Gearbox Failure

[Boozyrider]

Bike jammed in third yesterday?? I've only done 2550 miles (all great, absolutely love the bike) the only thing I had noticed recently was a few false neutrals but put them down to me being hamfisted. (Which on reflection I hadn't been, never had any problems with other bikes)
Called BMW emergency service, they said they would call me back with an estimated time when I would be collected. I was on a main road in the middle of Somerset. They never called back. After 40mins I called them back and they said someone would be with me within the hour, 3.5hrs later a 10.5 truck came to collect me with no bike straps or proper kit.
I was eventually dropped home with faulty bike, so had to call dealer today to arrange collection. Now it's being handled by the dealer the service is excellent but I have to say I have lost a bit of faith in the 'legendary' BMW back up.
The latest copy of Bike magazine landed on the mat this morning and I notice after 3 days thrashing the K1200S after 3000miles it wound up stuck in second gear!

Has anyone else had any gearbox problems?

 

[tricolourforever]

Good luck fella......you might be needing it. I think when BMW Motorrad said they wanted to take Ducati on I think they were meaning in the relaibility stakes!

 

[Boozyrider]

 

[TerryM]

Had the problem with my Sept 04 build 12GS stuck in first after 1131 miles.

New box solved it and took a week in total. BMW roadside assist complete shite. Kept me hanging around most of the day and knew sfa about bikes so then recovery took it to the dealer.

Damn fool procedure which the subcontractors are obliged by BMW to implement.

Hope yours is now sorted.

 

[Rich]

Had the problem with my Sept 04 build 12GS stuck in first after 1131 miles.

New box solved it and took a week in total. BMW roadside assist complete shite. Kept me hanging around most of the day and knew sfa about bikes so then recovery took it to the dealer.

Damn fool procedure which the subcontractors are obliged by BMW to implement.

Hope yours is now sorted.

Did you need a new box or was it a jam? Any more info?

 

[TerryM]

Rich,

Those clever people at BMW are so afraid of the power of light that they refuse to divulge the cause no matter what the dealer/customer say. I suspect it was just a broken pin or fastener in the box on the selector as no noise at all was evident.

We just have to understand that in Bayern they behave as though they live upon a lost plateau in South America like a 1960's film.

My solution is to go shout at them when in Germany this year.

I had similar problems with Porsche years ago and told them that I would drive it into their HQ without opening doors or windows, having first invited the media. Suddenly they started to respond as one might expect.

tI do not know why for certain, but the krauts only seem to understand threats backed by resolve. Stupid but true from ten plus years residence. I think that they are very reluctant to take complaints to the decision making management level.

Terry

 

[Boozyrider]

Yep, new box required, mine was a september 04 built bike as well!! I have been told that the gearbox has been modified on later bikes and I will be receiving latest version but I don't know what the modifications are. BMW would not let dealer investigate the problem in detail, just remove the box and send it back to them.

Keeping everything crossed that it gets resolved quickly cause I'm of to the motogp at Le Mans on Friday

 

[TerryM]

They had a box in the UK when mine failed. I hope that your trip goes well.

 

[JonathanC]

Suspect Gearbox?

I have a Dec 04 bike and often experiance phanton neturals when changing down, have to apply slight pressure on the gear shift and fiddle with the clutch to get it to change. Took the bike to BMW and they said there was nothing wrong. Is this my bad riding or is this the beginning of the gearbox problems?

JonathanC

 

[TerryM]

It is supposed to be a sequential positive stop box, it is not designed for use to feel around in there for a couple of cogs to engage.

So if you do it as usual and press the lever firmly in one movement to the limit of travel with the clutch disengaged and end up in a false neutral on a regular basis the box is at fault.

We all manage to do it now and again if the lever is not pressed to full travel.

Tell your dealer that you do not accept his judgement if he refuses to rectify it and find another who will.

 

[birdseye]

My box is a pig engaging first when the bike has stood overnight, but not thereafter. I have so far put this down to thick oil. Is it a prob do you think?

 

[Boozyrider]

Mine had started hopping out briefly under hard accelaration and then would re engage most of the time so I don't think the odd missed gear is too much to worry about......mind you, I thought mine was ok a week ago.......

I'll get me coat

 

[tricolourforever]

Gearboxes suspect..the list is now endless.

 

[Wraithwrider]

Gearboxes suspect..the list is now endless.

No. it definately has an end

Peter

 

[apoll013]

2005 bike

Hello,
My gearbox issues are detailed on the forum currently. Mine is a 2005 bike, so maybe the problems are not year-linked.
I think it is a bit of a shame that BMW are not more honest and open about these problems. Luckily their dealers realise in the main, that they are dealing with adult, sentient, and reasoning humans. And it seems treat them accordingly.

 

[Ghostryder]

Mine is an early production model and I am on my second transmission, and a second final drive. According to BMW NA though there is nothing wrong with the bike.