Just thought I'd take a sec and share my troubles, it's a great way to get the sad out.
I month or two back, I stopped by my dealer to let him know I'd been hearing a light clacking noise. I wear earplugs when I ride, so I wasn't sure how long it'd been there, but after taking a brief ride a week earlier without them, there was definitely a new and distinctive engine noise. I suspected it was the cam chain and expressed that. The tech took it for a spin and came back certain it was pre-ignition. They blamed bad fuel, gave me a bottle of fuel system cleaner, and said to give it a try and come back if the noise persisted. I did, it did, and I came back. I left it for a week so I could have it back and ready to ride for my fall trip. When I came back to pick it up, they still hadn't tracked down the source of the noise and had submitted an inquiry to BMW to see if there'd been other reports.
So I took the bike and headed out on my trip. On day three, the noise had gotten noticeably louder. It had also only been making the noise on throttle, but was now clacking away at idle. I was still pretty sure it was the cam chain. I called the dealer and told them I was cutting my trip short and bringing the bike back in. They notified me that BMW had gotten back to them and said it was likely the cam chain tensioner. So I bring the bike back. They've had it for two weeks now. It's in pieces (literally.) Still can't find the source. Ends up being the crank shaft (shot bearing.) Unfortunately there isn't one available in the States at the moment and they're trying to get one from Hans.
Anyway, I'm not angry. The bike is warrantied for a reason and the dealer is doing the best he can to get my bike back to me. I'm just really bummed to be missing seat time on my bike during my favorite part of the riding season. My friend has been kind enough to let me borrow his 800gs on the weekends to get my fall fix, but I sure do miss my Roadster.
Anyway, just needed to tell some folks who understand. I told a few non-riders about my bike - I don't think they get it. It's not like having your car in the shop...
-Nathan
