drive swing arm, they already have a drain hole as part of the design
Open holes allow dirt in. It's not just water. You don't want normal grit and grime getting in there. A limiting bung is a sensible option.
The bung was fitted to my 2020yr 1250 before it was delivered to me in June this year. It has survived 3000 miles so far. It may have been glued in???
My RT has it done 2 weeks ago.My RS went in for a software update and I was told this bung work was currently only offered to GS owners as "the exposure to water" is bmw's priority so are offering this on GS models only....so every GS owner wades through fords and streams?
Rode it in the rain and put it in the garage. A week later I went out to check tyre pressures before a ride and as I turned the rear wheel the drain valve started dripping. When I touched it, water poured out. Roughly an eggcup full so definitely not condensation.
My concern is that before the mod no water got in the swinging arm and now loads gets in somewhere. Plus the valve does not work properly when it gets oily.
I have put all this to the dealer and am waiting a callback.
RSMike
Registered user
Point taken, though on the Guzzi's there is just a drain hole. It's 5mm diameter so easy enough to check and clean if any dirt were present. I am at 6K with the V85TT and it looks quite clean and I do ride in wet weather ( as I'm sure you well know, unavoidable unfortunately in Ireland,
). I don't ride off-road though.RSMike
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Finally picked up a replacement drain valve today and fitted myself, Pretty flimsy, can see why they might get pushed in as there is only a flange on the inside, there should really be one on the outside to hold it securely in place
Made some measurements in case useful, had a look online but could not find any valves with these exact measurements:
