Help, I think I am screwed

[kmjune117]

02 r1150r just turned 70,000 miles. Driving to work this morning and when I shifted into 4th gear it felt like the drive just disconnected. I shifted to 5th and nothing then tried back down all gears and nothing. rpm's increased with throttle but no drive. I can hear a awful sound right around where the transmission connects to the engine (sounds like something rattling around in there). Also when I stopped it smelled almost like a burning belt. I am not very mechanically inclined. I have had no problems thus far. From reading other post I am guessing it is my splines and I am done riding until I can find $2000. If anyone has any other possible suggestions I would greatly appreciate it before I take it in.

[CycleRob]

" . . . I am guessing it is my splines and I am done riding until I can find $2000."

You are correct, and the price varies.

So . . . . . this is your first post . . . . . and it's also the same day you joined.
You have come to a great place with tons of advice and help available, but you have a serious problem that requires an experienced and capable motorcycle mechanic to make it new again. You might want to fill out your profile and at least tell us where you are. That will help if the dealer you are taking it too might be on our poo.

[Boxer]

Rob, our "netnanny" blanked out your "sh1tlist".

[johnnyjs1]

My condolences to you . It's not a fun experience, as you may have read that I just went through this last month. Be prepared to shell out between $1500 and $2400, depending on the extent of damage. I would highly suggest that when you take your bike in for service, ask the dealership to submit a request to BMWNA to see if they will cover any part of the repair. I'm 99.9% sure they will not, especially seeing your mileage and bike year, but its worth a shot. Even if they do not cover anything, at least they will be made aware of the continuing isssue with splines. I am however a bit surprised that it happened after so many miles. From what I understand it usually happens between 16k(my mileage) and 45k, if you get past 60k with no issues, I've read that it should never happen. But......I've been proven wrong before Good luck...and please keep us informed on the progress.

Johnny

[Croc]

I have just seen this advert from a local BMW dealer in UK. It's for the GS but almost admitting a previous problem with the drive train, which was the same as the R.....
"Description
The new B MW R 1200 GS is one of a kind. An unstoppable machine that offers unlimited freedom to the rider. It is equally serene on tarmac and rough terrain alike – so now the only restriction on your touring is how homesick you get. It features an upgraded drive train, an even more expressive design, and, for the first time, the Enduro ESA suspension option. The BMW R 1200 GS – because even the most free of spirits need something to rely on. More serene – a drive train that won’t let you down. More striking – design that sets new standards. More versatile – suspension that can go anywhere. More perfect – little things that make a big difference."
What do you say to that????
Croc

[kmjune117]

I appreciate the replies. I will keep you informed but I don't anticipate getting it fixed anytime soon unless I can somehow convince my congressman to roll me into that bailout bill. However, I guess I will look for a mechanic to fix it. I mostly deal with BMW Detroit and Don has treated me well thus far. Until that happens it looks like this will be my road. Thanks again guys.

[NoRRmad]

If this looks like a several-month hiatus, you might consider buying a service manual and doing it yourself over the winter. It'll be a lot cheaper and you'll reeeaaaly get to know your bike.

[kmjune117]

I thought about that as well, however this might be something that is a little over my head. I just completed changing my RD seal, but next to that and the usual maintnance that is about as far as I have gone. I am under the assumption that this is a big project even for an experienced mechanic. I don't even know what this kind of repair entales but I guess it may be worth looking into. Anyone out there perform this repair? Thanks again.

[MattPie]

I thought about that as well, however this might be something that is a little over my head. I just completed changing my RD seal, but next to that and the usual maintnance that is about as far as I have gone. I am under the assumption that this is a big project even for an experienced mechanic. I don't even know what this kind of repair entales but I guess it may be worth looking into. Anyone out there perform this repair? Thanks again.

Check out "My Bike's spline lube disassembly":
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15682

As for the mileage, it's not the norm that it took so long, so it would seem that your bike is just slightly off. ON the plus side, it probably won't happen again for another 70k miles.

[awagnon]

I thought about that as well, however this might be something that is a little over my head. I just completed changing my RD seal, but next to that and the usual maintnance that is about as far as I have gone.

I'm average mechanically, and I changed the clutch and splines on my RT last winter. It isn't hard if you have the proper tools (heat gun, torque wrench) and go step-by-step. Just tedious. I removed the transmission and took it to an independent BMW shop who replaced the input shaft and bearing. Total cost including new clutch was about $950. Plus, it's a great learning experience.

[peterbulgar]

My condolences. So much for my theory (hope, really) that if they go beyond 45k miles with no trouble then there won't ever be a problem.
Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA (66k miles)