Cam chain

[Tinpot]

How many cam chain issues have there been on 1200GS LC. Certainly more than anyone realised until recently. Although people seem to be saying there is an over reaction, it does seem something that could potentially end very nastily for some unlucky soul.
I have this afternoon emailed Tim Abbott, managing director BMW UK,asking about cam chain failure and the company's knowledge of and response to such failures. He has responded, or his office have, saying a senior member of his customer service team will respond within two working day. I included pictures from the advrider forum of the ground down cam chain and mentioned the concern I, and others have of the potential consequence of a broken chain falling into the gear mesh. Any input for any conversation that may ensue would be welcome.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

You worry too much

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

Will this be the response

 

[Tinpot]

You worry too much

It's a medical thing!

 

[Sooty09]

I have thought about this issue when riding at speed but discounted the risk as almost insignificant compared to my environment and other road users.
I have travelled 400000 + miles over the years with chain driven bikes or shaft drive bikes where the bearings are supposed to collapse. Any major failure of the drive could cause an accident, as could a tyre failure, frame failure, spokes breaking etc.
If my bike makes it to 12000 when the valves are adjusted, and the mechanic sees no trace of wear on the chains then I trust it will be good for many years.
If you are worried take the rocker cover off and check, its not something which will just start suddenly.

 

[Tinpot]

I have thought about this issue when riding at speed but discounted the risk as almost insignificant compared to my environment and other road users.
I have travelled 400000 + miles over the years with chain driven bikes or shaft drive bikes where the bearings are supposed to collapse. Any major failure of the drive could cause an accident, as could a tyre failure, frame failure, spokes breaking etc.
If my bike makes it to 12000 when the valves are adjusted, and the mechanic sees no trace of wear on the chains then I trust it will be good for many years.
If you are worried take the rocker cover off and check, its not something which will just start suddenly.

If you read thread saying 'mine just broke down' you'll see it happened very suddenly to 'captain Beaky'.

 

[pistole]

please correct me if I am wrong : but I counted 3.

our Captain Beaky,

one South African fellow,

and a chap from Australia , VOZ

 

[Tinpot]

please correct me if I am wrong : but I counted 3.

our Captain Beaky,

one South African fellow,

and a chap from Australia , VOZ

Andres Tamez from Mexico City

Schariar, not sure if he's the SA chap you refer to

 

[madmartin]

We know its a chain failure but it would be nice to know the cause.....fore warned and whathavya. Could then keep an eye and be on the lookout.

 

[stevemersey]

I agree these incidents are a little worrying, I am trying to make my mind up on my next bike,and I have thought about this issue, but I have come to the conclusion I am more at risk from a puncture. As I recall these incidents have been preceded by noise as a warning, have happened at low speed, and no one has been injured. We can talk about what might have happened, but the fact is, no one has been injured.

I suppose there is no harm in asking BMW about it, but I would not expect much of an answer beyond reference to the WC being a great success and failures being covered by warranty. You can bet that BMW are working on this and will make any recalls necessary, they have a track record of being cautious. Meanwhile I take some comfort from the 25000 WC sold in 2013 that did not have cam chain failure.

 

[alp]

Jeez! and you guys look down your noses at the cam drive belts on Ducatis, which by the way can be changed in your home garage in about an hour or two as part of the 12000 mile service (simples). Maybe the LC cam chains should be changed at 12000 miles or less? I wouldn't recommend you do that in your home garage though. The more I read this forum the happier I am that my LC has gone.

 

[batman1]

Stay safe...Take the car...

 

[madmartin]

So? ..... Why are these cam chains failing?

 

[patzx12]

From what i understand it is mechanical intervention from a fastener coming loose. There is very light load on the cam chain in normal operation. Still it is a major design failure not considering the risk.

 

[pistole]

From what i understand it is mechanical intervention from a fastener coming loose. There is very light load on the cam chain in normal operation. Still it is a major design failure not considering the risk.

"mechanical intervention" is a given since the chain is being ground away causing the failure.

would you kow which fastener is coming loose ?

.

 

[Troppo]

Should I sell my new GS?

Sincerely
Shit Scared in OZ.

 

[batman1]

Jeez Troppo, thank God nobody told those guys doing that Aussie BMW Safari before they set off,....I think you'd better sell your bike and stay safe!

 

[Tinpot]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/member.php?1047025-BC1963AD

Another cam chain gone

 

[Paul S]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/member.php?1047025-BC1963AD

Another cam chain gone

Tinpot - stop worrying and get out and ride your bike

According to my extensive research* there is less than a 0.00024% chance of your bike being effected.












* completely made up figure!

 

[DING-DONG]

Should I sell my new GS?

Sincerely
Shit Scared in OZ.

No do not sell, just think how much its worth if the chain locks the bike up at speed and it kills you, your wife will be minted with the payout from BMW..