04 Rt

[bikepro]

First post and a question.
I have 04 rt with 22k miles. Bike runs exellent and have no problems. Question I have:
With all the negative news about spline shafts and fd going bad without notice, makes me feel uncertain about the bike. Don't get me wrong, I do love it, it is what I wanted and now have, however there it is always in the back of my head those two major problems that could happen anytime. I've read about the splines going bad at 15k miles and on. What is going on? I do my own maintenance and stay on top of it, but something like splines I can not do anything about until it happens. Another words, I do not have $2500 laying around to do them if or when it happens and hate to get stuck without running bike. I guess I need some peace of mind. I've read about others, like ST1300, they do not have nearly as many issues as BMW, especially major failures. Maybe I'm panicing to much but all those problems drive me nuts.

[PMitchell]

First post and a question.
I have 04 rt with 22k miles. Bike runs exellent and have no problems. Question I have:
With all the negative news about spline shafts and fd going bad without notice, makes me feel uncertain about the bike. Don't get me wrong, I do love it, it is what I wanted and now have, however there it is always in the back of my head those two major problems that could happen anytime. I've read about the splines going bad at 15k miles and on. What is going on? I do my own maintenance and stay on top of it, but something like splines I can not do anything about until it happens. Another words, I do not have $2500 laying around to do them if or when it happens and hate to get stuck without running bike. I guess I need some peace of mind. I've read about others, like ST1300, they do not have nearly as many issues as BMW, especially major failures. Maybe I'm panicing to much but all those problems drive me nuts.

bikepro . . you need to give us more of your profile!
Anyway, when I first got my '00 LT two years ago w/ 16K on the clock, I had the same concerns regarding the FD issues. After talking to some local riders and posting the concerns on this site, I was politely told to "Ride It Like You Stole It! :bike:

Now with 30K+ and a 1,200 mile jaunt scheduled for this week-end, I just don't worry any more. :bmw: :bmw: :bmw:

BUT, I still look in the mirrors for the LEO's that are looking for stolen bikes!!! :histerica

[BCVBeck]

Bikepro :wave ,

+1 on what PMitchell said...

I used to own an '06 LT, never had an issue. Only had it for 16K though. Traded it on my '08 RT. I "do" keep an eye on the FD, but I just ride. Ride Safe.

[jeepster]

Fellow 2004 owner here. From what I've seen and heard the spline and FD failure rate is something under 5% of oilhead models. You can sit in the garage and worry over that 5% chance or enjoy the bike.
Just check out what comes out of your final drive when you change fluids and you SHOULD have some warning if bearings are about to go.
:D Just my .02¢

[tbarstow]

Per the mechanics at Irv Seaver BMW - "Spline lube? You don't have to do that on an 04. BMW fixed the splined shaft metallurgy."

Ride it like you stole it and STOP worrying!

[kip]

if your fd fails.....it takes about 15 minutes to remove it
a qualified bmw mechanic will rebuild it for about $500 parts included
it will take you about 15 minutes to put it back on

they dont fail nearly as often on an RT as on the LT

if it does tho its not the end of the world

unless you are an experienced mechanic and fully understand the meaning of preload forget trying to rebuild it yourself

fd on my Lt failed at 83000 miles.....fixed it and put another 13000 on it before selling the bike