This could get interesting...

[MMC]

Don't know if anyone remembers, but in June/July this year my 1150's gearbox went spectacularly (overtaking an HGV) and expensively (£1,100) AWOL.

North Oxford sent the 'box off to Mick Barr to sort it out, and sorted the rest out themselves.

Now, twice in one trip, the box has jumped spectacularly out of 4th. I'm suspecting it's now on the way out again.

I've called NOG, who are in turn calling Mick B tomorrow.

I'm sure it won't degenerate into this, because both parties are thoroughly decent peoeple and proper mechanics, but does anyone know what the position is, just in case I end up in a "it's his fault - no, it's HIS fault" situation with both parties batting blame around with me in the middle... And if anyone knows what sort of guarantee comes with work like this, that'd be useful too.

 

[Wizard]

If NOG got the box fixed, as far as you're concerned it's their problem. They may have to raise issue with Mick B, but that's over and outside their liability to you.

As for gaurentee, it depends on the work done as to your legal standing, but if dragged into court after six months you could reasonably expect to win.

HTH

 

[Ted]

As I read it you took the bike to North Oxford for repair. They subcontracted the box repair to Mick Barr. Correct?
If thats the case just give it back to N/Oxford. Its for them to sort out internally.You gave it them to repair, you collected it repaired. How it was done is down to there internal policy. Not your problem.
It also must be repaired in a reasonable time. But I would not wait more than 4 weeks before kicking butt.
If you took the box away and had it repaired, then gave it back to be fitted. Then thats a different ball game.

 

[MMC]

As I read it you took the bike to North Oxford for repair. They subcontracted the box repair to Mick Barr. Correct?

Yup.

I'd be really, really surprised if there is any problem, but it's always useful to know these things. Thanks for that - much appreciated.

Just to reiterate - this is in NO sense at all a pop at either MB or NOG! I'm just finding out what's what for my own peace of mind.

 

[Steptoe]

None of the "other" BMW parts suppliers that used to offer re-conditioned Boxes now offer them - Because of so many returns with problems. These boxes don't take kindly to being rebuilt, no matter who does the work.

I won't buy a second hand box and fit it, because i can't guarantee the mileage and condition, that means it's down to me if there's a problem with the box. I'll ask the customer to purchase it, and i'll fit it, then, if there are any problems with the box, it's not my responsibility.

I'll supply a box, only if i've broken the bike and can vouch for the mileage and condition .

 

[Flying banana]

Steppers, when you say the boxes dont take kindly to being rebuilt, how so?

 

[Steptoe]

Steppers, when you say the boxes dont take kindly to being rebuilt, how so?

Because they fail again- thats why sherlocks/motorworks etc, no longer offer a recon service, they were coming back and became uneconomical to offer a recon service.
Just replacing one worn part in a gearbox, means the new part is working against a worn part, and in a gearbox that means a very short life for the new part. So to get a box that's going to last, you had better replace every moving part with a new part. Not cheap .

 

[shugie]

So, if I understand this correctly, it is no longer considered practical to replace a damamged gearbox with anything other than a new one?

How much is a new gearbox for an 1150GS then? Supply only.

 

[Le singe]

I've rebuilt 3, early type R1100RS 'boxes over here, each was given a 3 month warranty, one has now completed more than 27K km, none has had a problem,it's not uneconomical to re-build them compared to the price of a new one, it's how you re-build them.

 

[Steptoe]

Fine if you do your own - I'll do my own - but won't rebuild them for anyone -


i don't need the potential problems for the pittance involved. People don't want to spend the money on new internal parts, so i don't want to know .

Thats why the other recon people don't bother anymore - they rebuilt 10, 2 would come back , thats enough to make it a non earner

 

[MMC]

So, if I understand this correctly, it is no longer considered practical to replace a damamged gearbox with anything other than a new one?

How much is a new gearbox for an 1150GS then? Supply only.

NOG quoted me - if I remember correctly - £1,200.

 

[red rocket]

As a newby owner I had heard tales of box failures the dealer said he hadnt had one out of a gs this year.So what sort of mileage do you guys get before worrying about them going or do I ride mine 9000 miles 2003 expecting it to let go at anytime.
(not being funny but these things tend to worry me)

 

[MMC]

My bike is my only motorised form of transport, so it does duty for everything in all weathers. That means it's now up to 43k, but the box first went in July this year at around 40k.

 

[MMC]

Well, here I am, 1,500 miles later and the old Beastie hasn't missed a shift...

Matt at NOG couldn't have been more helpful with advice and finding out more, and it looks like Mr Barr was equally helpful at his end. But no need - all seems to be well.

Maybe it just needed to bed in a little?

Good news all round in any case.