jpooch00
Registered user
VERY interesting, informative & enlightening thread. Subscribed!! 
Final Drive Failure Register
- Thread starter bisbee
- Start date
VERY interesting, informative & enlightening thread. Subscribed!!
Really, why is that
jpooch00
Registered user
Really, why is that
Why do you think?
Seems like a seriously flawed design that requires an expensive fix.
itchywheels
Registered user
Really, why is that
It's nice to know what is going to fail next on your very over priced and unreliable 1200gs
Don't worry they're working on it!
It's only been happening since 2004, give em a break you winging twats!
itchywheels
Registered user
I,m one of the twats that purchased one in 2004 
I spent All my inheritance money buying it and it's now sitting on my drive rotting 
I spent All my inheritance money buying it and it's now sitting on my drive rotting 
Regardless of how reliable the rear drive is, my biggest beef is that it isn’t really DIY repairable (for the average spannerman). That is where the design fails.
The special tools needed to strip and replace bearings are nearly as expensive as a new replacement unit. BM have you by the goolies. Unless you can find a good independent (who’s willing to invest in these tools).
I’m not bothered by the failures I’ve had – it’s mechanical – it will break – hey ho.
But it’s just too much hassle to get sorted. And with a major failure, expensive too.
I’ve had a few BMs over the years and never had any trouble with the rear drives – except for the 650 Dakar – but that was an easy DIY fix - repairs and maintenance of chain drives I can cope with.
Would I buy another 1200? - No. I don’t want the hassle/expense again.
So, in nearly 50,000 miles what’s gone wrong:
3No outer seal failures – all DIY repaired – quick, cheap and easy (no bother)
1No bearing (big dry one) at 30,000 miles – cheaply changed by independent (slight hassle)
1No complete unit replacement at 45,000 miles (caused by failed driveshaft bending final drive shaft). Currently trying to get old unit repaired to have as a spare – but special tools wont fit due to bent shaft.
Now, only problem left is to find a 1200cc air cooled flat twin with chain drive
The special tools needed to strip and replace bearings are nearly as expensive as a new replacement unit. BM have you by the goolies. Unless you can find a good independent (who’s willing to invest in these tools).
I’m not bothered by the failures I’ve had – it’s mechanical – it will break – hey ho.
But it’s just too much hassle to get sorted. And with a major failure, expensive too.
I’ve had a few BMs over the years and never had any trouble with the rear drives – except for the 650 Dakar – but that was an easy DIY fix - repairs and maintenance of chain drives I can cope with.
Would I buy another 1200? - No. I don’t want the hassle/expense again.
So, in nearly 50,000 miles what’s gone wrong:
3No outer seal failures – all DIY repaired – quick, cheap and easy (no bother)
1No bearing (big dry one) at 30,000 miles – cheaply changed by independent (slight hassle)
1No complete unit replacement at 45,000 miles (caused by failed driveshaft bending final drive shaft). Currently trying to get old unit repaired to have as a spare – but special tools wont fit due to bent shaft.
Now, only problem left is to find a 1200cc air cooled flat twin with chain drive
Mad Mac
Registered user
2008 R1200GS - 13700 miles - just checked at 12&6 o'clock......absolutely no play......phew!
chad
Registered user
(RIP) Johno23
Registered user
Can't believe people are still on about this. The bearing will wear out.That's what it does . It will in most cases last 20-30K that's what it does.
It won't collapse like the 1150 That's what it does.
It won't normally last as long as the 1150 That's what it does.
It will go on for a good few thousand after you feel the 1mm wear. That's what it does.
We all know these facts, some last 10k some last 60k on average they last 25k.
It's a fact of life, get over it or buy a different bike.
it's fucking simpleYou won't find another bike as good though
that's a fact too
jpooch00
Registered user
It will in most cases last 20-30K that's what it does.
It won't collapse like the 1150 That's what it does.
It won't normally last as long as the 1150 That's what it does.
It will go on for a good few thousand after you feel the 1mm wear. That's what it does.
We all know these facts, some last 10k some last 60k on average they last 25k.
It's a fact of life, get over it or buy a different bike.
You won't find another bike as good though
that's a fact too
What a great rant!!
The thing is, if people weren't interested in keeping up with the failure rates of the well known and unaddressed issues with these bikes there in fact wouldn't be threads like this.
From what I've seen, Beemers pretty much hold the record in this area, so in a way they actually are number one in something!
It will in most cases last 20-30K that's what it does.
It won't collapse like the 1150 That's what it does.
It won't normally last as long as the 1150 That's what it does.
It will go on for a good few thousand after you feel the 1mm wear. That's what it does.
We all know these facts, some last 10k some last 60k on average they last 25k.
It's a fact of life, get over it or buy a different bike.
You won't find another bike as good though
that's a fact too
100% right
It's a known issue so you budget for a new one (like you would for chains and sprockets) or get it rebuilt at sensible mileage for piece of mindrudiemoto
Registered user
If the seal leaks then yes over fill can cause,this.
As for the big dry bearing no over fill can't cause this
The bearing can fail for many reasons but overfill is not one of them
Done 30 bearing this year some have 240+ml of oil
Got another to do this week .again very easy with BMW tools and yes there cost a fortune
100% right
Probably the issue is highlighted by owners because they are new to BMW and expect better performance from a premium priced "unstoppable" motorcycle.
Remember, most have come across from years with Japanese manufacturers and the idea of extended warranties and budgeting for breakdowns has never been part of their motorcycling experience.
Deleted account Cooperman
Registered user
Most Jap bike owners do a fraction of the mileage of your typical GS rider - many are fair weather riders only.
BMW is not a premium product - the competition is just as expensive.
Chains and sprockets need replacing as well - and are not cheap.
BMW is not a premium product - the competition is just as expensive.
Chains and sprockets need replacing as well - and are not cheap.
That's what we do ! Simples .:
or buy a different bike.
I think you mean "most jap sports bike owners do a fraction of the mileage".
Where do people get this idea that only GS's tour and do high mileage? When I'm in Europe I see just as many Japanese bikes as BMW. And as far as "fair weather riders" go, look at the mileages of second had GS's. Plenty of low mileage example.
Instances of shaft drive issues with other manufacturers don't seem as prominent. Police ST1100's did lots of miles, as did ST1300's. FJR's are around with lots of miles, etc., etc., etc..
100% right
Aaaaaaggghhhhhhh .
That's the whole ferkin point .
Fd failures shouldn't be happening .
The japs can get it right on the tenere. Why can't BMW on a more expensive product .
It's a good bike but alot of you guys are doing the ostrich impression reference the reliability !!
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