Rear mudguard off

[markr]

I do most of my riding two-up and most times with full panniers. I do not overload the panniers but being mature riders both me and the Misses are getting more pear-shaped than we would probably like to admit. I currently have the 2010 GSA with ESA; previously the 2008 GS with ESA - both bikes suffered from the rear mudguard striking the license plate holder and ultimately having the rear mudguard damaged and fall off. In the last instance lost for ever with some minor secondary damage. The problem appears worse on the GSA, despite the extra suspension travel, because of the pannier frame cross-brace. I believe I ride conservatively and don't think weight is the entire issue here. Full suspension travel is not unfettered in this design! Has anyone else experienced a similar problem?

Mark.

[marc]

I'm wondering if Australian license plate holders are that different from what we have in the US? I'm pretty sure that I can hold a string between the swing arm pivot and the furthest portion of the guard then rotate the string around the pivot and never come close to the license plate holder or my after market pannier cross support. But I've an '05 US bike and perhaps the newer bikes are different.

I have heard of folks loosing the guard when running knobs in mud. The mud can pack up in the tire and rip the guard off.

[markr]

Marc,

From the photos I've seen, the plate holders appear identical. On the both occasions I've lost the rear mudguard there was clear evidence of contact and no mud or large rocks to get stuck between the tyre and the guard.

I just did a similar thing and eye-balled (again) at what appears obvious clearance. Yes - string will confirm whether it's hitting or something else is happening.

My suspicion is geometry of the para-lever, as it pivots the transaxle, is providing enough extension to make contact.

Mark.

[markr]

Guys,

Just did the string thing and was surprised by the outcome. It will hit! By 1/4 inch on the cross-brace and almost 1/2 inch on the plate holder. Surely someone else has experienced this?

In the meantime, I won't be replacing the mudguard.
I would like to hear of any other similar experiences from forum members before I approach my dealer.

Mark.

[pdxrmccgs]

Last week I was talking to a guy who did six months in Mexico with the only
bike issue being rear mud guard came off. It went "up" over the wheel and
made quite a bang but did not hurt anything.

Also, I think TT sells a "mud guard" type of affair that is part of the
license plate holder or rear fender and "hangs down" and allows removal of the original mud guard.

About a year ago there was a guy who had done a couple years
straight world traveling posted on a forum a meticulous cost analysis of
running his GS with the comment that the only "maintenance" issue
out of thousands of miles was the "mud or clay packing" under the stock
rear mud guard.

Also, if the "mud" has enough "power" to stop the bike there is
probably some cooking or tweaking of driveline and rotating parts and
seals going on big time. I have always wondered how much of
this type of abuse predates the FD whiners.

[Schtum]

The solution is simple - remove the offending object and throw it away.....or rather store it and refit it to the bike when you sell it so that the next poor sucker has to put up with the damned thing before he wises up and also removes it.

I've removed the damned thing (conscious repetition) on all of my three GSes to date. The only reason it's there is to satisfy German TÜV regulations in respect of rear bumper height. It may go some way to preventing water and debris being deposited on a passenger's back but a crap flap below the number/license plate makes a better job of that. Far more importantly, its major demerit is that it directs a jet of cold water and road dirt at the back of the rider's left leg, from ankle to upper thigh.

Dump the damned thing...!

[markr]

Originally Posted by pdxrmccgs

Last week I was talking to a guy who did six months in Mexico with the only
bike issue being rear mud guard came off. It went "up" over the wheel and
made quite a bang but did not hurt anything.

Also, I think TT sells a "mud guard" type of affair that is part of the
license plate holder or rear fender and "hangs down" and allows removal of the original mud guard.

About a year ago there was a guy who had done a couple years
straight world traveling posted on a forum a meticulous cost analysis of
running his GS with the comment that the only "maintenance" issue
out of thousands of miles was the "mud or clay packing" under the stock
rear mud guard.

Also, if the "mud" has enough "power" to stop the bike there is
probably some cooking or tweaking of driveline and rotating parts and
seals going on big time. I have always wondered how much of
this type of abuse predates the FD whiners.

pdxrmccgs,

When mine came off, had the same loud bang accompanied by frantic comment from the wife. We got off the bike and found sheared and bent mount bolts. The sheared one had to be removed with an Eze-out back home. I removed the offending remains of the mount bolts, conscious that they could easily "pick-up" on the soft aluminium. Otherwise no other apparent damage. I agree with Schtum - its replacement won't be back on the bike 'till it's sold.
Task at hand is to get BMW Australia to come clean with a replacement, given I see this as a design deficiency.

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by markr

Task at hand is to get BMW Australia to come clean with a replacement, given I see this as a design deficiency.

Now that sounds like a task-and-a-half. You might like to make a list - final drive, FPC, EWS antenna, gearbox bearings.....

[Tooth]

I also ride two up with boxes and find that the mud guard is an absolutely worthless item in rain and mud.....My wifes back is the mud guard. I have tupperwire tied in place attempting to stop the spray. I am thinking about the rear wheel hugger which is a bit pricey and I also have my reservations about it off road.