transmission failure?

MartyWadd · Post by **MartyWadd** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:35 pm

While buzzing down the road the other day, I decided that I needed a little excitement, so I grabbed a handful of throttle and clutch, and ripped a gnarly wheelie, like I had done a thousand times before. This time, there was a difference. The bike came down pretty fast. And I realized that I had ended up with a false neutral. So I grabbed some clutch, and shifted to 2nd. *grrrrrind* Grabbed the clutch and put it in 3rd *grrrrrind* identical to the grind in second gear. Pulled it over, and shut it down right there and parked it on the sidewalk. While in neutral and at idle, there was no sound out of the ordinary. When I revved it a little, there was a slight rattling sound from the right/front of the engine. Maybe just the front, as I have taken off the can and the sound of the exhaust may have prevented me from hearing the rattle on the left side.
So, the bike sat for about 3 hours, I came back to it and started it up, and the rattling sound started immediately while it was in neutral. I towed it home and now it sits there all pathetic-looking.
.....any idea what I've done to it?
.....and what it will cost?
(Warranty expired last week)

Thanks in advance.

Post by **iowabeakster** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 1:55 am

Big time bummer. Sorry to hear this.

I really couldn't guess the exact problem. Tranny or clutch splines seem likely candidates. It's gonna be expensive, best to prepare yourself for the worst.

Best of luck to you.

Post by **CycleRob** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 1:53 pm

I grabbed a handful of throttle and clutch, and ripped a gnarly wheelie, like I had done a thousand times before.

It's good to know it can survive about 1,000 wheelies before the transmission input shaft splines get chewed to mush -or- the damper assembly is damaged . The fact that all the gears make the same pitch sound means that's what 2 things are most likely damaged.

You can save some cash by removing the transmission yourself and bringing it in to the dealer. Either way, the transmission is looking at some expensive service and new parts.

Post by **Robert_winter_1000** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 3:36 pm

Maybe it is cheaper to find a complete gearbox from a motor which have had an accident?
Good luck to you.
Robert

Post by **baltm604** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:48 pm

How many miles on your R? I would go to the dealership and beg for mercy, call BMW and ask for a goodwill warranty claim. Unless you weigh as much as me (down to a svelt 310lbs after peaking at 340!), a million wheelies is not nearly as painful as starting from a stop 2 up fully loaded.

All you can do is try, maybe they will split the bill....

Bill

Post by **bransan** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:51 pm

baltm604 wrote:How many miles on your R? I would go to the dealership and beg for mercy, call BMW and ask for a goodwill warranty claim. Unless you weigh as much as me (down to a svelt 310lbs after peaking at 340!), a million wheelies is not nearly as painful as starting from a stop 2 up fully loaded.

All you can do is try, maybe they will split the bill....

Bill

Did you read his post ? He said doing wheelies! And You think He should get warranty? PLEASE! No wonder insurance rates keep going up. He broke the dampener assembly at the output shaft. These things are meant to give but they will break when stressed hard enough. Leave the wheelies to the crotch rocket guys and thier jap bikes.

Post by **CycleRob** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:47 pm

There are 3 damper assemblies on the bike's driveline. One on the trans input shaft inside the transmission, the 2nd one on the driveshaft inside the swingarm and the 3rd damper mechanism is built into the clutch plate.

Apparently the big torque motor, heavy flywheel, solidly grabbing clutch, heavy bike, parts minimized for weight saving and repeated abuse all conspired to damage the weakest link. We'll see exactly what it was if/when it gets taken apart. A boneyard tranny could be a good plan B if you're feeling lucky.

Post by **baltm604** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:35 am

I don't deliniate riding style to the type of bike. What I was pointing out, is that the bike is made to very heavy loads, and unless you are doing wheelies and weigh as much as me. the bike was made to handle the loads within reason.

Secondly, for everytime an owner is stuck fending for him or herself and paying out of pocket because BMW says there is no surge, that the wiring harness is suppossed to be zipped tied that tight to the frame, and that the cam chain tensioner was redesigned but that the old one is good enough.........

I did not tell him to go in and lie about it, just go in and ask...

Bill

Arbee · Post by **Arbee** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 9:02 am

So I grabbed a handful of throttle and clutch, and ripped a gnarly wheelie, like I had done a thousand times before.

Does the punishment fit the crime?
I cant understand why anyone would treat a fine machine like that.

MartyWadd · Post by **MartyWadd** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:21 am

Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

I cant understand why anyone would treat a fine machine like that.

-Because it's fun. And that's why I ride. It'll be a few weeks until I save up the $$ to take it to the dealer. We'll see how much fun it is then.

Post by **Robert_winter_1000** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:40 am

MartyWadd wrote:Thanks for the info, gentlemen.

I cant understand why anyone would treat a fine machine like that.
-Because it's fun. And that's why I ride. It'll be a few weeks until I save up the $$ to take it to the dealer. We'll see how much fun it is then.

Marty, Look here to this link, there are 5 or 6 damaged motors. Maybe it is a good idea to buy them all to use their parts in the future if you are going further with your hobby..

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t ... highlight=

Robert

MartyWadd · Post by **MartyWadd** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:58 am

Robert- my hobbies include riding bikes off buildings. NOT riding buildings ONTO bikes!