Which R to buy, part deux...

[Ancon]

Do I dare bring up the "spline shaft" issue that's all over the internet with you R owners? <<insert 'beating dead horse' smilie here>>
How prevalent is that problem? Is it a big enough concern to NOT consider buying that clean 04 that has less than 25K?
Any way to check for a potential problem as I go looking at these 02's and 04's I see for sale? Clutch noise? Vibration? etc.

Thanks again--I just spent over an hour reading stories about that, I'm a little concerned. Why would anyone want to buy an R1150R if a $2-3000 fix is inevitable?

Thanks again.

[garr2]

I won't pretend this is an a completely objective opinion - after all this is an 1150R forum!

Have a look at this youtube clip where he explains the cause of the clutch spline problem and his solution ($$$)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx3e0gqzylY
I had an '04 1150 RT (dual spark) - bought it at 50,000 km and sold at 125,000.
In that time I experienced most of the 1150 known issues (stick coils, oiled clutch plate, final drive) but not the clutch splines!
From memory the clutch splines were less of an issue on the 1150's after they went to dual spark (in '04 ?) which eliminated the surging.
The surging (with its rapid on/off power delivery under 4000 rpm) hastened the wearing of the input & clutch splines.
I also recall that the clutch spline failure doesn't give much warning.
Having said that though I never regretted buying my '04RT. I only went to the 1200 as a retirement present to myself.

I think you would be safer with the low mileage dual spark '04 1150R, especially if you can get it at a good price.

Ian

[Ancon]

Hmmm....59 views and only 1 response (thanks garr2)??

Has BMW already gotten to everybody? Do I smell a conspiracy?

[vitaminC]

You're buying a used bike. If you want worry free I suggest get something new and an extended warranty...

[sweatmark]

Do I dare bring up the "spline shaft" issue...
How prevalent is that problem? Is it a big enough concern to NOT consider buying that clean 04 that has less than 25K?
Any way to check for a potential problem as I go looking at these 02's and 04's I see for sale? Clutch noise? Vibration? etc.
Thanks again--I just spent over an hour reading stories about that, I'm a little concerned. Why would anyone want to buy an R1150R if a $2-3000 fix is inevitable?

Not aware of any solid statistics re: R1150** spline failures, but the info you have read validates some concern.

Also, I'm unaware of any non-invasive means to determine if a bike's clutch/transmission input splines are damaged, nor an easy way to separate the "spline eaters" from good bikes. Removing the transmission for visual inspection of all splined surfaces is the only way.

Why buy an R1150**? Because they're good machines with - unfortunately - a fundamental BMW engineering design error that F's up an unknown % of the bikes, and are no longer supported by the manufacturer following expiration of the 3-year/36k mile warranty.

I'm committed to my R1150R despite its preexisting condition.

[TonyT47]

Do you know anything of the service history of the bike?
My 1150R ate its splines at 60k kms which anecdotally seems to be about the usual time, but before my ownership. I looked around for a bike that had had all the issues done and I'm very happy with it.
Find out what you can about the individual machine, maintain it regularly, especially lubing the splines and hope for the best, it's about all you can do without a warranty.
Cheers,
Tony

[Dr. Strangelove]

The clutch spline issue frequency is controversial to say the least, but there were numbers floating around this forum that described it as affecting 3% of the bikes. IIRC the 04 s were the worst hit, and the RT worst of all.
I have an 04RR and needed a new clutch at about 90k, the splines looked pretty good as did the FD. I posted pictures on this forum at the time. So, mine was not affected.

25 k is not much mileage at all and the splines failed at more age than that, usually. The other issues, too tight tie wraps, falling apart quik-disconnects for the gas lines, cam tensioner. All of these are simple and cheap fixes.

Does the 04 have ABS? if that fails modulemasters.com can't fix the 04s so you're looking at buying a used unit (5-600 at beemer boneyard plus labor) or almost a $3k bill from the dealer if you decide to keep the abs.
It's heavy and tall, but that's relative.

Having said all that I loved my 04 and she treated me well. And will miss her when she goes. The 1200rr is more refined, but the 1150 has a more "raw" appeal.

John