In for a service....

[DesertStormer]

My 2011 1200TC went in for an annual service and first MOT at 17500 miles. Apparently my rear wheel bearing exhibits excessive play and the diagnostics show there's something amiss with the exhaust flapper valve.

Both are to be fixed under BMW extended warranty, but in my opinion that's not a lot of miles for a rear wheel bearing to show excessive wear under normal use. Or is it a GS design feature?

As to the flapper valve, I've noticed quite a degree of hesitancy at around 5k rpm under load, so I'm guessing the valve may have something to do with this. Has anyone else experienced this?

I think the dealer's overfilled it with engine oil too as the glass site window appears to be full of oil....!

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

My 2010 R1200GSA final drive bearing went at 17K. Oil site glass window should be full.

 

[Beemerman59]

My FD bearing ('08 GSA) went at 18K miles and was replaced under goodwill by BMW. Its been fine for the next 18K miles. If the dealer replaced the filter and put 4 litres of oil in then the sight glass will show full.

 

[SteveM]

Junk the exhaust valve, it does nothing but impede the exhaust gasses. While you're at it you could get rid of the cat too, now that really does impede exhaust gasses, it'll run better too.

 

[birdseye]

in my opinion that's not a lot of miles for a rear wheel bearing to show excessive wear under normal use. Or is it a GS design feature?

..!

Its a BMW design failure. I've seen the berarings go as early as 2k miles and mine went at 7k. Would that happen with a Honda? Of course it wouldnt. 100k miles might be a more reasonable lifespan.

 

[Bendy toy]

My 1998 Yamaha Diversion 900 did 75,000 miles with me and no signs of any FD problems. It also did not jack up under power like some solid shaft bikes.

My GSA is having the FD and driveshaft UJ rebuilt at 50,000 miles. The wheel bearing has been showing side play for a year and just started leaking. Opened up, the bottom end UJ on the shaft is shot; wheel bearing shot; all internal bearings are worn and right for replacement; Trunion bearings are all shot especially the needle rollers.

I imagine the shaft is original. I do knot know if the FD and wheel bearing have ever been replaced.

Mike Overy is doing the rebuild so I hope it will do at least another 50K.

 

[facom]

exhaust valve is only there to get through noise reg's

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Its a BMW design failure. I've seen the berarings go as early as 2k miles and mine went at 7k. Would that happen with a Honda? Of course it wouldnt. 100k miles might be a more reasonable lifespan.

You are right of course but it's well know and should be treated as a service item in my opinion. I get mine rebuilt every couple of years by Mikeyboy and it's well worth it for peace of mind given the mileage I do. It's no more than a new chain and sprockets so I just budget for it.

The dealer would have put the 4 litres of oil in so no problem with the sight glass. I'd only worry if the glass were empty and your level light was on.

Oh, Honda's never break down do they.........Zzzzzzzzz

 

[fuddy]

Its a BMW design failure. I've seen the berarings go as early as 2k miles and mine went at 7k. Would that happen with a Honda? Of course it wouldnt. 100k miles might be a more reasonable lifespan.

Is it ? Why has mine done 51k then with no problems.

 

[Pukmeister]

My 2008 FD bearing went at 9800 miles.

Stop whining.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

What's a bearing?

 

[SteveM]

something to do with a compass I think

 

[BOBAD]

What's a bearing?

I thought that it was the way you carried yourself...

 

[kwallace21]

they always overfill them with oil. It holds 4 litres but they never get the engine hot enough and leave them to drain properly. So they stick 4 litres in when there is still a quarter of a litre lying in the engine. Hey presto. Overfilled !

 

[Nick dj]

they always overfill them with oil. It holds 4 litres but they never get the engine hot enough and leave them to drain properly. So they stick 4 litres in when there is still a quarter of a litre lying in the engine. Hey presto. Overfilled !

Mine has been over filled the last 3 times I have had it serviced by two different dealers. I think Kwallace is right.

BMW state not to over fill as it can damage the engine so I drain a third of a litre and use it to top up with.
Saves you a bit and could also save the engine damage.
Nick