Mudsling catches on ESA

[snerkler]

Since I've had the bike I've had an annoying vibration that I thought was just part of the bike, but also got what sounded like creaking from the rear shock, but only when the ignition was on which through me a bit (the creaking, not the vibration)
Anyway, my bike went in for it's running in service on saturday so I pointed it out to the dealer. They looked into it, and couldn't find anything so asked me to demonstrate the problem. After bouncing up and down on the seat for a couple of minutes (waits for childish comments ), the service guy found the problem. It's the mudsling catching on the nut fixing the ESA. Whilst the ignition is off the mudsling misses it, but when the ignition's on the mudsling vibrates enough to catch on the nut.
Not a problem, but just thought I'd post it on here in case anyone has the same issue. The mudsling was fitted by the dealer and I have been assured that the mudsling is fitted correctly.

 

[gazzauk]

Are we talking about the small bolts which hold the shocks small crud cover on? I have just fitted a mudslinger to my 09 gs and was unsure to either leave the original cover on or not as there isnt much clearance between the two ,i decided to leave them on but i think this was the wromg way to go.
In RIDE magazine a few months ago they fitted one to their fleet bike and commented that you had to remove the original cover and bolts as they rub on the mudslinger.

 

[FastFred]

I removed the old one.

 

[brianmaslen]

Instructions for Mudsling on a GSA ESA equipped bike tell you to remove the original "crud" catcher on the shock.

 

[Wapping]

You should go for Ohlins and none of this electrical mumbo-jumbo. It all clears a treat....

PS I, too, am sure the instructions tell you to take off the BuMW shroud etc.

 

[MIKE R]

The dealer fitted a Mudsling to my new bike.

Found the original suspension shroud in a plastic bag in the topbox!

Mike

 

[snerkler]

Hmm, will have to look at mine as the dealer fitted it. Can't remember seeing a cover on the ESA though.

 

[snerkler]

Checked and there's no cover on the ESA. Circled the bolt causing the issue. IT doesn't touch until the engine is on and it vibrates. The dealer said to cut the mudsling, but I don't want to do that. I thought about sticking a foam pad to the mudsling, it'll still catch but should make a noise. Any other suggestions. I can't understand why mine's catching, but others who have it fitted don't have any problems?

 

[DLBass]

Interesting, I fitted my own mudsling and have no clearance problems at all.

 

[Wapping]

I guess that Mudsling do not make a variant designed for 2010 GS's with ESA?

Cut it.

It's fairly hard plastic so it cuts / files pretty neatly. Nobody will notice. The Mudsling is easy to take off and reinstall. Two self-tapping screws up into the undertray and four cable ties. About twenty minutes start to finish, including cutting. You do not need to remove the rear wheel.

Alternatively, leave it and the vibration will eventually wear through the plastic, which is the same as cutting.

The last alternative is to take it back to the dealer's as 'Unfit for purpose' (a phrase much beloved in UKGSer's Technical section). The small claims court (another avenue of continuous advice) should see you fully recompensed and living in idle luxury for the rest of your natural.

 

[nharrisn]

[QUOTE Any other suggestions. I can't understand why mine's catching, but others who have it fitted don't have any problems? [/QUOTE]

Regarding the screw contacting your Mudsling, on some bikes it clears it, on others it touches because of assembly tolerance differences. Follow this simple fix to provide more clearance:
Remove the forward facing zip ties on both sides, the rear facing ones can remain fastened
Loosen the two mounting screws, do not remove
Press the Mudsling away from the shock screw (the loosened screws will allow it to pivot back)
Place a small elastomeric shim 0.060~0.070 thick - like a piece of inner tube - between the side frame rails and the cupped Mudsling mounting flanges at the point the zip ties you removed are located
Retighten the screws and install new zip ties
This will solve the issue and there will be no difference in appearance

 

[Wapping]

elastomeric

A great word

PS a good tip as to how to avoid the rubbing, too

 

[Jeremy]

I guess that Mudsling do not make a variant designed for 2010 GS's with ESA?

No problems on my 2010 GSA.

 

[Deleted account LB]

Mudsling do a specific guard for ESA bikes, fitted mine in 2009 to an 09 bike and no issues with clearance and I also retained the BMW shock guard too

 

[Balders1450]

Ilium mudslingers don't catch!

 

[Giles]

Snerkler, I'd think about taking it off and putting it back on again ....Having read all this, I went and examined my bike last night! I still have the original BM shroud fitted, and the mudsling (that BM fitted for me at PDI) is a good 2cm from the bolt that you highlighted.

 

[snerkler]

[QUOTE Any other suggestions. I can't understand why mine's catching, but others who have it fitted don't have any problems?

Place a small elastomeric shim 0.060~0.070 thick - like a piece of inner tube - between the side frame rails and the cupped Mudsling mounting flanges at the point the zip ties you removed are located
[/QUOTE]

You lost me with this bit?
I think I'll take it off and refit it see if that helps. I may also question the dealer to see if they fit the right one if there is indeed a specific mudsling for the ESA version.

 

[Ducktape]

I have just checked on my machine, a 2009 SE with a 09/10 ESA specific mudsling from Nippy Normans.
It is clear of the bolt also the swingarm and the original 'shroud' (which I left attached)

As for hinging the mudsling forward and away from the bolt, in simplified terms you put a bit of bicycle inner tube (or similar) around the frame under the forward cable ties. Then tighten everything up.

Mick

 

[snerkler]

I have just checked on my machine, a 2009 SE with a 09/10 ESA specific mudsling from Nippy Normans.
It is clear of the bolt also the swingarm and the original 'shroud' (which I left attached)

As for hinging the mudsling forward and away from the bolt, in simplified terms you put a bit of bicycle inner tube (or similar) around the frame under the forward cable ties. Then tighten everything up.

Mick

Thanks for putting it numpty terms

 

[Wapping]

Place a small elastomeric shim 0.060~0.070 thick - like a piece of inner tube - between the side frame rails and the cupped Mudsling mounting flanges at the point the zip ties you removed are located


You lost me with this bit?
I think I'll take it off and refit it see if that helps. I may also question the dealer to see if they fit the right one if there is indeed a specific mudsling for the ESA version.

What he is saying is that you put a wedge - probably a bit of old inner tube (free from any bicycle shop) - under the leading edge of the Mudsling, where it mates with the frame. It does not have to be very big, which is why you do not have to remove (just losen) the two screws and can leave the rear cable tie in place, or you will end up juggling, screws, two bits of rubber, cable ties and a Mudsling. A task that you are possibly ill designed for, not being an octopus.

The wedge will push the Mudsling away from the frame by a few mm at one end which, lifting the 'southern' end away from the bolt.

In short, you are trying (and achieving) to create a gap at the 'southern' end.

All will become clear. The rubber will not be unsightly. Indeed, if you cut it properly, it will be hidden within the natural curvature of the Mudsling.

Total time? 30 minutes. Job done.