Colin_S
Registered user
An update and my musings on my stuck flap.
Pulled the can off and lubricated the hell out of it and particularly the bottom bearing(?) and freed it up massively. The flap still sticks in the fully closed position although it easily releases with minimal pressure and I am not sure the flap reaches the fully closed position in normal operation although I stand to be corrected.
I slipped the can back on and can confirm 100% my bike (2018 1200gs) does not cycle the flap at ignition on but it works as expected with the engine running.
I've ordered a tube of Permatex nickel anti seize lubricant and will add some of that once it arrives but I put the bike back together for ride to work this morning.
Now call me skeptical but does it seem odd that BMW have changed the programming of the bikes so that a) the flap does not cycle on ignition on and b) they've removed the dashboard warning of failure? Seems to me that they know they've got a problem with this device and instead of fixing it, they've deliberately hidden the issue. Nothing like a nice exhaust rumble to disguise a squeaking flap?
Back to this morning's commute, I am absolutely convinced the now functioning flap DOES make a difference other than pure noise control. My bike absolutely felt smoother at lower revs (near idle) and particularly when pulling away. Prior to freeing the flap I felt the bike wanted to bog down and almost stall on very gentle pull aways. Now its as smooth as silk by comparison. My commute is from edge of the M25 into the outskirts of the city so its a pretty sedate ride in with plenty of stop start stuff and I tend to ride at lower revs for the most part. I'd be interested if anyone else has noticed any such difference?
Pulled the can off and lubricated the hell out of it and particularly the bottom bearing(?) and freed it up massively. The flap still sticks in the fully closed position although it easily releases with minimal pressure and I am not sure the flap reaches the fully closed position in normal operation although I stand to be corrected.
I slipped the can back on and can confirm 100% my bike (2018 1200gs) does not cycle the flap at ignition on but it works as expected with the engine running.
I've ordered a tube of Permatex nickel anti seize lubricant and will add some of that once it arrives but I put the bike back together for ride to work this morning.
Now call me skeptical but does it seem odd that BMW have changed the programming of the bikes so that a) the flap does not cycle on ignition on and b) they've removed the dashboard warning of failure? Seems to me that they know they've got a problem with this device and instead of fixing it, they've deliberately hidden the issue. Nothing like a nice exhaust rumble to disguise a squeaking flap?
Back to this morning's commute, I am absolutely convinced the now functioning flap DOES make a difference other than pure noise control. My bike absolutely felt smoother at lower revs (near idle) and particularly when pulling away. Prior to freeing the flap I felt the bike wanted to bog down and almost stall on very gentle pull aways. Now its as smooth as silk by comparison. My commute is from edge of the M25 into the outskirts of the city so its a pretty sedate ride in with plenty of stop start stuff and I tend to ride at lower revs for the most part. I'd be interested if anyone else has noticed any such difference?