R1150RT Gas Filler Cap Broke Off

[BRADFORDBENN]

Howdy All!

So I got the most expensive tank of guess in a real long time. Not because of the gas prices but because of the damage I did to my 2002 R1150RT fuel filler cap. What happened was I accidentally twisted the handle of the gas nozzle against the filler cap and broke it off. I sheared the piece of metal it is hinged on.

So I talked with Bill (BE in IN) and he gave me some pointers on how I might be able to fix it. So then I went to my Clymer's manual to get an idea of what the process of replacing it would be. Unfortunately there is not really an answer on how to replace the gas filler cap.

So I went off the Max BMW's part fiche (http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/MainDiagrams.asp?mospid=47981) and think that it is Diagram #16_0449. But it does not show the hinge arm/pivot piece.

So has anyone else had to do this repair and can give me pointers?

Thanks.

 

[pglaves]

I think in the vernacular of the times, the pooch is screwed!

I'm sure there is a pin that the cap pivots on, and it has that little curved pot metal casting that is the hinge part on the cap.

I think your options are to replace the entire cap assembly or stuff a cork in the hole.

 

[TZINK22]

try www.PiratesLair.net. they have a really slick replacement. tz

 

[BUBBAZANETTI]

how's the bike run on Guess??? at current rates filling up the RT with that stuff would be about $12,000 dollars

 

[pglaves]

try www.PiratesLair.net. they have a really slick replacement. tz

Now that one is a whole several bits better than my cork idea. I like it.

But how does a new OEM assembly compare pricewise to this $136?

Brad will want to know. Or he's back to my cork idea.

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

I was thinking about taking a cork from a fine bottle of Remy XO that is leather covered, it just screams class....

I figure a few photos might help explain the situation.

The white bottle cap is to keep the hinge up so it shows up in the photos. I think I will need to call Max's next week.

 

[awagnon]

Beemer Boneyard has a used one for $30. Probably just as good as the one you had. I did the same thing and was able to transfer the lock to the new one so the key still works.

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/fupugaun.html

 

[bmwbubblehead]

why replace?

Will it still seal with the hinge broke? Just thinking temporarily of "getting home" in case it happens to me. I like the pirates lair option, looks like a slick piece of kit. The cost of the boneyard might be much mo betta though...

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

It doesn't really seal without the hinge. A little electrical tape goes a long way.

I will go check out beemerboneyard.

 

[bmwbubblehead]

What about

JB Weld.?
I recently discovered that this stuff really works. Fixed a bunch of things that I didn't think it would work on. Might be worth a try, don't get it on things you don't want "stuck" though....

 

[flgoff]

been there, done that

JB weld will not stand up to the stress on that hinge strap.

Two tiny bungees, criss crossed will not keep the cap from vibrating off and going away forever.

The solution, whatever you choose, must seal, or your bike will not run properly at slow speeds.

Replacing the whole unit is a simple, straightforward procedure.

If your dealer is quoting you $136 for the cap, take some K_Y jelly with it when you go to pick it up.

Don't ask me how I know these things.

Bloodworth BMW of Nashville replaced mine for $100, and that included the lock keyed to match my existing key.

That pot metal strap is just one more unfunny joke.

 

[bmwbubblehead]

yup

kindof what I figured, but I had to mention it anyway. I think the $136 was for the aftermarket "upgrade" kit... anyway.

 

[RTRandy]

We have an old Texas expression for people like you . . . . Klutz !!

 

[aaaaaa]

There's one on ebay right now.
robert

 

[BRADFORDBENN]

Dang work gets in the way

 

[ANDYVH]

Like another suggestion, Beemerboneyard.com is your best option. They have lots of good slavaged parts at reasonable prices.

Oh, and to avoid this happening again, remount the new filler cap 180 degrees around. I turned mine around so the hinge is to the front of the tank, rather than hinged to the rear. Its more out of the way of the filler spout that way.

Also, since you'd be doing that change, also consider drilling some breather holes through the sides of the filler neck to make filling the tank a bit easier and get a bit more capacity in the tank. I did this and have had no problems. My only caution may be for riders in very hot climates, as the increased fuel still has to have expansion room in the tank.