Dropped a valve on the right hand side - Top end rebuild...

[Jumpjim]

Well that makes my mind up about getting a new KTM...

Out for a spin with a mate on my 18K mile 2004 1200 and all of a sudden it starts missing a cylinder. No bangs or rattling particularly..Sounds a lot like it did last time the dealer connected the ignition coil up badly and it came loose.

Pulled the spark plug out (Gently...) and the reason for the missing cylinder is obvious when the bottom of the spark plug is absolutely mashed. Somethings let go and given it a good thwack.

BMW say the goodwill amount they will offer will be "Pitiful" so Mr Steptoe has been kind enough to say he'll have it in to look at it.

Rebuild, sell and then off to KTM for a new 1190 R..

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Rebuild, sell and then off to KTM for a new 1190 R..

So not all bad news then?

 

[Jumpjim]

Gives me an excuse I suppose...

 

[Trekker3]

Every cloud has a silver lining!

Hopefully not too costly a repair.

 

[Pukmeister]

Not an uncommon fault on early 1200's, my mates bike let go on the way to hand it to the dealers in agreed part-ex against another bike, he got very lucky. Seems to happen a lot on RHS exhaust valves.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

So, you are going to spend a load of money on an engine rebuild, and knowing, Steptoe it will be a good one, so you have a cracking bike and then flog it a get a KTM? Bizarre but I'm thinking it's the excuse you needed to jump..

 

[Jumpjim]

It's been a great bike and I've enjoyed it hugely but I've been looking for something with more grunt and frankly having to rebuild the engine after 18000 miles is not exactly a searing endorsement of BMWs build quality?

 

[Schtum]

It's been a great bike and I've enjoyed it hugely but I've been looking for something with more grunt and frankly having to rebuild the engine after 18000 miles is not exactly a searing endorsement of BMWs build quality?

18k miles in 9 years might suggest that it hasn't seen the inside of a dealership workshop too often...

There were several changes of fuel and ignition map to the early bikes which were intended to address the problem of the right hand pot dropping a valve. Do you know if it's had all the updates?

 

[Pukmeister]

Or get it done properly on a rolling road?

 

[Jumpjim]

I'm sorry to say that is has a FULL BMW main dealer service history and has been serviced every year for all the good that has done me...

 

[B4ndit]

Wouldn't happen on a car. So why do we put up with it on a bike. Its not as if its cutting edge technology. One wonders why we buy BMW.

 

[ianboydsnr]

Wouldn't happen on a car. So why do we put up with it on a bike. Its not as if its cutting edge technology. One wonders why we buy BMW.

When you looked in the mirror this morning, I bet you saw your dad

 

[Yonkyo]

I'm sorry to say that is has a FULL BMW main dealer service history and has been serviced every year for all the good that has done me...

Yours is a Mk1 1200. Some say, a Beta model (much like the new WC.). These early ones had many faults, i'e. Ring Antenna, FPC, Final Drive, servo brakes/ABS, switchgear....and chocolate valves.

All these faults were mostly sorted my the Mk2 update...

Good luck with the new KTM though..

 

[Wapping]

I'm sorry to say that is has a FULL BMW main dealer service history and has been serviced every year for all the good that has done me...

Not withstanding its limited mileage (18,000 over nine years of ownership) given that the bike is seven years out of its original manufacturer's warranty, what contribution were you expecting from either the dealer or BMW?

You obviously expected something or you would not have been told 'by BMW' (was that the dealership or BMW itself?) that any goodwill gesture would be 'Pitiful'. An odd choice of word, which might suggest that it did not come from BMW themselves. Unless that is they need a bit if a shake up in their Public Relations Department.

 

[APE]

It's been a great bike and I've enjoyed it hugely but I've been looking for something with more grunt and frankly having to rebuild the engine after 18000 miles is not exactly a searing endorsement of BMWs build quality?

FFS it's a nine year old bike - what do you expect

My mates 2 month old KTM has just gone back with an engine problem. Good luck i think you've been looking for an excuse to buy one.

 

[Pukmeister]

Personally I would get it rebuilt with decent used parts from a breakers plus new valves, then remap it to prevent lean running/valve failure and enjoy it/get my money's worth from it.

One component probably failed, a valve stem, leading to the damage. Bad luck I know, but surely the rest of the bike is good, and its worth repairing? If repaired, why not prevent it happening again and then keep it?

Buying another unknown quantity isn't going to make your life problem-free.

 

[neiljitsu]

18,000 miles and a rebuild is unacceptable. I sold my gs this year and I still miss it. I would love another one, but the back wheel almost came off mine on the way to work one day. My mrs was on the back at the time.
I don't understand why some guys get so upset when somebody wants to sell theirs. I know a good few lads that have the gs12 and we have all had major issues with them.
Best of luck with the ktm!!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

18,000 miles and a rebuild is unacceptable. I sold my gs this year and I still miss it. I would love another one, but the back wheel almost came off mine on the way to work one day. My mrs was on the back at the time.
I don't understand why some guys get so upset when somebody wants to sell theirs. I know a good few lads that have the gs12 and we have all had major issues with them.
Best of luck with the ktm!!

What do you mean, your wheel nearly came off? I don't think anyone is upset he's selling, they are a bit miffed as to why he thought he may get warranty on a 9 year old bike then fix it up nicely and then sell it. Lets face it. KTM's aren't renowned for their reliability now are they

 

[Wapping]

......but the back wheel almost came off mine on the way to work one day. My mrs was on the back at the time.

You know, that's really quite funny.

 

[fizzer]

i had a yamaha thunderace many years do the same thing,cost me a fortune to put right ,hey its a bike,car ,bus whatever they all go wrong sometime.
if you want a vehicle that doesnt go wrong you will be on a long quest mate.
even ktm,s have the ability to go wrong ,my mate had an rc8,the clocks filled up with water in a rain storm .
my point is mate dont get to hung up on your bike going wrong,it happens,