Anyname
Active member
Yep, and they are allegedly selling it already:
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/441257/bmw-motorrad-m-endurance-chain/
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/441257/bmw-motorrad-m-endurance-chain/
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BMW Develops a Zero Maintenance Chain
- Thread starter Anyname
- Start date
I'm with you, Doug. 
Why is it when something new and innovative comes along, some folks adopt a negative position on it?
I've seen this with the original o-ring chains, belt drive systems, synthetic oils and lithium batteries for motorcycles (and I've had one of those going on 6 years with no issues). I mean, no one has any experience with this chain, yet already its been assigned "the kiss of death".
Let's give it a chance, people!
Why is it when something new and innovative comes along, some folks adopt a negative position on it?
I've seen this with the original o-ring chains, belt drive systems, synthetic oils and lithium batteries for motorcycles (and I've had one of those going on 6 years with no issues). I mean, no one has any experience with this chain, yet already its been assigned "the kiss of death".
Let's give it a chance, people!
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lkchris
Active member
You've misunderstood history ... the problems with early Hexhead rear drives were manufacturing issues and NOTHING to do with extended (lifetime) fluid changes.
The drain plugs and change intervals were added for political reasons, nothing to do with engineering.
(It seems every BMW owner that's ever changed some oil now considers himself equal to design engineers and they just know that oil has to be changed, because, after all, he can do it so it must be important. BMW responds to their customers)
However, BMW continues to require you use the lifetime fluid ... just now you have to buy some every 12K miles.
PGlaves
#13338
If that were actually a true statement BMW would in fact be required to provide the fluid free of charge under the Magnusson Moss Act.
But that aside: The problem with the original drives was that they were sealed units which became pressure vessels with the significant variations in temperatures the drives encountered in use. The pressures developed were greater than the seals could contain so lubricant was slowly but surely forced from the drives. In the worst cases the loss of fluid caused combustible temperatures and flaming final drives.
The root problem could have been solved by a simple vent (which is what I would have added if I had owned one of these final drives) but this would subject the lubricant to the possibility of environmental contamination. Ultimately BMW engineers solved the problem by redesigning the drives by adding a vent and provision for changing the lubricant.
BMW initially marketed final drive as lifetime fill...new chain is being marketed as maintenance free...just saying.
Wkoppa
Member
Flaming Final Drives
There is something somewhat exciting about the phrase "flaming final drives".
Wayne Koppa
Grayling, MI
#71449
Rode the tail of the dragon both ways today- its better with a little rain - not so busy.
There is something somewhat exciting about the phrase "flaming final drives".
Wayne Koppa
Grayling, MI
#71449
Rode the tail of the dragon both ways today- its better with a little rain - not so busy.
cruisincruzan
Ute's Chauffeur
The flaming final drives were the inspiration for the flaming cars at the MOA rally.
exgman
Active member
The name for the chain in BMW advertising blurbs seems to be "M Endurance Chain." The word "lifetime" isn't used in BMW advertising or promotion.
2021 BMW S 1000 motorcycle range
The S 1000 RR sport bike and the S 1000 XR adventure motorcycle also receive a host of significant updates for the 2021 generation. The two motorbikes are now compliant with the EU-5 emission standard.
The S 1000 RR receives two new colors: Black Storm metallic and Racing Red non-metallic. New optional, standalone equipment includes: M Endurance chain, USB charging port, M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors, M rider footrest system left/right.
2021 BMW S 1000 motorcycle range
The S 1000 RR sport bike and the S 1000 XR adventure motorcycle also receive a host of significant updates for the 2021 generation. The two motorbikes are now compliant with the EU-5 emission standard.
The S 1000 RR receives two new colors: Black Storm metallic and Racing Red non-metallic. New optional, standalone equipment includes: M Endurance chain, USB charging port, M clutch lever protector, M brake lever protector, M folding brake lever, M folding clutch lever, M engine protectors, M rider footrest system left/right.
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PGlaves
#13338
But it is like everything else new BMW has introduced since the telescopic fork. Some folks don't like it, it seems, when it doesn't fit their confirmation bias.
In my experience, chain and sprocket wear is the result of chain stretch, not roller wear.
The pins that hold the chain together are fairly small and highly loaded against the link plates.
Lubrication between the pins and side plates is critical and is contained by the x-rings.
Once the sealing rings deteriorate, lubrication is lost, the chain starts to stretch, and sprocket wear results.
A decent chain will last a long time if the sealing rings are maintained.
Did anyone notice the new chain is made by Regina?
The pins that hold the chain together are fairly small and highly loaded against the link plates.
Lubrication between the pins and side plates is critical and is contained by the x-rings.
Once the sealing rings deteriorate, lubrication is lost, the chain starts to stretch, and sprocket wear results.
A decent chain will last a long time if the sealing rings are maintained.
Did anyone notice the new chain is made by Regina?
Considering some of the designs we have had to endure, one could perhaps argue this is true...
Peace.
36654
New member
I think I've been called something similar
THEN: R1200GS Press Release - BM Bikeswww.bmbikes.co.uk › R1200GSPressRelease
The new R1200GS increases the lead BMW Motorrad has in the area of ... The final drive itself comes with lifetime oil filling and this means that there is no need ...
[/B]
NOW: PressClub Global
BMW Motorrad presents the M Endurance chain.
27.08.2020 Press Release
Lubricating your chain was yesterday. Maintenance-free like the shaft drive for the first time....What is completely new, however, is that the previously necessary additional lubricant addition for the rollers and thus the familiar "chain lubrication" is no longer necessary, nor is any re-tensioning required from time to time due to the usual wear.
Hope they're correct this time.
Regina has been selling this a while:
https://www.reginachain.net/industrial/catalogues/Leaflet-Enduro_webversion.pdf
https://www.reginachain.net/industrial/catalogues/Leaflet-Enduro_webversion.pdf
Maximum speed of 2 meters per second I think disqualifies this as a motorcycle chain.
