Author Topic: fork stanchion separation issue (Read 10559 times)

Imran · « **on:** June 23, 2017, 08:20:07 am »

With so much attention drawn to the fork issue on GS/GSA LC models, I'm concerned. Is the fork tube allowed to be rotated by hand or should this be tight? Did a quick test yesterday-pulled down rubber boot, visually checked gap between fork tube and tube plug-seemed fine, twisted the fork tube by hand, it rotates, did the same to the other one, same outcome. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that the fork stanchions have failed?

JABO · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2017, 08:21:52 am »

Don't stress.
It is normal for them to rotate.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Omninorm · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2017, 01:03:07 pm »

Over 70 000 of them sold since 2013... a few issues. I wont be too hung up about it. Just check them like one should check any bike periodically to make sure everything is still good.

Mayhem · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2017, 01:16:30 pm »

There will be a re-call on all K50 & K51 fork stanchions, was at Donfords this morning and they (BMW) are issuing a press release today I believe. They will be fitting a press on stainless steel collar to strengthen the top crimp. This is just a precaution as it seems to only be an issue on guys that abuse/ride hard off-road and even then not all.

When you take your bike in for a service they will do the up-grade for free.

TheBear · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2017, 01:29:31 pm »

Chatted with dude at Bavarian yesterday. They have been monitoring the fork stanchions since January. Every service, or workshop visit, they would measure the gap and report to Motorrad. He believe the issue is not serious and only bikes regularly used on "black routes" may be affected. Anyway, he confirmed there will be a recall within the next few days or so.

genie · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2017, 02:20:35 pm »

The definition of regular use on black routes is obviously open to interpretation. How are you going to know whether your use fall into this category? At face value this sounds like a cavalier attitude. I find it puzzling as the consequences can obviously be fatal.
My bike was checked this week while it was in the workshop and judged to be OK as there was no gap - apparently up to a 2 mm gap is allowed.

BLK · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2017, 02:29:03 pm »

I have seen the fix and looks neat and tidy.Can't comment on the Engineering aspect of it.I think use common sense should be applied and just check before and after each ride for obvious oil seepage or gap.I think it really does apply to if you are going to be doing serious black routes or riding the bike like a MX machine that you should be cautious until your bike has been fixed.

adrekruger · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2017, 02:31:28 pm »

OomD · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2017, 02:45:59 pm »

Just before the GS trophy, during a tyre-fitting visit to Bavarian they picked up that mine was separating, and replaced the stanchions. I am by no means a black route rider, and don't abuse my bike. In fact, my skills fall far short of serious offroading so I stick to gravel roads and such. Done breedts nek a few times though, but wouldn't consider that to be black route.

Draadwerk · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2017, 04:22:25 pm »

Just spoke to dealer in Nelspruit - they have received their special tool already, but parts to fit only as from Monday. ALL bikes will be fitted, irrespective of any obvious separation or not.

TheBear · « **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2017, 05:36:54 pm »

Quote from: genie on June 23, 2017, 02:20:35 pm

The definition of regular use on black routes is obviously open to interpretation. How are you going to know whether your use fall into this category? At face value this sounds like a cavalier attitude. I find it puzzling as the consequences can obviously be fatal.
My bike was checked this week while it was in the workshop and judged to be OK as there was no gap - apparently up to a 2 mm gap is allowed.

Keep in mind, I typed a paragraph to summarize a reasonably long and interesting discussion. You should therefore not read anything about attitudes into that, nor find it puzzling. The definition of black route was pretty clear to me and I thought most WildDogs would understand, so I used it. It would be the worst and most challenging routes on a GS challenge.

gee · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2017, 09:05:57 am »

i was in for my 10k service and a bike was brought in that the fork that had separated. I think if you riding and it happens it could be nasty. They put new shocks on mine the same time too;D.

TheBear · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2017, 09:16:26 am »

Official comms from BMW:

https://web.facebook.com/notes/bmw-motorrad-south-africa/bmw-r-1200-gs-r-1200-gs-adventure-service-campaign/1404781736268520/

windswept · « **Reply #13 on:** June 24, 2017, 01:28:49 pm »

Quote from: gee on June 24, 2017, 09:05:57 am

i was in for my 10k service and a bike was brought in that the fork that had separated. I think if you riding and it happens it could be nasty. They put new shocks on mine the same time too;D.

New shocks front and back?

fudgypup · « **Reply #14 on:** June 24, 2017, 05:14:45 pm »

I have been following this since last November after I saw it happen on two bikes at the same event. I started a thread in May here:https://xladv.com/topic/1060-gsgsa-fork-stanchion-problems/

And then yesterday wrote this: https://xladv.com/blogs/entry/10166-bmws-gs-lc-fork-stanchion-issues-linger/

In essence, BMW applied this crimping as a band aid to a previously flawed design they discovered less than two months after the death of journalist Kevin Ash in George at the launch in 2013.

I had read the crimped forks were done to save weight (and cost) but that appears not to be the case.

So it appears the forks have been crap and a known issue since at least April of 2013 and they're only now doing something about it after countless failures and accidents.

katana · « **Reply #15 on:** June 24, 2017, 05:36:57 pm »

Quote from: fudgypup on June 24, 2017, 05:14:45 pm

I have been following this since last November after I saw it happen on two bikes at the same event. I started a thread in May here:https://xladv.com/topic/1060-gsgsa-fork-stanchion-problems/

And then yesterday wrote this: https://xladv.com/blogs/entry/10166-bmws-gs-lc-fork-stanchion-issues-linger/

In essence, BMW applied this crimping as a band aid to a previously flawed design they discovered less than two months after the death of journalist Kevin Ash in George at the launch in 2013.

I had read the crimped forks were done to save weight (and cost) but that appears not to be the case.

So it appears the forks have been crap and a known issue since at least April of 2013 and they're only now doing something about it after countless failures and accidents.

I don't know what changed, but my DOHC has the same crimps anyway.

fudgypup · « **Reply #16 on:** June 24, 2017, 05:41:20 pm »

same design but different manufacturing. I had an '11 GSA and never had this issue.

fudgypup · « **Reply #17 on:** June 24, 2017, 06:22:09 pm »

and now this new piece of news...https://xladv.com/topic/1060-gsgsa-fork-stanchion-problems/?do=findComment&comment=8061

US based BMW service tech at dealer instructing "not to ride your LC GS/GSA until this issue resolved"

Anticipates major recall notice from BMW USA on Monday, June 26th and dealers will be instructed NOT to sell any new or used inventory until the issue has been resolved.

Kawasefi · « **Reply #18 on:** June 24, 2017, 09:15:31 pm »

Not that I have any interest in these bikes with self-undoing suspension, but I saw this link on facebook...

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/south-africa/article/detail/T0272042EN/bmw-motorrad-south-africa-carries-out-a-service-campaign-on-the-bmw-r-1200-gs-and-r-1200-gs-adventure-models-produced-between-november-2013-and-june-2017

Jovan · « **Reply #19 on:** June 24, 2017, 09:45:26 pm »

Anyone got any pictures of what the fix looks like?