This is a question I need to ask. I have a low mileage 2018 GS.
Cardan (Driveshaft) to be checked and vent valve retrofitted on motorcycles worldwide especially on the R 1250 GS and R 1200 GS from 2013.
Quote
Over 400,000 BMW GS for cardan check
Major construction sites in the BMW workshops: The cardan is to be checked and a vent valve retrofitted on a total of 440,000 motorcycles worldwide, especially on the R 1250 GS and R 1200 GS from 2013.
"In order to improve long-term quality", according to BMW Motorrad's official formulation, the authorized workshops are currently being prepared for a very extensive service campaign: the cardan shafts of a total of 440,000 motorcycles worldwide are to be checked over the course of the next few months, ideally as part of the scheduled inspections will. 72,000 of them in Germany alone. The campaign primarily affects BMW's most important model: the boxer GS. Specifically, the R 1250 GS and the R 1200 GS from year of manufacture 2013, both type K50, as well as the respective adventure variants, type K51. In addition, there is the official version RT, type K52.
Universal joint, articulation angle, corrosion
Background according to BMW, from a message to the dealers: "Service campaign during the next visit to the workshop - retrofit drainage in the swingarm and check the cardan shaft. Damage to the cardan shaft occasionally occurs, which impairs the function of the drive. In individual cases, propulsion can be lost Several factors contribute to the occurrence of damage.Corrosion effects, among others, play a role if they occur at functionally relevant points.Signs of wear caused by running time or particular climatic and dynamic loads can also lead to component damage. These effects can be caused by the geometric chassis design (kink angle of the universal joints in the swing arm) be reinforced."
R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS and official RT
Apparently, a conspicuous accumulation of cardan defects was found in the Boxer GS from year of manufacture 2013 (with water-cooled engine) and in the R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT in the official version. With the GS, the cardan is subject to greater stress due to the concept, because of the longer spring deflection and the associated articulation angle between the cardan tunnel and the rear axle drive. This is where the cardan's rear universal joint is located. In addition, depending on the user, there is more or less tough enduro use. In any case, the authorities' RT are subjected to above-average strain, for example when driving over high curbs.
Cardan check with special device
So that the cardan does not have to be opened on all 440,000 motorcycles concerned, every authorized workshop is to be given a special test device. Instead of the rear wheel, a measuring disk is mounted, and then the cardan is dragged over the rear axle while idling, that is, rotated. This stress test runs over various load changes and speeds, with sensors monitoring the forces and vibrations. If everything stays within the predefined normal range, the checked gimbal is considered "okay". If there are any abnormalities, a closer look is taken. In particular, the universal joint with its four roller bearings, but also the gearing to the rear axle drive is checked for rust and damage. Should parts then have to be replaced,
Vent hole with beak valve
In principle, a vent on the cardan tunnel is retrofitted during this service campaign. For this purpose, a small hole is drilled on the underside in the rear area, near the universal joint, using a prepared template. In order to avoid the formation of potentially harmful metal chips, the drill should be lubricated beforehand. A rubber beak valve is then inserted into this hole using a kind of piercing tool. This special valve is intended to seal the hole to the outside, but allow air and, above all, moisture to escape from the cardan tunnel. This ventilation is supported by the pumping movements during compression and rebound. If water runs out immediately after drilling, this is also a reason to inspect the cardan more closely.
45 minutes per motorcycle
A total of 45 minutes are allotted for the cardan check including retrofitting the ventilation. Of course, this campaign is free of charge - at least for the customers, BMW will incur some costs.
End Quote
A pain in the ass but Google Translate prevailed!
https://www-motorradonline-de.transl..._x_tr_pto=wapp
Over 400,000 BMW GS for cardan check
Major construction sites in the BMW workshops: The cardan is to be checked and a vent valve retrofitted on a total of 440,000 motorcycles worldwide, especially on the R 1250 GS and R 1200 GS from 2013.
"In order to improve long-term quality", according to BMW Motorrad's official formulation, the authorized workshops are currently being prepared for a very extensive service campaign: the cardan shafts of a total of 440,000 motorcycles worldwide are to be checked over the course of the next few months, ideally as part of the scheduled inspections will. 72,000 of them in Germany alone. The campaign primarily affects BMW's most important model: the boxer GS. Specifically, the R 1250 GS and the R 1200 GS from year of manufacture 2013, both type K50, as well as the respective adventure variants, type K51. In addition, there is the official version RT, type K52.
Universal joint, articulation angle, corrosion
Background according to BMW, from a message to the dealers: "Service campaign during the next visit to the workshop - retrofit drainage in the swingarm and check the cardan shaft. Damage to the cardan shaft occasionally occurs, which impairs the function of the drive. In individual cases, propulsion can be lost Several factors contribute to the occurrence of damage.Corrosion effects, among others, play a role if they occur at functionally relevant points.Signs of wear caused by running time or particular climatic and dynamic loads can also lead to component damage. These effects can be caused by the geometric chassis design (kink angle of the universal joints in the swing arm) be reinforced."
R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS and official RT
Apparently, a conspicuous accumulation of cardan defects was found in the Boxer GS from year of manufacture 2013 (with water-cooled engine) and in the R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT in the official version. With the GS, the cardan is subject to greater stress due to the concept, because of the longer spring deflection and the associated articulation angle between the cardan tunnel and the rear axle drive. This is where the cardan's rear universal joint is located. In addition, depending on the user, there is more or less tough enduro use. In any case, the authorities' RT are subjected to above-average strain, for example when driving over high curbs.
Cardan check with special device
So that the cardan does not have to be opened on all 440,000 motorcycles concerned, every authorized workshop is to be given a special test device. Instead of the rear wheel, a measuring disk is mounted, and then the cardan is dragged over the rear axle while idling, that is, rotated. This stress test runs over various load changes and speeds, with sensors monitoring the forces and vibrations. If everything stays within the predefined normal range, the checked gimbal is considered "okay". If there are any abnormalities, a closer look is taken. In particular, the universal joint with its four roller bearings, but also the gearing to the rear axle drive is checked for rust and damage. Should parts then have to be replaced,
Vent hole with beak valve
In principle, a vent on the cardan tunnel is retrofitted during this service campaign. For this purpose, a small hole is drilled on the underside in the rear area, near the universal joint, using a prepared template. In order to avoid the formation of potentially harmful metal chips, the drill should be lubricated beforehand. A rubber beak valve is then inserted into this hole using a kind of piercing tool. This special valve is intended to seal the hole to the outside, but allow air and, above all, moisture to escape from the cardan tunnel. This ventilation is supported by the pumping movements during compression and rebound. If water runs out immediately after drilling, this is also a reason to inspect the cardan more closely.
45 minutes per motorcycle
A total of 45 minutes are allotted for the cardan check including retrofitting the ventilation. Of course, this campaign is free of charge - at least for the customers, BMW will incur some costs.
End Quote
A pain in the ass but Google Translate prevailed!
https://www-motorradonline-de.transl..._x_tr_pto=wapp
101 - 120 of 154 Posts
I have a high mileage 2018 GS 54k miles and from what I can tell the drive shaft is perfect yet they are going to replace it without a test. I don't get it.This is a question I need to ask. I have a low mileage 2018 GS.
I would think if it has lasted this long it's a good one.
How do I know the new one is any good? Are they going to test it after it's installed? Is there a warranty on it?
There have been people with low mileage bikes that have failed so I assume the test is valid.
I would think if your bike passes and then a few thousand miles later it has a problem BMW would cover it.
My right intake cam went bad at 42k miles and they covered it. I have a good Dealer.
I booked my 13 plate gs1200 in for its MOT ON THE 21/11 and was informed by the BMW GARAGE that this recall would be done at the same time , so some garages are doing it without being askedTo echo "M" YIKES!, but same here, had the bike serviced last Thursday and no mention of the recall. p.s. Don't do a ham sandwich, indulge yourself, with SPAM!
How knackered are the universal joints?
If by knackered, you mean abused, not at all. A few paint scrapes. The tech said those were probably from the removal.How knackered are the universal joints?
Just had the driveshafts in both of my 2014 GS's replaced this week. Dealer(Motorcycles of Charlotte) was great to work with.
He means the bearings, not the paint. The shaft removed from my bike looked the same as yours but the universal joints were eff'd. As I said earlier, visual inspection is meaningless. Gently pivot the u-joint. It should offer smooth operation. If you feel an stuttering in the movement the bearings are toast.If by knackered, you mean abused, not at all. A few paint scrapes. The tech said those were probably from the removal.
No bearings seemed fine.He means the bearings, not the paint. The shaft removed from my bike looked the same as yours but the universal joints were eff'd. As I said earlier, visual inspection is meaningless. Gently pivot the u-joint. It should offer smooth operation. If you feel an stuttering in the movement the bearings are toast.
I’m based in Ireland and had the recall completed, drove my bike for a month and the flimsy two way valve fell into the shaft and just a gaping hole left. The valve their using is absolutely rubbish a McDonalds drinking straw would be higher quality. I thought either a rubber valve something similar that would be used on a tubeless wheel or a screw in type valve. After the valve falling out or in I’ve booked in to have the shaft taken out & inspected greased and replaced if necessary and think I’ll ask them to just close the hole up because I do not think this valve their using will last. My recommendation do not complete the recall.Has anyone here in Blighty (UK) had this recall done? If so, how did it go.
It is necessary to ask the mechanic before installing the valve to glue it with superglue.I requested that before performing the recall. The mechanic will do that only for a customers that ask for it. When I went to pick up the bike, I asked the mechanic if he glued it and he said: "I don't remember, I've done 7 bikes today..."I’m based in Ireland and had the recall completed, drove my bike for a month and the flimsy two way valve fell into the shaft and just a gaping hole left. The valve their using is absolutely rubbish a McDonalds drinking straw would be higher quality. I thought either a rubber valve something similar that would be used on a tubeless wheel or a screw in type valve. After the valve falling out or in I’ve booked in to have the shaft taken out & inspected greased and replaced if necessary and think I’ll ask them to just close the hole up because I do not think this valve their using will last. My recommendation do not complete the recall.
Thanks for the advise, I’m not impressed with the workmanship on this so called “fix”. See photo above what mine looks like after the valve failing.
I have a good relationship with my dealer so I’ll take your advise and ask them to glue it in place and see how it goes, if that fails I’ll get them to put a blanking screw in and seal it off.
Has your valve stayed in place? All the newer R1250GS from ‘22 onwards have this valve fitted at the factory I wonder how is the factory fitted valve holding up for owners?
That is good question. I haven't checked for over a month but will look at it tomorrow.Has your valve stayed in place? All the newer R1250GS from ‘22 onwards have this valve fitted at the factory I wonder how is the factory fitted valve holding up for owners?
I think it is poor judgment to decline a recall for their crappy valve when there is risk of driveshaft failure at speed. Even when riding in heavy rain little water will get up there, goal of the hole is getting water a path out.My recommendation do not complete the recall.
I think it might be a good idea to purchase an extra one or two of those rubber valves when you get the work done. Unless of course they're really really obscenely expensive, which is a good probability since they would be coming from BMW. I know, we shouldn't even have to think about it if the bean counters didn't have the engineers look for a "cost effective" solution.
I will be asking the dealer to glue the valve in place.
I will be asking the dealer to glue the valve in place.
2017 GS Rallye with 9,400 miles, was informed today that the drive shaft failed the check. I have to wait another week for a replacement drive shaft. When I pick it up will be looking at the 'drain' valve for sure.
I’d maybe go with a thin coat of silicone sealant over superglue as in my experience it can harden rubber up. From the posts here seems anything to keep it in place is a good plan.
Just looked at my bike. The rubber valve is still there. As I said above, the dealer's mechanic said he couldn't remember if he glued it upon my request.
I just had the recall done on my 2018 R1200GS on 3/21/23. The service dept at Sound Sound BMW in Tacoma, Washington was phenomenal. My bike has over 30K miles so they said it gets a new shaft regardless. They had the parts in stock to do the driveshaft and vent mod. I picked it up the next day!
I will be keeping an eye on the rubber valve. It doesn’t look like they use any silicone or glue to seal it in?
I am going to reseal it myself just to be sure! 😁
I will be keeping an eye on the rubber valve. It doesn’t look like they use any silicone or glue to seal it in?
I am going to reseal it myself just to be sure! 😁
The folks at South Sound BMW are real pros. They've helped me out a couple of times when I was passing through.I just had the recall done on my 2018 R1200GS on 3/21/23. The service dept at Sound Sound BMW in Tacoma, Washington was phenomenal. My bike has over 30K miles so they said it gets a new shaft regardless. They had the parts in stock to do the driveshaft and vent mod. I picked it up the next day!
I will be keeping an eye on the rubber valve. It doesn’t look like they use any silicone or glue to seal it in?
I am going to reseal it myself just to be sure! 😁
Mike
101 - 120 of 154 Posts
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