Has anyone else had these issues?

[Johnny Davies]

Would really value your input.

Bought my 1200 just over a year ago its a mid year '05 plate bike, and a few things have cropped up and was wondering whether others have had similar experiences.

1. Under the Vario topbox a crack has appeard in the plate between the big release paddle and the catch loop and I'm worried the box could fall off mid ride, I heard stories (haven't we all!) of them coming off. Has this happened to others and would BM replace/recognise it?

2. I get a faint stop-start/juddery feeling when braking and not the smooth, strong feeling I got when I first bought the bike. I can't tell if the discs are warped or not as I'm not getting the tell-tale pulsing through the lever. When I had it serviced the guys at the garage said the technicain measured the discs and they were slightly 'uneven' (his terminology), whatever that means. Could there be a problem elsewhere e.g. the servos not working properly or is it a complete replacement of the discs, pads etc?

Cheers
Johnny

 

[Geordie Steve]

Hi Johnny,

Mine's an 05 as well, and I've had it from new. There was a lot of talk about the cracking topboxes on here a while ago. Lots of people taking them back under warranty etc. If yours is the same as mine, the crack is just in the thin plastic part that hides the metal locking bar. Apparently the bar flexes a bit under use, just enough to crack the plastic.

At the time I just couldn't be bothered to sort what I considered to be a minor cosmetic blemish, especially as it's always hidden from view. All I can say is that 3 years and 14,000 miles later the topbox is still there.

I suspect that some of the issues over topboxes falling off were possibly related to either the locking bar being incorrectly adjusted during manufacture (so the box was impossible to lock fully into place) or pilot error. I rarely take my top box off, but when I replace it I always double-check to make sure it's fully clicked home. Oh, and I never go off-road with it either!

Not sure about the braking thing. Mine's never done that. Is it a different feel to the ABS kicking in?

Oh and by the way, welcome to the site!

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

As Steve says, the top box is a known issue. They have since been modified and seem to be ok now. Run a search on it and you'll come up with loads of info on it.

As for the discs, they are most likely warped. I had exactly the same symptoms as you at 6,000 miles [1] (braking juddered a bit but no pulsing at the bars - maybe because of the seperate servos circuit ). The discs were replaced under warranty.

Currently at 30,000 miles and they are starting to do it again - reckon I can live with it 'till the end of the summer where I aim to replace with aftermarket discs.

HTH
Andres

Edit [1] The discs were measured as being within MBWs allowed tolerance but the dealer agreed that the braking felt 'juddery' so they were replaced.

 

[marcus]

Would really value your input.

Bought my 1200 just over a year ago its a mid year '05 plate bike, and a few things have cropped up and was wondering whether others have had similar experiences.

1. Under the Vario topbox a crack has appeard in the plate between the big release paddle and the catch loop and I'm worried the box could fall off mid ride, I heard stories (haven't we all!) of them coming off. Has this happened to others and would BM replace/recognise it?

2. I get a faint stop-start/juddery feeling when braking and not the smooth, strong feeling I got when I first bought the bike. I can't tell if the discs are warped or not as I'm not getting the tell-tale pulsing through the lever. When I had it serviced the guys at the garage said the technicain measured the discs and they were slightly 'uneven' (his terminology), whatever that means. Could there be a problem elsewhere e.g. the servos not working properly or is it a complete replacement of the discs, pads etc?

Cheers
Johnny

1. Yes - I had three of these awful things replaced under warranty until I finally got fed up and got a full refund for the box + lock + plate from BMW


2. dunno but might be worth checking the pads (not meaning to play granda suck eggs, but the back ones wear out faster than a cheap suit)

 

[wilbjr21]

1. As the others have said.

2. Discs warped. Doesn't needs much run-out for judder to occur. Discs seem to be a consumable item these days on all sorts of vehicles. Had discs replaced on a few bikes (and cars). Don't seem to make them like they used to.

 

[EURTRAF]

With regards to the brakes might be worth giving the disks a thorough clean with brake cleaner (make sure you do not get any on the pads) as I have found you get a build up of brake dust on the disks which can give the impression that the discs are warped.

S

 

[RickG]

I've had slight judder under braking since brand new. Not enough to be bothered by but not convinced it's warped discs as frequency of judder is constant, not speed related. It's worse in the summer when the brakes are used harder, Had the same on a car with out of balance wheels that only wobbled when the brakes were applied. Will get it checked out next service before warrenty expires. Same on the only other 1200 I've ridden, a 20k mile bike.

 

[Pressurized]

Here's a thought:-
Measure the run out, see if it's in spec, decide

 

[Jones8447]

Oil Leak

Hey Johnny...

Keep your eye on the bottom of the engine/gearbox joint as your guaranteed to have the dreaded oil leak soon.

 

[Johnny Davies]

Thanks

Wow, thanks for all your info and the warm welcome!. I'm glad its not just me trying to see things that aren't there as some have suggested. I feel a letter to BM coming on outlining my disappointment at the build quality of my bike - will let you know what they say.

Thanks again'
Johnny

 

[Johnny Davies]

Thanks for the heads up Jones8447 - I've had the seal round the clutch (I think thats what it was?!) replaced already as it was leaking, is that the same thing or another seal some where? If not where would I locate that on the bike so I can check?
Thanks
Johnny

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Here's a thought:-
Measure the run out, see if it's in spec, decide

Worth doing, agreed, but read the edit in my earlier post.

Andres

 

[rick]

1. Don't know, I've got a Givi top box.

2. Yes. I've had 3 front discs replaced (in about 20,000 miles).The last time the front wheel was also changed and this seems to have cured the problem, its now done about 12,000 miles (i'm looking for a piece of wood to touch).

 

[ed4554]

Regard the top box. Had 3 in all then gave up and bought a Givi.