So I am the only one that comes here anymore..

[uncle BS]

like wow, no one comes here anymore. Just an update bmw wanted $707.00 for leaking pump replacement, happy to say I fixed the issue for $19.95. The hexheads are as most everyone knows by now --totally plagued with major issues- abs recurring pump failures, fuel pump failures, short clutch longevity, and the dreaded --happens way to often-- rear main seal failures... hexheads- reasonably nice ride exceedingly poor reliability and i didnt even include final drive/bearing failures..

[riceburner]

Nope - I check in every day, looking for new posts.

Unfortunately, there's been some issues with the ability of the forum's hosting servers to provide demand, so a lot of regulars have dropped off.

[kirby]

I still check it almost every day.

:-)

[riceburner]

I still check it almost every day.

:-)

Those of us who visit often really ought to post each time, just to keep the place a bit more alive.

[kirby]

Greetings!
Just back from a 5000 miler on the rock. Starting to get cool here in the mountains but the riding still good.

Last month while doing as pre ride check w/the rock on the center stand I could feel a bit of a "bump" while rolling the wheel (rear) and I had never felt that before. Since I was planning to leave on the long trip I decided to pull the rear drive and investigate.

Well it turned out to be a failing u-joint, the rear most one. Since BMW wants over $1,000 dollars for a drive shaft assembly I took a die grinder to the stakes and pressed out both u joints and matched them at the parts store and pressed new ones in.

Decided since I was that far into the bike (first time) I would pull the trans and take a look at the splines and clutch.

Had a new plate so ordered bolts and pulled the flywheel and went thru the clutch. The original plate was still serviceable but down to about 1/8" thick.

The splines were worn but still serviceable as they were straight and the ware was due to high miles. (328K) I could have gotten at least another 100K but since I had it down I ordered a new shaft and the two bearings and replaced it. The rest of the transmission was in fine shape.

I am pretty smooth on the drive train and see no reason to add a longer shaft, and If I did do something I would have put in a clutch plate with a bit longer center spline. IMHO not needed. If you machine case to case (engine to trans) is square from the factory no need. I had never lubed the splines since new (such a bunch of work to do it right by demate) the splines would have not worn as much as it only had lube from the factory many years ago and miles.

Engine is still strong, mileage mid to high 40s' (sometimes better depending on wind and load) and oil usage less than a Qt between changes.

Hope to make another long trip befor winter sets in...

Cheers to everyone.
The oilhead beemers are tough and easy to work on (for a BMW).

kirby

[riceburner]

Good stuff Kirby - that's far more work than I'm prepared to do!!

[vroomr]

Replaced the steering damper on my '06 as it was spewing, and no doubt no longer damping.

[riceburner]

Replaced the steering damper on my '06 as it was spewing, and no doubt no longer damping.

Did the '06 R12R come with a steering damper?? I didn't know that.

The other question is: does it actually need one? Or was it just BMW thinking "A steering damper looks fly, lets fit one!"

[sweatmark]

Replaced the steering damper on my '06 as it was spewing, and no doubt no longer damping.

Did the '06 R12R come with a steering damper?? I didn't know that.

The other question is: does it actually need one? Or was it just BMW thinking "A steering damper looks fly, lets fit one!"

Which begs another 2 questions:

1. Has an R1200R rider ever experienced serious head-shake or tank slapper, presumably if damper fails?
2. Has an R1150R rider had tank slapper, with no provision for damper?

[riceburner]

Replaced the steering damper on my '06 as it was spewing, and no doubt no longer damping.

Did the '06 R12R come with a steering damper?? I didn't know that.

The other question is: does it actually need one? Or was it just BMW thinking "A steering damper looks fly, lets fit one!"

Which begs another 2 questions:

1. Has an R1200R rider ever experienced serious head-shake or tank slapper, presumably if damper fails?
2. Has an R1150R rider had tank slapper, with no provision for damper?

I don't think I've ever experienced a slapper on the Rockster, and mine has a steeper than stock head angle (shorter Paralever arm lifting the rear). If anything the biker is so stable it recovers from a knock to the steering all by itself

[vroomr]

Did the '06 R12R come with a steering damper?? I didn't know that.

My error. It's an '07, model introduction version, that I purchased in '06.

[riceburner]

Did the '06 R12R come with a steering damper?? I didn't know that.

My error. It's an '07, model introduction version, that I purchased in '06.

Is it Telelever or telescopic forks, (pogo sticks)?

[vroomr]

Telelever, that wishbone-shaped thing.

[riceburner]

Telelever, that wishbone-shaped thing.

Yeah - ok - I doubt it really needs the steering damper, but you'll only know that by taking it off and riding the bike to see if it genuinely makes any difference.