Cardan (drive shaft) Inspection - Service Bulletin Thoughts

[droveto]

I searched the forum for 10 minutes and surprisingly couldn't find a thread on this yet. I'm sure it exists, so hopefully someone can help me find it.

If not, I'm curious how many are getting the suggested service per the bulletin (test and replace if it fails test) vs making drive shaft and spline lubing inspection as part of their regular maintenance. I'm reading some people are making it a routine to inspect and lube the rear every 12k and the front every 24k. I've also read that the dealer installed duck bill valves can sometimes fall out.

I have a 16 GS that doesn't do stream crossings. I've reviewed the procedure for shaft replacement and it seems simple enough. I'm tempted to skip the service bulletin, order a new drive shaft (they are around $200) and simply make this part of my routine maintenance. I only have 20k miles on my bike and I'm guessing it will pass the test and thus it won't get the splines lubed and it will mean I'll be doing that work anyway. I'm not one to pay $165/hour for them to work on my bike. I have the test scheduled for early June but am considering cancelling.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[omega man]

We’re you thinking of this? https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthrea...retrofitted-on-a-total-of-440-000-motorcycles

OM

 

[bigjohnsd]

Just a little bit of info here as well : https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/r1200-1250gs-service-action-0033130000-install-vent-valve-in-driveshaft-housing.1574119/

My personal experience - "14 GSA, purchased in "18 with 12K miles, decided to inspect at 16K miles in prep for a ride to Alaska, found front U-Joint rusted to the Transmission Output Shaft. Took lots of penetrating oil, and a lot of slide hammer action to remove shaft.

Next check was at 34K when I thought I felt some vibration while pushing around in the garage, removed shaft and discovered front joint was quite notchy. The shaft was replaced, covered under my Aftermarket Extended Warranty.

Traded '14 on a new (Factory Demo bike with 12 miles) '21 GSA in December '21.
No issues to date, I have 25 K miles on the bike and am waiting until I accrue 37 K before going in for the recall.

 

[droveto]

We’re you thinking of this? https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthrea...retrofitted-on-a-total-of-440-000-motorcycles

OM

Thanks! I had even participated in that thread a year ago. LOL.

 

[droveto]

Just a little bit of info here as well : https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/r1200-1250gs-service-action-0033130000-install-vent-valve-in-driveshaft-housing.1574119/

My personal experience - "14 GSA, purchased in "18 with 12K miles, decided to inspect at 16K miles in prep for a ride to Alaska, found front U-Joint rusted to the Transmission Output Shaft. Took lots of penetrating oil, and a lot of slide hammer action to remove shaft.

Next check was at 34K when I thought I felt some vibration while pushing around in the garage, removed shaft and discovered front joint was quite notchy. The shaft was replaced, covered under my Aftermarket Extended Warranty.

Traded '14 on a new (Factory Demo bike with 12 miles) '21 GSA in December '21.
No issues to date, I have 25 K miles on the bike and am waiting until I accrue 37 K before going in for the recall.

Thanks for this info.
My biggest worry is tackling this myself and then not being able to get the drive shaft out if it's corroded. I've been through major rains, snow and some foot deep puddles.
But I can't say I love or trust my local shop very much...
And I've been reading that thread. It's a monster of a thread with so much info in so many directions.

 

[bigjohnsd]

The driveshaft on my '21 GSA was replaced at 38,600 miles in October 2023.
I had neglected to have the free 12k mile inspection performed at 49k miles so I scheduled one today at 59,500 miles.
No noticeable issues were detected while riding.
The shaft failed the test and was replaced, thank you BMW.
Next inspection at 71,500.

 

[omega man]

The driveshaft on my '21 GSA was replaced at 38,600 miles in October 2023.
I had neglected to have the free 12k mile inspection performed at 49k miles so I scheduled one today at 59,500 miles.
No noticeable issues were detected while riding.
The shaft failed the test and was replaced, thank you BMW.
Next inspection at 71,500.

Great!
Some 20 odd thousand on a driveshaft sounds like a short life to me.
I wonder if BMW is thinking the same thing?
OM