RECALL: Worldwide WC-R12GS suspension issue

[Richard230]

Another financial disaster for BMW, following in the footsteps of the RT suspension recall of a few years ago. At least you don't have to get off your bike and park it for a year: https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/rec...0gs-adventure/

[Richard230]

Here is a weird good-ole-boy video blog that explains the problem. The information starts at minute 4.56 and is over with a couple of minutes later. Then you can skip to minute 11 to see a neat Maytag washing machine boxer engine for another 30 seconds. Then bail out of the video unless you like to watch a family reunion and blog. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6MAjJ3B0QI

[WildWilly]

[TelemarkTumalo]

Yep. I've been following this saga on ADV Rider. 130 pages of posts since Nov. 2016. http://advrider.com/index.php?thread...dfest.1184877/

It appears that there have been some fork separation issues on the GS/GSA LC models, and BMW has issued a recall. Failures have been most commonly associated with aggressive off road riding (Duh!), crashes, but there have also been reports of fork separation after hitting potholes and even a few have reported issues with routine road riding. I've spoken with my dealer and he recommends a fork stanchion inspection before each ride, but to keep riding. My inspection with a "feeler gauge" takes about 1 minute. My bike has ~8000 miles (2016) and all appears ok. Dealers are being sent tools and parts for the fork revison. I've decided not to panic, shoot myself, call my attorney, or buy a KTM 1290 SA.

This photo shows my bike with the rubber boots rolled away to show the top of the fork tubes.



The issue is thought to the inadequate crimp near the top of the tube. The fork cap can be dislodged after a big hit and cause the tube to separate causing fork failure. There have been some catastrophic injuries and some deaths. This has lead to much concern amongst owners, and has lead to the recall. The "fix" depends on the degree of separation. Fork tubes showing signs of failure are replaced and a reinforcing collar placed around the top of the tube to prevent deformation, separation and failure. My bike, and others without separation, get the reinforcement collars.

Here is what it looks like after the fix.

[Richard230]

Here is another report: http://blog.motorcycle.com/2017/07/2...-confirmed-us/

[notacop]

Guys on the VStrom forum were getting into a pissing contest over BMW bashing. Some thought it was unfair because of uncertainty about the facts. Others just like to find any reason to bash the non Suzuki community.
Really funny really. Hey, bsh away, when a company promotes it's bragging rights of being the legendary riding machine, the legend shouldn't be about their over sights and cost saving mistakes.

[TelemarkTumalo]

Well, if the trolls have their way, then everyone loses. Kind of like the f800 rear bearing issue, BMW have acknowledged the flaw in the design of the R1200 GS/GSA forks, and have come up with an apparent solution that they will complete without additional cost to any customer. Hopefully, it will work and there will be no further injuries or deaths because of a design flaw. But, there will be some critics who will never be satisfied because of the audacity of BMW. Everyone loves an underdog, but some love to see the mighty fall.

Taking a cautious approach with my bike, checking the forks before rides for separation issues until "the fix" is completed. It dawned on me some time ago that riding a motorbike is a challenging proposition not to be taken lightly.

[TelemarkTumalo]

I had a work related road trip and took the GS. I dropped by Hansen's BMW dealership in Medford before taking the long way home along Hwy 66, skirting along the Oregon/CA border. They took a look at my forks and agreed with my assessment, that I've no separation issue. I'm scheduled for "the fix" with the reinforcement collars in a few weeks. The parts are in high demand world-wide and it seems every dealership has them ordered and awaiting delivery. In the meantime, I'm still riding. My pre-ride check includes oil, tire pressure, seat latch, and now the forks. The fork check takes all of one minute with my feeler gauge.

It was interesting talking with a dealer about this issue. Lots of hand wringing and concern by GS riders, whipped into a frenzy by internet reports of injury and death. He said he has to answer multiple phone calls daily trying to reassure his customers that it is ok to keep riding until the parts become available. There is a thread on ADV Rider that is filled with absolute terror and paranoia that BMW has personally determined to kill their customers with a planned defective bike. Round up the personal injury lawyers and go hard for the pain and suffering, poor work performance and failure to satisfy the wife because of stress.

[notacop]

Ya Vol Mein Herr. The villagers with the pitch forks and fire brands storming the castle.
Suzuki has a charging system recall. Might make the forks fail but it sure could be ugly on a dark stormy night with no power.

[TelemarkTumalo]

Fork recall update: I received my official recall notice early in the week. I had already made an appointment and rode to Portland on Thursday at BMW Motorcycles of Western Oregon. They were right on time, and I barely had time to look over the bike inventory before I was back on the road. No muss, no fuss. It took the mechanic about an hour to complete the collar install.

So, I guess I can turn my worries to some other issue.