Chain recall thread

[bris_mac]

First - big thanks to lunchbox for pushing this issue so hard with BMW, CZ, VOSA and others. It really looks like this wouldn't have got sorted without him and those like him who did the letter writing legwork.

Bike : F800GS, Registered June 2009, 09 plate.

Rang up BMW Motorrad Bristol today to book in for a service. Got it booked in, then 5 minutes later Mike rang me back to say that it had a recall for the chain & sprockets "because they're crap" , so they'd need to have it in for a bit longer. Which was fine by me.

Prior to this, I had not had anything through the post , still haven't . Seems very odd that something as serious as a snapping chain recall is being done on an "as and when" basis.


So what is the general opinion on the new replacement chains? Still a bit rubbish, but not completely rubbish?

 

[old-man-andy]

Chain and sprockets replaced on Tuesday at Bristol Motorrad. Nice shiny sliver CZ chain. The workshop sheet said "chain and sprockets recall", and yet nothing on the VOSA website for a chain recall on F650/F800GS. Also, I didn't receive a letter from BMW, I had to do the chasing myself.

So what's going on? Have BMW done a "deal" with VOSA so rather than it being a proper VOSA "recall", it's being treated as a "service" item?

Now the weird thing - After the new chain & sprockets, the dual injectors from the scottoiler were about an inch forward of the sprocket, dripping onto nothing. I've checked very carefully and the injectors haven't been moved and the rear wheel is pretty much on the same mark on the swing arm as before. The only thing that makes sense is that the rear sprocket that was removed had extra teeth over a standard 650 sprocket. But how many extra teeth would be needed to increase the diameter by 2x1 inch???

Answers on a postcard please ...............

 

[freeloader]

Now the weird thing - After the new chain & sprockets, the dual injectors from the scottoiler were about an inch forward of the sprocket, dripping onto nothing. I've checked very carefully and the injectors haven't been moved and the rear wheel is pretty much on the same mark on the swing arm as before. The only thing that makes sense is that the rear sprocket that was removed had extra teeth over a standard 650 sprocket. But how many extra teeth would be needed to increase the diameter by 2x1 inch???

Answers on a postcard please ...............

Assuming 5/8" pitch, it's about 10 teeth. HTH.

 

[Ducksbane]

Rear Wheel Bearings!

Just a reminder to those who are having the chain recall ... get your rear wheel bearings checked while they are at! As they used to say "The life you save could be your own!"

If there is a premature bearing failure try and get BMW to fix it under warranty and ask for the hub to be checked to see if the machining is within spec. If its not ask for a new hub! ... or wheel!

 

[nosha]

Chain Recall... NO! Technical Campaign??

Used the link supplid by others (MANY thanks!!) and had a reply the next night saying my 09 F800GS is "Subject to a technical campain".

Hence no recall via VOSA and NO letter from BMW... You really do HAVE to contact them!!!

 

[rml]

another to the replaced list

Had my Mar '09 F800GS chain & sprockets replaced under
warranty at last service, no letter etc from BMW but asked
as I was booking the service and my bike was on the "list"
so they added it to the work sheet.

Cheers
rml

 

[mikestatt]

I had a letter from Vines today saying my F800GS registered in May 2009 is due for a recall for the chain and "associated components".

This news isn't too bad as the chain and sprockets will need changing soon.

 

[UKDirtboy]

Apil 09 GS 800- chain just well almost snapped

Just had some springs fitted by my local shop (not BMW) and as a precaution (trip in 2 weeks) fitted new chain. Just as well as it was hanging on by one side of a link and had almost snapped...Does this mean my bike will no longer be recalled and if it is as the chain has broken already they will not fit a new one...(seriously un-impressed...)

 

[colint]

Just had some springs fitted by my local shop (not BMW) and as a precaution (trip in 2 weeks) fitted new chain. Just as well as it was hanging on by one side of a link and had almost snapped...Does this mean my bike will no longer be recalled and if it is as the chain has broken already they will not fit a new one...(seriously un-impressed...)

I had fitted DID and new sprockets when the recall came my dealer told me he would hold the recall open until I next needed chain and sprockets

 

[Ragnar]

Just bought an '09 800GS on Sunday. Called North Oxford and they'll be having it in for a new chain & sprockets when I have the time as they confirmed that it's subject to the recall. Sorry if I missed it in the thread - are the replacements any better or is it still worth getting a DID?

 

[ide508]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2363498&postcount=94

 

[Shagley]

Recalltastic

Just booked my 09 800GS in for its 10,000kms service and they mentioned about the chain and sproket replacement to be done

 

[twizit]

Just had my recall letter through from Vines of Guildford - 650 GS on a '59 plate. Slightly surprised as I thought it was too new to be affected. Still, not complaining as the chain does get very stiff links if left for a few days so more than happy to have a new chain and sprockets

 

[russh]

Cheers for the link, I email BMW customer services and sure enough my Dec 2008 F800GS needs a new chain!

It is a slight concern as I haven't yet been contacted by my dealer but at least I can now get it booked in for repair.

 

[gordh]

HI all,
just had my 2009 F650 twin in for annual service (8,200 km) here in sunny Abu Dhabi. I had to inform the BMW dealer about the recall (thanks to this forum) and they eventually obtained the replacement parts. And yes, they've replaced the defective chain with, the same chain. Apparently it's of 'better' quality material. I'll be in the UK for a couple of days mid Sept, so if any one can provide advice re: best chain available, at a reasonable price, it would be most welcome. 95% of my riding is on road and conditions are dry and sandy/dusty. Also, what chain lub/wax would be optimal for such conditions.
Cheers all, I enjoy the banter on this here forum. Good stuff!!

 

[nosha]

Recall Letter

Well it's arrived at last, a recall letter from Wollaston BMW Northampton! "Your motorcycle has outstanding recalls". When I phoned I acted dumb (not hard) and asked is this to do with the chain problem I've heard about? Yes came the reply, as it's plural I'm not sure what the other recalls are... and nor are they!! Perhaps it's so they can check for other problems such as hoses???

So it seems at last it IS a recall item!!!!

 

[nosha]

Chain Replaced, service ind' reset, FANTASTIC service

Well Wollaston BMW Northampton replaced the chain & sprokets, they also reset the service indicator FOC and lent a courtesy 650GS for the morning. I've NEVER had such professional and efficient service, they opened on time, had the paperwork ready for me to sign and had the keys for the courtesy bike on his desk (and it had a nearly full tank). Then I had a text at 11:18am to say bike was ready for collection, I arrived and they had everything ready for my collection!

Perhaps this is simply the service we should receive, but I NEVER have! They forget I'm coming, they didn't know I wanted/needed a car/bike, they can't find the keys, there's no fuel in it, it goes on and go!

 

[TheJoker]

Glad you got your bike sorted.

Perhaps this is simply the service we should receive, but I NEVER have!

It is the service we should get everywhere. Some dealers aren't too bad, but some are totally atrocious - I don't buy from them anymore. North Oxford Garage have always been excellent, and I keep going back and back and back. Well, I'm on my 3rd BMW from there.

 

[kazntone]

I have just bought a F800GS which has 866 miles on the clock, I had to wait for delivery as Alan Jeffries had to change the chain and Sprockets as part of the recall.

 

[Ghostrider]

I had my chain and sprockets replaced under warranty when it snapped in June last year. A recall notice appeared for mine and I had the replacement replaced under warranty at the last service last month.