Drivetrain maintenance
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Drivetrain maintenance
Just bought my first bike...black 02 r1150r with abs. Can't help it but my father-in-law owns 3 BMW's and I've loved every one of them! So, to me the roadster was a good way to get started and know that this is a bike that can take me many years into the future. I have heard of an issue with leaks in the drivetrain, mainly around the rear boot. Sorry I don't know all of the appropriate terminology, but I would like to know what to watch out for and what the cause is if I do ever notice this.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
Rupe
Rupe
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iowabeakster
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:43 am
- Location: iowa city, ia
congrats! We all seem to love this bike a lot, bet that you do to. I wouldn't worry about problems that haven't happend yet, though. Take good care of it, and it should take good care of you. I'm sure that you will have SOMETHING that goes wrong, but probably your bike will do a great job for you.
About the leaking drive? I guess when you see oil leaking out of it, you got a problem!
About the leaking drive? I guess when you see oil leaking out of it, you got a problem!
I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray...
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MikeCam
- Centurion Moderator!
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:05 pm
- Location: Conway River, Virginia
Rear Main Seal
Yeah, many paralevers show an oily smear around the rear of the driveline boot just as it enters the final drive. Most likely cause is a worn/leaky/failed rear seal. Second cause is crud blocking the positive ventilation gizmo at the top of the FD-check that it moves freely and has a bit of spring back when you push it in.
Overall, if you are checking FD oil level and transmission oil level often enough (every 3-5K miles) and the smear doesn't become a drip, then you are probably alright with it.
Or have the dealer fix at next scheduled service.
As an addendum: Many people want a totally tight bike from engine to FD. That's not really necessary, even on a $12-18K cycle. Many engines, especially the boxer design, are not made to extremely tight tolerances on purpose. Fluids migrate and seep. Short of a full blown leak, most fluid presence is not a cause for more than monitoring.
As a useful guide, here is the U.S. Army's leak assessment guide from the 70's (pre-Hummer, etc)
residue - oily smear, never appears to get worse. Monitor fluid levels.
weep - wet spot, no drops. Monitor fluid levels. Check next service.
seep - wet flow but fewer than 1 drop(s) per minute. Replenish fluids more frequently. Check with mechanic and correct as soon as possible.
leak - wet flow at 1 or more drops per minute. Deadline vehicle. Have serviced and corrected immediately.
Many disagree.
Overall, if you are checking FD oil level and transmission oil level often enough (every 3-5K miles) and the smear doesn't become a drip, then you are probably alright with it.
Or have the dealer fix at next scheduled service.
As an addendum: Many people want a totally tight bike from engine to FD. That's not really necessary, even on a $12-18K cycle. Many engines, especially the boxer design, are not made to extremely tight tolerances on purpose. Fluids migrate and seep. Short of a full blown leak, most fluid presence is not a cause for more than monitoring.
As a useful guide, here is the U.S. Army's leak assessment guide from the 70's (pre-Hummer, etc)
residue - oily smear, never appears to get worse. Monitor fluid levels.
weep - wet spot, no drops. Monitor fluid levels. Check next service.
seep - wet flow but fewer than 1 drop(s) per minute. Replenish fluids more frequently. Check with mechanic and correct as soon as possible.
leak - wet flow at 1 or more drops per minute. Deadline vehicle. Have serviced and corrected immediately.
Many disagree.
The Older I Get, The Less I Know.
Thanks for the drivetrain info!
Sure appreciate the responses. Bike seems to be pretty tight as of now, I just like to know what to watch out for from a maintenance standpoint.
As for the military terminology, I agree, most single engine aircraft will operate under the same terminology regarding leaks!
As for the military terminology, I agree, most single engine aircraft will operate under the same terminology regarding leaks!
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
Rupe
Rupe