Another Rear End bites the dust

[DaveDragon]

Ride About 2007 6-29-07 (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/06/ride-about-2007-6-29-07.html)


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Today started out so wonderfully.

That was before the Rear-End of the GS decided to take a dump on the rear tire.

The 24k service was done last Friday and there was no sign of any issue at that time.

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I started feeling a popping through the foot pegs, got off and checked it out and found nothing out of place.

10 miles on down the road the seal let go and it slung the lube all over the place.

I called the the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) with whom I have a towing policy through MoTow (http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp) and a flat bed truck is on the way.

I'm in Somerset Kentucky and they will be hauling the GS and Me to Bloodworths BMW in Nashville Tennessee.

Scott the Service Manager has me scheduled for 1st slot in the morning and indicated he has a new GS Adventure on the floor they can yank the rear-end off of to get me back on the road.

I'll post more as I know more. Here is today's Star-Traxx Trip Report (http://www.star-traxx.com/TripReport.asp?TripID=561127886).

http://www.davedragon.org/pink/later.jpg

[RaffyK]

Soory to hear about the FD Dave. Glad you didn't go down and get hurt.

Kudos to Bloodworth for taking care of you.

[amarider]

Man thats a bummer, let us know the details of what failed. I know you changed the fluid before you left - any signs then? Inquiring GS owners want to know?

Bloodworth really took care of us at CCR in Gatlinburg, I'm sure they will get you back on the road quick.

Enjoy the rest of your trip and thank the Rear Drive Gods that you didn't get hurt.......

[KYchris02]

sorry to hear it. sounds like your very on top of the prob.

also sorry for the guy who buys the GSA with a rear-end job hidden in the history of what i'm sure will be sold as a factory new bike.

[bowlesj]

Ride About 2007 6-29-07 (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/06/ride-about-2007-6-29-07.html)

Today started out so wonderfully.
That was before the Rear-End of the GS decided to take a dump on the rear tire.
The 24k service was done last Friday and there was no sign of any issue at that time.
I started feeling a popping through the foot pegs, got off and checked it out and found nothing out of place.
10 miles on down the road the seal let go and it slung the lube all over the place.
I called the the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) with whom I have a towing policy through MoTow (http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/motow.asp) and a flat bed truck is on the way.
I'm in Somerset Kentucky and they will be hauling the GS and Me to Bloodworths BMW in Nashville Tennessee.
Scott the Service Manager has me scheduled for 1st slot in the morning and indicated he has anew GS Adventure on the floor they can yank the rear-end off of to get me back on the road.
I'll post more as I know more. Here is today's Star-Traxx Trip Report (http://www.star-traxx.com/TripReport.asp?TripID=561127886).
I'm posting this from the cab of the wrecker on the way to Bloodworths.

http://www.davedragon.org/pink/later.jpg

Dave, sorry you hit this speed bump on your trip.

Got a question though. I also use Lucas products and remember you went with the super heavy duty stuff, is that correct.

Curious if you think the higher viscosity could cause pressure build up in the drive? Certainly higher viscosities effectively reduce lash, especially products such as Lucas' that use additional binders for coating the gears.

Like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

[JATownsend]

Sorry to hear about the FD failure Dave. What a bummer.

I have been drooling over a dual sport for awhile. Alaska is calling!

But this BMW FD issue is just ridiculous! And, apparently never ending.

It is making me look very hard at a KTM 990 Adventure.

Clearly, BMW does not give a shit about this continuing problem.

Is Anyone from BMW listening?? Hello...............

[sanjaun2]

Dave,
Sorry about the breakdown. Sounds like your in good hands though. Ride safe and enjoy the rest of your journey.

Chris, I am sure that rear drive is on its way back to the mother land and a new unit on order for the new bike. Sounds like a stand up dealership to do that for Dave.

[wardenross]

Dave,

Sorry to hear about your drive failure. Bummer man!

I love BMWs and we have three in the family, but........ I'm afraid........... they have lost a bit of their legacy. Nuff said. :(

[DaveDragon]

Dave, sorry you hit this speed bump on your trip.

Got a question though. I also use Lucas products and remember you went with the super heavy duty stuff, is that correct.

Curious if you think the higher viscosity could cause pressure build up in the drive? Certainly higher viscosities effectively reduce lash, especially products such as Lucas' that use additional binders for coating the gears.

Like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

Been running the Lucas Gear Oil since the 600 mile service, now with 26,000 and change.

[DaveDragon]

When I called the dealership in Knoxville, the Service Manager said he had not heard of a single GS or GT having a rear drive failure.

He also made it very clear that if I brought the GS to them that it would probably be Thursday before he could look at it.

Just the opposite form Bloodworth's' Service Manager.

He pointed me to a room across the street from the dealership and mentioned that they have a couple of GS' on the floor that could be cannibalized to get me back on the road.
Cost me $375.00 for the tow after MoTow covered the whooping 1st 35 miles.

[info]

I wonder, is this the first 06 GS failure?
24K on the bike is nothing.
Glad you'll be back on the road soon.

[hschisler]

And here I was, thinking the GS/GS-A were immune from the FD problem. Sorry to hear about this problem.

It's also very encouraging to hear about the dealer stepping up. Awesome. Would that they all would do that!

If you're going to be in Somerset, KY for a while try to get a loaner bike and head over to the local bourbon distillery for their free tour. I think it's Wild Turkey -- nice folks there, and a real behind-the-scenes tour. :)

[meese]

When I called the dealership in Knoxville, the Service Manager said he had not heard of a single GS or GT having a rear drive failure.Man, I hate that attitude. First, it's a blatant lie. Second, I don't care if it's the first FD failure in the history of BMW, when it's your bike stuck on the side of the road, that's all that matters.

Glad Bloodworth's is taking proper care of you. Remember, the adventure begins when things stop going as planned. :)

[pkpr1998]

Dave, glad you are ok and hope that you get your get your bike repaired ASAP. I agree that Bloddworth's is great and that Destination in West Knoxville SUX.

I have been to both dealerships.

Get back in the road and if your fined yourself needing a room in the Chattanooga area just let me know.

[grifscoots]

Bikes, happen, but what a bummer.

I don't think it's the fluid, you could purdy much put any type of gear oil in them. Not the first GS either, there's been a slew.

I think we purdy much have to accept the rear end is BMW's achilles heal.

[bowlesj]

Been running the Lucas Gear Oil since the 600 mile service, now with 26,000 and change.

I re-checked your blog and see you are using the regular heavy weight 80/90. Should be no problem at all.

Reason I wondered is I use the super 85/140 and was talking to a guy at work about bearing pressure loads and too heavy of a gear oil. But as Grif says, any good gear lube should be fine.

Thanks

[DaveDragon]

Ride About 2007 6-30-07 (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/06/ride-about-2007-6-30-07.html)

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True to his word, Chris, the Service Manager of Bloodworths' BMW Motorcycles in Nashville, TN. had one of their crated 2007 R1200GS Adventures uncrated to be cannibalized in order to repair my GS.
http://bp0.blogger.com/_YEW26cjh_-M/Roa1fDhkPNI/AAAAAAAABPw/8u4vZHfEtzk/s200/CIMG4159.JPG (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/06/target=)
There was a snafu once all was uncrated; My 2006 GS Adventure has the Older Style ABS System which is incomparable with the speed ring configuration of the 2007 rear end.

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Chris got on the Phone with BMW North America and the Dealer Rep located Three of the appropriate rear ends here in the states, so one will arrive Tuesday AM with a new speed sensor, rear brake rotor & pads and a fresh Two Year Warranty.

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Chris hooked me up with a rental car company and I drove to James' house in Madison, AL.

I'll head back up Tuesday Morning to get the bike and James & I will continue on, just not with the same route.

We will head North East toward West Virginia to link up with two other riders to roam around in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

I can't say enough about the Outstanding Customer Service I have received so far from Bloodworths BMW Motorcycles.

http://www.davedragon.org/pink/later.jpg

[cfell]

Gee.. for a minute there I thought you were going to "fix" the rearend by replacing the VIN...

[dmatson]

Last month while attending the "Torrey Gathering" we had a fellow from Washington stay at our hotel. While he was on his way to Utah his FD let go, he made it to Boise where they replaced it. He was on an 07' GT with 2300mi on it. Before he left he took the bike to the dealer and complained about noise in the FD and the BMW rep told the dealer to tell him to ride it until it breaks.

[tmgs]

Been running the Lucas Gear Oil since the 600 mile service, now with 26,000 and change.

the few final drive failures i have hearrd about on the GS series (yea even the gsa) it does not seem to matter on what lubes and all have been serviced as far as i know and still the final drive fails

[bowlesj]

Ride About 2007 6-30-07 (http://davedragon.rilysi.com/2007/06/ride-about-2007-6-30-07.html)

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http://www.davedragon.org/pink/later.jpg

Hah - I see they use they same rain gear on their tow motors as we do:rotf:

[cccpastorjack]

Are all you guys reporting these failure to the NHTSA??? I sure hope so. I just reported my failure this evening. The gear oil not only ran down onto the tire (DANGEROUS!!!), but all over the rear brake caliper. It REALLY stinks that no recall has been issued or forced! We all need to report these things!

[info]

Are all you guys reporting these failure to the NHTSA??? I sure hope so. I just reported my failure this evening. The gear oil not only ran down onto the tire (DANGEROUS!!!), but all over the rear brake caliper. It REALLY stinks that no recall has been issued or forced! We all need to report these things!

+1 and getting BMW to do the right thing will be a cold day in heck.*
*Edited for pastorjack

[eljeffe]

Are all you guys reporting your failures in our survey?

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/survey.php?&do=take&sid=28

You can view the results at

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/survey.php?&do=results&sid=28

[rlv]

When I called the dealership in Knoxville, the Service Manager said he had not heard of a single GS or GT having a rear drive failure.

He also made it very clear that if I brought the GS to them that it would probably be Thursday before he could look at it.

Just the opposite form Bloodworth's' Service Manager.

He pointed me to a room across the street from the dealership and mentioned that they have a couple of GS' on the floor that could be cannibalized to get me back on the road.
Cost me $375.00 for the tow after MoTow covered the whooping 1st 35 miles.

Dave, I really don't think that they had any other choice, Crow, their wrench, is off on vacation. They just have a small service center and it stays so full that you just can't even turn around in the place.

[rlv]

Are all you guys reporting these failure to the NHTSA??? I sure hope so. I just reported my failure this evening. The gear oil not only ran down onto the tire (DANGEROUS!!!), but all over the rear brake caliper. It REALLY stinks that no recall has been issued or forced! We all need to report these things!

Maybe the best way to report this to BMW is to stop buying BMW motorcycles. Seems like they just don't listen or care about the other way that they are reported. As long as your still buying, their tickeled pink.

[bmwhd]

Dave,

Glad you're OK. That could have been ugly.

I think that makes about 12 failures of the new style FD I've read about, both lefties and righties. Too bad. I was hoping BMW had that issue licked. Looks like it's back to the drawing board...

[tmgs]

Dave,

Glad you're OK. That could have been ugly.

I think that makes about 12 failures of the new style FD I've read about, both lefties and righties. Too bad. I was hoping BMW had that issue licked. Looks like it's back to the drawing board...

yea but 6 of em were the same guy on different forums!

<g>

[DaveDragon]

I just spoke to Scott at Bloodworths' BMW.
They are installing the new rear-end now.http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif
I'm hitting the road to Nashville to retrieve the GS and continue our trip.

[tmgs]

I started feeling a popping through the foot pegs, got off and checked it out and found nothing out of place.

10 miles on down the road the seal let go and it slung the lube all over the place.


So dave, this was not just a seal failure but a bearing failure?

so carrying a spare seal ain't going to cut it either right?

Tom

[2002redrider]

Did you see the article on final drive failure Paul Glaves in the current MOA magazine? Paul seems to feel it is a lube issue, with so many riders using different gear lube than spec. He has put a ton of miles on his K bikes (no LTs however) and appears to be a top flight tech.

[tmgs]

Did you see the article on final drive failure Paul Glaves in the current MOA magazine? Paul seems to feel it is a lube issue, with so many riders using different gear lube than spec. He has put a ton of miles on his K bikes (no LTs however) and appears to be a top flight tech.

too bad many of the ones failing are using the spec or above lube

[sanjaun2]

Did you see the article on final drive failure Paul Glaves in the current MOA magazine? Paul seems to feel it is a lube issue, with so many riders using different gear lube than spec. He has put a ton of miles on his K bikes (no LTs however) and appears to be a top flight tech.
I do not know the guy and he may be a good tech but he is totally wrong about this one. Far to many of them have failed using the BMW dino and synthetic oil as well as every other brand sold like amsoil,redline,royal purple,castrol, just to name a few. It is a BMW thing. Whether it be assembly or design error. I doubt I will ever purchase a new BMW.

[DaveDragon]

So dave, this was not just a seal failure but a bearing failure?

so carrying a spare seal ain't going to cut it either right?

Tom

The Bearing Cage came apart and tore the seal, just like on the LT's.

The popping I was feeling through the pegs were pieces of bearing cage getting digested.

She's smooth as a babies bum now.....

[tmgs]

The Bearing Cage came apart and tore the seal, just like on the LT's.

The popping I was feeling through the pegs were pieces of bearing cage getting digested.



Bummer, thanks at least I know why I sitll take a feel of it all the time, but I got to say the one on my GSA feels pretty tight compared to her GS

Glad to hear your back onn the road enjoy the rest of your trip and remember if your in my area (you wern;t too far) I've got a truck a room and means to come get you

Tom

[DaveDragon]

Bummer, thanks at least I know why I sitll take a feel of it all the time, but I got to say the one on my GSA feels pretty tight compared to her GS

Glad to hear your back onn the road enjoy the rest of your trip and remember if your in my area (you wern;t too far) I've got a truck a room and means to come get you

Tom

Thanks Tom, Appreciate it.
Keep an eye on the speed sensor any time you have the rear tire off.
Mine was covered in metal.

[dandiver]

Dave, sorry to hear about the rear end failure. Nice quick repair.... You are going to love riding in WVa. I started riding in the Southern part of the state and cut my teeth in the hills. Just watch out around those curves as the y are covered in gravel after a good rain. Hope you get up the east side through Greenbank. Great big antennas!!!!! on the side of the road.

[KMC1]

Did you see the article on final drive failure Paul Glaves in the current MOA magazine? Paul seems to feel it is a lube issue, with so many riders using different gear lube than spec. He has put a ton of miles on his K bikes (no LTs however) and appears to be a top flight tech.

It's disgusting enough to have Motorrad tell us it's our own fault 1/2 the time when something breaks, but then to read this crap in the ON??!! I was actually angry after I read that article. Paul may be a good wrench, but as far as I'm concerned should have just stopped right where he goes over the fact that nobody can get any official word or response (acknowledgement) there is a problem with the FD and what it actually is, and most importantly, how to correct it.

[jayjacobson]

When I called the dealership in Knoxville, the Service Manager said he had not heard of a single GS or GT having a rear drive failure.

That's exactly what my dealer told me--INCLUDING the LT! I really have trouble believing that. He also said something about some ocean front property....
Last month while attending the "Torrey Gathering" we had a fellow from Washington stay at our hotel. While he was on his way to Utah his FD let go, he made it to Boise where they replaced it. He was on an 07' GT with 2300mi on it. Before he left he took the bike to the dealer and complained about noise in the FD and the BMW rep told the dealer to tell him to ride it until it breaks.
2300 miles? Hardly even broken in!
Are all you guys reporting these failure to the NHTSA??? I sure hope so. I just reported my failure this evening. The gear oil not only ran down onto the tire (DANGEROUS!!!), but all over the rear brake caliper. It REALLY stinks that no recall has been issued or forced! We all need to report these things!
Yup! That oil could easily cause the back tire to break loose....
Maybe the best way to report this to BMW is to stop buying BMW motorcycles. Seems like they just don't listen or care about the other way that they are reported. As long as your still buying, their tickeled pink.
It's a real shame that it might come to that.
....but as far as I'm concerned should have just stopped right where he goes over the fact that nobody can get any official word or response (acknowledgement) there is a problem with the FD and what it actually is, and most importantly, how to correct it.
It reminds me of Ford and circling the wagons. Well, unlike Ford's shitty engineering, noone's died--yet.

[wilbar00c]

To bad they do not install bearings with stronger ball retainers. Max BMW fiche calls for a 6013-2RS, a grease pack bearing with 2 rubber side seals. Spares are cheap!!

[Welcome to SAS Bearings, Inc.6013-2RS Ball Bearing $10.55]

I'm enjoying your Ride About photos, Dave, thanks.

[DaveDragon]

Anyone have a link to the NHTSA's site where you file a report?
I can't seem to locate it on the site.

Thanks

[Dick]

Anyone have a link to the NHTSA's site where you file a report?
I can't seem to locate it on the site.

Thanks
Here maybe (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/)? Butt, I remember there wuz discussion about putting the info in an NHTSA category that had sumpthin' to do with brakes. I'll keep checking that out, Dave, and ping ya if I find the old info.