K1200R Ball Joints

[Julian West]

Just heard from my mate that our plans for a week in Ireland are not looking good. He has a K1200R which although fully serviced 1,000 miles ago has developed a front end problem. The dealer took a look this afternoon and pronounced the front ball joints were siezed.
As it's only 1 month out of warrenty BMW will contribute towards the parts but the job will total >£400, need a full day and wait for it - can't be done until 12 September ! No way to do it earlier and oh yes the bike should not be ridden in the meantime.
I won't mention the dealer as I was not party to the conversation, but the bike was purchased from them and has always been serviced by them.
We will obviously need to shop around to find another more flexible and understanding dealer who doesn't expect you to cancell your holidays and park up a very expensive motorcycle for 6 weeks in the middle of the season !
I just wondered if anyone out there thinks we are being too sensitive or perhaps they agree this is not the level of support you expect when you buy a BMW.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

That's pretty pathetic. I'd want to know why it wasn't picked up as a problem at the recent service? Do these things have a habit of seizing up that quickly?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

That's pretty pathetic. I'd want to know why it wasn't picked up as a problem at the recent service? Do these things have a habit of seizing up that quickly?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

That's pretty pathetic. I'd want to know why it wasn't picked up as a problem at the recent service? Do these things have a habit of seizing up that quickly?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Bollox

 

[llotse]

If that's the ball joint on the Telever front end mine were replaced last month under warranty. It was picked up by the dealer at the service (Barrie Robson) who said there was some 'play' and it needed replacing. Let me ride it and then fixed it within a week. Bike is a K1200GT II

 

[Julian West]

You can say that again !
Wiyth a bit or research it seems 'K' front suspension ball joints are a very common issue. BMW-K.com are actually running a 'replaced ball joint' survey !
We've taken a good look at the bike this afternoon and as it's only done ~8k mainly dry miles then it's extremely clean around the 'ball joint area'. It's not abuse or dirt ingress its purely component failure - which makes the dealer position on repair even more anoying.
The plan is to speak to the general manager on Tuedsay morning and if no joy - then abandon dealer and look elswhere.
Plan B is to lend him my back up bike, KTM 660 SMC with a re-fuel support vehicle and osteopath.

 

[Julian West]

Ilotse, yes their the joints in question. Apparently they can either become loose or in our case they seize which makes you think you've got a flat front tyre. We'll put Barrie Robson on our list if we get no joy with our local dealer.

 

[sven]

Mine were replaced at 12k miles and they are quite difficult to detect. I had to put it on the paddock stand, hoist the front end of the ground in order to be able to feel some play when pulling the front wheel back and forth.

Picked the bike up fom the 12k service and the handling was very odd at walking speed - the bars were oscillating disconcertingly (and it was fine when I took it in).

Went straight back to Jefferies who diagnosed worn balljoints and replaced them later in the week. This improved the handling, but it took a new front tyre to cure it completely.

Now at 22k, so worried they might be due replacement again soon Maybe it's time for a new bike, which is a pity as it's still like new

 

[Julian West]

Problem solved.
The K1200 will now visit Alan Jefferies for ball joint replacements.
Excellent service Mr Jefferies.
We'll ask about the replacements parts, if they are a new or improved component or can we expect to be doing the same in 8K miles.