Brand new, 2019 R1250GS “unsafe to drive” due to front Calliper leakage
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fred_jb
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It could be a design and/or tolerance problem whereby some fixing bolt holes are being machined too deep, or in slightly the wrong position, and are breaking through too thin a gap to a fluid gallery in the caliper. If so it will probably be easily modified for future production, though might require shorter bolts, but could leave a lot of existing items in doubt and maybe needing precautionary replacement in case removal and refitting of the calipers in future causes a breakthrough in marginal cases.
Is anyone having the problem on black coloured calipers? The only picture I've seen is of a gold coloured one. Unlikely to be relevant, but you never know!
I wonder what has changed since launch. They must have done 1000s of miles during testing and then you have all the demo bikes that have been in dealers since Oct and only now are bikes starting to have these issues. Unless of course its been kept quiet 
fred_jb
Registered user
I wonder what has changed since launch. They must have done 1000s of miles during testing and then you have all the demo bikes that have been in dealers since Oct and only now are bikes starting to have these issues. Unless of course its been kept quiet
Yes, good point, and maybe indicates a change in production methods after the initial batch, or some sort of cost reduction that has backfired!
700 miles on mine now and spot on, a far better ride than the 1200gs demo i rode.
Enjoy and don't lose any sleep over a slight oil show from caliper,
Ged
It’s not oil it’s brake fluid.
You need it to stop the bike.
Doesn’t it remove paint as well?
You need it to stop the bike.
Doesn’t it remove paint as well?
I wonder what has changed since launch. They must have done 1000s of miles during testing and then you have all the demo bikes that have been in dealers since Oct and only now are bikes starting to have these issues. Unless of course its been kept quiet
None of the test F850/F750 models had engine issues because they were build from selected components in the Berlin factory, issues occured after the Chinese factory were left on their own to produce motors .
I would guess that Hayes in hope of obtaining a very lucrative contract would have provided BMW with hand made one off calipers for the prototypes, once they obtained the contract they would have set up a production line to fulfill said contract.
Same as the f850 or r1200rt lc shocks a lack of testing by BMW on final production models bought in components relying instead on Beta testers
Based on the OPs statements, i understand that the problem was not discovered before the OP was notified by the dealer. Judging from the picture, I would not regard the issue as a leak, but rather as a seep. Thus, even if the OP had kept riding without being notified, he would probably would need to ride several K km before the level drop in the reservoir would be noticed. This is of course assumptions on my part, and I may have assumed all wrong. However, as I see it, even if the issue needs to be dealt with, no doubt, I would not lose my sleep over it.
As for @Arsey's comment about what would happen if it was my problem:
I will cross the bridge when/if I get to it. Generally speaking, I got my first BMW at the age of 19, and to this day, my dealer has never let me down, sooooo, I'm not worried.
Its hydraulic oil to be exact, Mineral oil. if it leaks it would take paint off and BMW would have to replace all the parts for 3 years, so for me no worries.
But eh ho.
Ged
Any leak from a pressurised hydraulic brake system (other than perhaps from the lid of the master cylinder ) is NOT seepage, in the case of the RT caliper pics it would more than justify an MOT failure and is therefore a safety issue, as for keeping on riding it and the level falling would not be noticed what about when the pads become contaminated by brake fluid ?
Just to be clear, Dealer service deemed the bike ‘unsafe to drive’ and were pretty clear they want it kept . So call it leak, just a drop, seepage or whatever, it was UNSAFE.
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Actually, it says that Hayes was already made aware of this problem last year and they have fixed the issue.
So if that is the case either BMW have gone ahead and released bikes anyway knowing that they are fitted with calipers from a production run that are known to be faulty or Hayes have not fixed the issue.
I would say that’s probably a doable risk for BMW.
Cliffbase
Registered user
Is it just me that finds it uncomfortable that the op has an issue on his new bike (that he hadn't noticed for the first 600 miles), says how good the dealer had been but has still felt the need to post about it & contact bmw customer services?
I understand the disappointment having just taken delivery of it, & I get that there was another chap there having issues too, but I personally don't see the need to start alarmist threads about these things.
From the pics I have seen, in my opinion, it looks like a slight seepage - yes I know its brake fluid & an essential part of the safety system, but the Op clearly hadn't noticed any difference in brake performance, or his fluid level. The dealer spotted it- as they should, what was the expectation? To say, keep an eye on it, it will be fine? Of course they are going to stop you riding it, they have a duty of care.
Yet another internet sensation - yawn.
Op, genuinely hope you get your pride & joy back soon, plus whatever it is you are asking for as a gesture of goodwill etc..
I understand the disappointment having just taken delivery of it, & I get that there was another chap there having issues too, but I personally don't see the need to start alarmist threads about these things.
From the pics I have seen, in my opinion, it looks like a slight seepage - yes I know its brake fluid & an essential part of the safety system, but the Op clearly hadn't noticed any difference in brake performance, or his fluid level. The dealer spotted it- as they should, what was the expectation? To say, keep an eye on it, it will be fine? Of course they are going to stop you riding it, they have a duty of care.
Yet another internet sensation - yawn.
Op, genuinely hope you get your pride & joy back soon, plus whatever it is you are asking for as a gesture of goodwill etc..
So you accept slight seepage (a fluid leak ) from a brake caliper is okay whether it be on a bike or a car ?
Cliffbase
Registered user
Did I say that?
Totally agree -- whole thread is making a mountain out of a mole hill and a little bit of scaremongering. There was a drip of fluid at the bottom of the caliper. -- until it's established where it's from, and why, noone knows if it matters. Loose banjo bolt or washer\faulty(damaged) piston seal\porous casting ?? until the cause is known it's a none event.
Bit like a previous thread about "what is this pin?" -- it's was a flaming tyre valve -- and think it went for 3 or 4 pages of replies
. Not sure how many of the replies were serious, suspect (hope) not many 
Totally agree -- whole thread is making a mountain out of a mole hill and a little bit of scaremongering. There was a drip of fluid at the bottom of the caliper. -- until it's established where it's from, and why, noone knows if it matters. Loose banjo bolt or washer\faulty(damaged) piston seal\porous casting ?? until the cause is known it's a none event.
Bit like a previous thread about "what is this pin?" -- it's was a flaming tyre valve -- and think it went for 3 or 4 pages of replies
I loved that thread,I nearly pissed myself laughing when I see the original post.
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