Nervous handling ... [update] now CURED !!! Woo hooo!

[Steve F]

One a good note the new boxer engine is very pokey but by Christ it's a noisy engine. And despite the new Adventure being apparently heavier than its predecessor it doesn't feel it.

Yes, it is Steve, and I'm enjoying the Boxer engine on my R12RT LC! I'll think you find it's the raspy Akro box fitted as standard that makes it a noisy little booger!!

[slparry]

They have ..... weirdly enough I don't think the bushes are in any service schedule as they're supposedly sealed for life 

You are correct. I can't find any service instructions to grease the three needle roller bearings in the dog leg. A bit like the filled for life final drive on the K12s.

I always grease these bearings on an annual service and they still show signs of brinelling. I'm not surprised that the needle rollers have turned to rusty powder on your bike if they never get checked and greased.

I would be very worried if my bike was dealer serviced in this manner. I have images of the bike going through a pothole and the back end collapsing onto the back wheel.

The Ks had a recall with better sealed dog leg bearings fitted after a few had seized causing the pivot bolt to shear through and the rear end dropping onto the rear wheel.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I seem to recall there being two recalls on the relay arm, although it may have been one for the thicker arm and the other for better seals .... I could be wrong

Even the tech agreed with me today when I said it should have grease nipples on them. I'd happily pay good money for some grooved bushes with bolts with grease nipples in

In reality I think they've been in a bad way for quite some time as I seem to recall hear a creaking noise once which was probably the dry bearings, but dismissed it as imagination as it had gone through a service and an MoT elsewhere too.

[chriscanning]

All part of when you see a bike advertised as full dealer serviced 

[Phmode]

The first instance of that was a guy on the M4, flew down the outside lane in the fairly light traffic.

BMW eventually supplied a new bike and full kit and apart from needing new underwear the guy was OK! The recall was for the bearings seizing, but either way the thought fills me with dread when making progress.

Re. the tubing; they are 'crash bars' which are needed in case you meet a K13 coming the other way on an alpine pass on your side of the road and they work brilliantly. The only damage to the GS was a broken screen, the K got off lightly with a smashed water pump but was off the road for almost three weeks.

Brian (who recalls the GS rider rode home smiling at his wise choice of bike if not his choice of route home from work that day  )

PS Nice colour match if I might say so.

[slparry]

CURED!!!!!


Well the K is back and riding and handling better than it has for at least two years if not longer!

Previously I'd noticed my feet where flat on the ground and was sure when I first had it I was on the balls of my feet when stopped. Looks like I wasn't imagining it as now it's taller and I'm back to being on the balls of my feet when stationary

I've suggested to the dealers that they suggest to BMW that the bearings are added to the annual or bi annual service or at least customers are advised it's a recommended job and would they like it doing?

The REALLY troublesome bearing was the one that the triangle plates/relay arm etc connect to on the swinging arm. Took the tech quite some time to remove the seized bearing race. The actual dog bone ones weren't too bad but that third one was a mess.

Oh and it's easier to get on the main stand too.

[TomL]

I hope that they fitted all four needle bearings complete with outer races. What is the betting that they didn't?

[slparry]

I hope that they fitted all four needle bearings complete with outer races. What is the betting that they didn't?

They did In fact they replaced everything, the bearings, the bushes, the relay arm, the two triangular plates, the seals, and all the bolts ..... it's all shiny under there and showing up the rest of my bike

[Greenman]

And how much was emptied from your wallet....

[TomL]

I hope that they fitted all four needle bearings complete with outer races. What is the betting that they didn't?

They did In fact they replaced everything, the bearings, the bushes, the relay arm, the two triangular plates, the seals, and all the bolts ..... it's all shiny under there and showing up the rest of my bike

Good to hear.

Now you need to make sure that it is serviced properly in future services.

[slparry]

Well after a weekend of "testing" the handling is definately back to normal. I suspect it was "broken" for about 4 years, and that I've ridden around the problem.

It's now MUCH easier to put on the main stand too and it's rides the road surface soooooo much nicer now.

So if your K12/13 seems low at the back, handles nervously and heavily, is hard to get on the stand and is a harsh ride then look at the bearings on the relay control arm and its associated fittings.

[slparry]

And how much was emptied from your wallet....

Nothing All covered under the extended warranty

[Andysdad]

Is there any way to check these parts? Scientific waggling or a gentle pry with a prybar (as you would on a car)?

At 11K miles my GT is still a baby but I worry (except about any cost - extended warranty is a must on Ks as we know!)

[slparry]

All I noticed was a low tail end and now it's done a MUCH smoother reponse to bumps  Andy

It's gone through at least two services and three MoT's with nothing being noted!

[TomL]

Is there any way to check these parts? Scientific waggling or a gentle pry with a prybar (as you would on a car)?

At 11K miles my GT is still a baby but I worry (except about any cost - extended warranty is a must on Ks as we know!)

If they are as knackered as Steve's were then it would be very easy to check. Put the bike on the centre stand and then gently lift the rear wheel with a lever between the tyre and the ground. There will be free play in a vertical direction if the bearings have play.

The proper way to check them is to remove the triangular plates and dogbone and do a visual inspection of the bearing surfaces. Clean out regrease and re-assemble. Be careful not to loose any of the needle rollers. If they are properly greased they should remain in place. Best done with the little finger and a healthy dollop of grease if you get what I mean.