Rusty thread clip and bolt on my 2014 R1200RT SE LC

[Bmmike08]

I write this post to ask if anyone has suffered the same as me, as below.

I have recently carried out extensive cleaning of my R1200RT SE LC, placing it my hydraulic lift for good access.

I removed most plastic fairing panels without problems.


In order to remove the exhaust system, one first has to remove the stainless steel plate which covers the silencer to header pipes joint.

There are three stainless steel Torx screws and the lower front one was "rusted" hard in it's threaded clip, taking me a couple of hours to remove it. When I finally drilled the Torx screw out I was amazed to find the threaded clip into which it screws was made of mild steel and rusted solid! All other thread clips are stainless steel.

Also, the stainless steel clamp around the silencer/header pipes joint also had a mild steel bolt and whilst rusted did come undone! See photos - click to enlarge.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced a similar situation.

Regards,
Mike Davies

 

[Karlread]

Suggest you have a butchers at the R1200RT LC corrosion thread, a sad fact of life with ownership these days if you want to use it all year round unless you slaver it in ACF 50.

 

[Bmmike08]

I am in communication with BMW, my point being that why is only one thread clip in mild steel whilst all the others are stainless steel.

The RT Corrosion threads refer to casting corrosion in various areas of the bikes. I've never used ACF50 - preferring Muc-Off Bike Spray, a PTFE based spray which leaves a clear water repellant film which has protected all my BMWs for 15 years - none had any corrosion to speak of! Each time I wash and polish then spray all areas except brakes and exhaust. The rusted thread clip is in the hot exhaust area and not even ACF50 would work there!



Regards,
Mike Davies

 

[Myke Rocks]

Proving the point once again

That many of the problems encountered on motorcycles and cars are actually caused by the owners unnecessary dismantling- often to clean.

My RT may have the same problem, I do not know or intend to find out.
Myke

 

[chopper_harris]

Jeez, that is disgraceful - a serious quality control issue.

Mrs Chopps has a Street Triple R, that is merrily rusting away - but cost £7,000 and is a naked, so easy to fettle.

Basic stripping and cleaning is part of any reasonably competent owners routine to protect his investment.

That is part of the joy of owning a motorcycle.

For a £16,000 bike, this is ridiculous.

 

[Bmmike08]

That many of the problems encountered on motorcycles and cars are actually caused by the owners unnecessary dismantling- often to clean.

My RT may have the same problem, I do not know or intend to find out.
Myke

I don't agree with this statement as I have carried out extensive cleaning on all my many BMWs over many years and had NO corrosion to speak of - cleaning and maintaining an expensive bike is as chopper harris (thank you for your comment) says above.

 

[JemandSi]

Had this issue, noticed it when removing the rear pipe to get the tyre changed.

As an aside I have been told that my bike is due for new headers as the exhaust flap has seized open. They cant replace the flap as it is one piece with the entire set of headers - apparently under warrenty, so waiting till the last moment to get them replaced!

 

[DING-DONG]

I don't agree with this statement as I have carried out extensive cleaning on all my many BMWs over many years and had NO corrosion to speak of - .

The difference regarding your bike to past bikes is the fact the WC is now 70% manufactured in China.

 

[Blackal]

Galvanic action between dissimilar metals, exacerbated by moisture, heat and salt.

Seems a bit of a cheap trick - to use carbon steel fasteners out of sight.

Al

 

[Blackal]

The difference regarding your bike to past bikes is the fact the WC is now 70% plastic.

A cheap shot........... sorry.

 

[dmilne]

I don't agree with this statement as I have carried out extensive cleaning on all my many BMWs over many years and had NO corrosion to speak of - cleaning and maintaining an expensive bike is as chopper harris (thank you for your comment) says above.

I have to say that I cleaned my 1979 R100RS every year without fail -even if it didn't need it. After 18 years the only corrosion was around a small brake hose bracket on the swinging arm.

Don't think the newer bikes are as good though.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

....................... The rusted thread clip is in the hot exhaust area and not even ACF50 would work there!

Copper slip would though

Other than that, I really don't get this thread other than as a reminder that if you can be bothered, a bit of preventative maintenance goes a long, long way.

I'd love a job at WMB customer services, they must laugh their tits off at some of the 'issues' that customers contact them with

Andres

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Copper slip would though

Other than that, I really don't get this thread other than as a reminder that if you can be bothered, a bit of preventative maintenance goes a long, long way.

I'd love a job at WMB customer services, they must laugh their tits off at some of the 'issues' that customers contact them with

Andres

Don't be so cruel

These are genuine malfunctions

 

[Bmmike08]

Copper slip would though

Other than that, I really don't get this thread other than as a reminder that if you can be bothered, a bit of preventative maintenance goes a long, long way.

I'd love a job at WMB customer services, they must laugh their tits off at some of the 'issues' that customers contact them with

Andres

Andres - Sorry you missed the point - my point is clear if you read my post carefully! I explain in case you still don't get it! WHY DID BMW FIT A MILD STEEL THREAD CLIP IN THAT POSITION SUBJECT TO HIGH ROAD POLLUTION WHEN THEY FITTED STAINLESS STEEL THREAD CLIPS EVERYWHERE ELSE!

It may appear a minor issue but to me it shows a chronic lack of production control. What I saw when I visited the factory appeared to be a well run operation. If my situation is the only one then I would like to know from BMW how it happened!

Regards,
Mike Davies