R1200GS Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Rocker arms causing notching on cams?

3 reading
Jump to Latest
141 - 160 of 179 Posts
#142 ·
MikeHSG said:
Just under 20,000
Click to expand...
I also get my bike serviced at Bob's and posted the photos from the 36,000 mile service previously in this thread. It looks like it might be just starting to happen on my bike and it's weird that it is so variable when it shows up. Some, like me, have show no problem and then just several thousand miles later they're seriously worn. I guess it depends on when the DLC coating on the rockers gets compromised.

My bike sits for long periods and then gets an epic mileage trip put on it. I had just returned from a 10K mile trip to Tuk and back when I had the 36K service done at Bob's and asked them to take photos. We're doing a fly and ride this year to Scotland so my bike probably won't collect many miles until next year and I guess I'll just wait and see what happens.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rick92040
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#143 ·
I had the problem with the right intake cam and it had 42k on it. They only replaced that one cam and the followers. It now has 67k on it with no problems.. I paid for 20% labor and an oil change.
 
#144 ·
Rick, so this wear on cam can occur at any time even after I've had 14K miles and zero wear indication? It may start happening at 25K miles for example?
 
#145 ·
OnTime said:
Rick, so this wear on cam can occur at any time even after I've had 14K miles and zero wear indication? It may start happening at 25K miles for example?
Click to expand...
Yep no rhyme or reason to when it happens.
 
#146 ·
OnTime said:
Rick, so this wear on cam can occur at any time even after I've had 14K miles and zero wear indication? It may start happening at 25K miles for example?
Click to expand...
It might not ever happen. Also I've heard it mostly occurs on the 17 and 18 bikes. Never happens on the 19 and up bikes.
 
#147 ·
Freedomrider1776 said:
How in the hell that BMW never made this a "recall", is beyond logic and comprehension.
Click to expand...
$$$$$.

I’d bet a tank of fuel the manufacturing process varied over time and they truly don’t know what serial numbers are good and bad. If that is the case they just handle them via “goodwill” participation as they come up. Not saying that is right or the case but it is likely.

Interesting contrast to driveshafts where not only are they testing them all but replacing on their dime every 36k miles.
 
#148 ·
Krons said:
$$$$$.

I’d bet a tank of fuel the manufacturing process varied over time and they truly don’t know what serial numbers are good and bad. If that is the case they just handle them via “goodwill” participation as they come up. Not saying that is right or the case but it is likely.

Interesting contrast to driveshafts where not only are they testing them all but replacing on their dime every 36k miles.
Click to expand...
Took them a while on the driveshaft and I think they went this direction because of the possibility of rider injury if they fail. Cams/follower failure just makes a racket and causes massive disappointment to the owner. BMW can deal with that.
 
#149 ·
tic105 said:
Took them a while on the driveshaft and I think they went this direction because of the possibility of rider injury if they fail. Cams/follower failure just makes a racket and causes massive disappointment to the owner. BMW can deal with that.
Click to expand...
It does more than that, all that metal wearing off is going throughout the engine.
 
#150 ·
Freedomrider1776 said:
It does more than that, all that metal wearing off is going throughout the engine.
Click to expand...
The fine particles that are created over time are caught in the oil filter. I've never heard of a single bearing related failure related to this issue, and I've seen some very run down cams. Once cams and followers are replaced, it's all sorted.
 
#151 ·
dmsantam said:
The fine particles that are created over time are caught in the oil filter. I've never heard of a single bearing related failure related to this issue, and I've seen some very run down cams. Once cams and followers are replaced, it's all sorted.
Click to expand...
Only one way to definitively tell: oil sample to lab.
 
#153 ·
I finally was able to complete this repair on my RT earlier this year, after purchasing the cam tensioning tool from BoxFlyer (thanks Brad!). As others have said - it is not that difficult. I only changed cams and followers on the one side that showed notching - other cylinder was fine. BMW tech bulletin says to change both cylinders - but $$$. I'll just keep an eye on it at oil changes.

In terms of $$ - I saved a LOT of money by purchasing the cams and followers from a BMW store in France from this site:

By a LOT - I mean around $800 saved, for cams and followers for one cylinder. Crazy. No idea how/why, just glad it was. Shipping was minimal, and the total cost of the order was just over the "diminimus" limit for import duty, but individually the parts costs were well under. So I wasn't sure if I was going to have to pay import duty or not - but I did not.
 
#154 ·
Rick92040 said:
It might not ever happen. Also I've heard it mostly occurs on the 17 and 18 bikes. Never happens on the 19 and up bikes.
Click to expand...
NEVER is a long time, I'm pretty sure I have heard of some 19 and up doing this as well......although nothing remotley like prior to that.
 
#155 ·
Freedomrider1776 said:
NEVER is a long time, I'm pretty sure I have heard of some 19 and up doing this as well......although nothing remotley like prior to that.
Click to expand...
No. The 2019 1250 engines have the shift cam and I don't remember a single issue with the cams being worn. I also did a search and found nothing. The early bikes did have issues with the cam chain tensioner and some exhaust popping when it shifts cams but that's it.
 
#160 ·
BMGuzziMatt said:
Yes. But the one shown is the top right. Always the last to get oil.
Click to expand...
I know you bought used, but is your bike mostly kept on the sidestand or centerstand? I keep mine on the centerstand and know the previous owner did as well, also keep the oil level at MAX at all times and so did previous owner. I will be holding my breath when I check my valves at 12K, but "so far" my engine sounds normal and runs like a raped ape.
 
141 - 160 of 179 Posts
About this Discussion
178 Replies
41 Participants
Last post:
Ryno23
R1200GS Forum
posts
132K
members
33K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about maintenance, performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General chatter Maintenance and Modifications Accessories New Member Introductions Tires (Tyres)