Driveshaft question

[Anthony Byrne]

After moving on from the 1250 GS some months back I miss the comfort and wind protection and strangely enough miss the tractor sound .

On the 1250, BMW would cover the cost of the drive shaft replacements, what is the situation with a 1300. As its known to the buyer and considered a perishable is it a cost to the bike owner to have it replaced?

Thanks and apologies if covered elsewhere

 

[the woodster]

IMHO, no. If it's under the original warranty they would have to cover any issues. I can't imagine that shafts are classed as 'perishables'. Plus, remember that their warranty is in addition to any statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. They can write what they want but it doesn't supersede consumer law. Last I read, it was 1200/1250s?

 

[Mr Bean]

My understanding is that as the driveshaft became a service item, that requires replacement after they were released to the public, BMW are duty bound to cover the cost. Whereas with the 1300, it is a service item from the outset and buyers are aware of the potential costs going forward.

I am aware that there are later 1250's sold after the announcement of the shaft becoming a service item, and therefore known, but suspect BMW took the view that in the scheme of things it was better PR to cover it on the later bikes

 

[leadfarmer]

The shaft is now a service item on the 1300, see points 8 and 9, and yes you’ll have to pay for it

 

[Anthony Byrne]

Thanks all, I appreciate the answers

 

[GrinningGSer]

The shaft is not an expensive item (It is very unlikely that that you’ll suffer shaft failure.
(Note , those that lubricate their splines annually, are not lubricating the joints and , if there is a failure , then it’s the joints that fail ).
Ride the bike and enjoy it
Make sure that the shaft casing does not hold water
Keep an eye on the gaiter condition for good water ingress prevention

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The shaft is now a service item on the 1300, see points 8 and 9, and yes you’ll have to pay for it

View attachment 410789

Replace driveshaft at 48,000 miles ?
Whatever next ?
Wouldn’t happen on 1100/1150’s

 

[pbbanks]

The shaft is not an expensive item (It is very unlikely that that you’ll suffer shaft failure.
(Note , those that lubricate their splines annually, are not lubricating the joints and , if there is a failure , then it’s the joints that fail ).
Ride the bike and enjoy it
Make sure that the shaft casing does not hold water
Keep an eye on the gaiter condition for good water ingress prevention

How much does a new shaft cost?. I would have thought it would be an expensive item.

Think the bearings on the joints are sealed so can't be lubricated.

 

[wessie]

How much does a new shaft cost?. I would have thought it would be an expensive item.

for the 1250, the bits replaced cost about £120

 

[pbbanks]

for the 1250, the bits replaced cost about £120

But it'll be a complete drive shaft not just bits , won't it??.
Thought the bearings are all press fit & sealed so you can't just fit new universal joints.


Just did a Google search £766 for a new shaft .
(Shaft by name and shaft by nature ).

BMW Driveshaft - R1300GS - R1300GS Adventure
BMW reference: 33711686281
£766.51 VAT included

 

[wessie]

But it'll be a complete drive shaft not just bits , won't it??.

I had the shaft recall done on my R1200RS last year. They only replaced certain internal parts. Of course, that was paid for by BMW even though the bike was 8 years old

 

[pbbanks]

I had the shaft recall done on my R1200RS last year. They only replaced certain internal parts. Of course, that was paid for by BMW even though the bike was 8 years old

I had one replaced on my previous 1250gs , they replaced the whole shaft. BMW did it under a recall & test + replace if needed.
Doesn't mean it will be cheap on the 1300 when it's due though.

 

[mikeyboy]

for the 1250, the bits replaced cost about £120

I doubt very much that you’ll rebuild the driveshaft for £120.
For a start,the trunnion kits are an odd size ,so you can’t buy them( if anyone has found a supplier I’m all ears)

 

[wessie]

I doubt very much that you’ll rebuild the driveshaft for £120.
For a start,the trunnion kits are an odd size ,so you can’t buy them( if anyone has found a supplier I’m all ears)

pretty sure that was the price that @MotoRevive quoted for the parts for the work needed under the LC shaft service bulletin. Of course, there is labour on top

 

[mikeyboy]

Maybe someone can clarify then.
As the last time I contacted the major suppliers for driveshaft components it’s was a big fat no from all of my suppliers .
So I’ve not bothered pursuing it.

 

[wessie]

Maybe someone can clarify then.
As the last time I contacted the major suppliers for driveshaft components it’s was a big fat no from all of my suppliers .
So I’ve not bothered pursuing it.

bear in mind, this is a mass produced sub assembly commissioned by BMW for thousands of bikes under the "this is not a recall" scheme. Remove the old one and fit the new one in under an hour. The dealer won't be stripping down anything to fit new bearings.

 

[TaskMule]

Replace driveshaft at 48,000 miles ?
Whatever next ?
Wouldn’t happen on 1100/1150’s

at 85 HP I don't think an 1150 could stress a Ujoint no matter how many miles

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

at 85 HP I don't think an 1150 could stress a Ujoint no matter how many miles

Good job then
It’ll run for a good while

 

[mikeyboy]

bear in mind, this is a mass produced sub assembly commissioned by BMW for thousands of bikes under the "this is not a recall" scheme. Remove the old one and fit the new one in under an hour. The dealer won't be stripping down anything to fit new bearings.

Ahh ok ,
I thought it was someone quoting to rebuild a shaft that to my knowledge,the parts are copyright protected and unavailable.

 

[mikeyboy]

I’ve absolutely no experience of the 1300’s
The 1200 LC as an example.
The final drive to narrow things down.
The main crownwheel bearings and seal,no problem.
The input pinion is a very different matter.
The two taper roller bearings are bmw specific.you can’t buy them.
The spacer between them collapses under torque,you can’t buy it.
The compression ring which the seal runs on is not available to buy.
I’m sure the 1300 is no different.
You’ve turned a very expensive motorcycle into disposable white goods.