[shuswaper]

Just so that you all know, driveshaft replacement is free for most of us, up tp and including '23 models. And, if I was looking to buy a newer one, the added maintenance proceedure would not stop me from buying one.

I've heard you have to replace the drive shaft on the new R1300GS every 36K and its on your dime. WTF

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

The problem with BMWs is the same as the problem with Harleys, or Hondas, or Yamahas: dealerships. I’ve owned more BMWs through the years than Yamahas. And honestly, they aren’t all that much different. Ineptitude is universal.

The problem with later model BMW bikes is that their design is more complicated to service. When the bikes are running well they are supremely competent. I bought a 2000 K1200RS last year that needed work. Clutch job. It was ridiculously complicated requiring total dismantlement of the bike to
extract the transmission from behind the clutch. But got that done.

The bike is quite incredible now that it has been fixed. Although only 1200cc engine, it is considerably faster and smoother than my FJRs have been. The riding position is sportier, and rougher on my old body, but the bike is scary fast. And it handles better than my 2014 ES ever did. Paralever and telelever designs with stock dampers, and the stock steering damper.

If I had to bring the bike to a BMW shop, even an independent shop, it would have been a deal breaker. Luckily for me I was able to download FSM documents, and buy a Haynes as a second opinion source, to get things straightened out.

I’m not ready to give up my FJR any time soon. It is far too comfortable over long distances for that, and a 2014 ES with 75k miles isn’t worth much money anyway. But I do understand what makes certain BMW models special.

 

[Liquidsilver]

I've put miles on RTs and they are wonderful bikes, but I'm not rich enough to own one. My FJR is all I need in the big ST category... but yeah 30 pounds lighter would be really nice when I'm trying to move it around the garage or gas station.

 

[shuswaper]

The problem with BMWs is the same as the problem with Harleys, or Hondas, or Yamahas: dealerships. I’ve owned more BMWs through the years than Yamahas. And honestly, they aren’t all that much different. Ineptitude is universal.

The problem with later model BMW bikes is that their design is more complicated to service. When the bikes are running well they are supremely competent. I bought a 2000 K1200RS last year that needed work. Clutch job. It was ridiculously complicated requiring total dismantlement of the bike to
extract the transmission from behind the clutch. But got that done.

The bike is quite incredible now that it has been fixed. Although only 1200cc engine, it is considerably faster and smoother than my FJRs have been. The riding position is sportier, and rougher on my old body, but the bike is scary fast. And it handles better than my 2014 ES ever did. Paralever and telelever designs with stock dampers, and the stock steering damper.

If I had to bring the bike to a BMW shop, even an independent shop, it would have been a deal breaker. Luckily for me I was able to download FSM documents, and buy a Haynes as a second opinion source, to get things straightened out.

I’m not ready to give up my FJR any time soon. It is far too comfortable over long distances for that, and a 2014 ES with 75k miles isn’t worth much money anyway. But I do understand what makes certain BMW models special.

That K1200 was/is a fast bike alright...seen videos of them hitting 260 kmh !!
I had no idea the "flying brick" was that smooth either....how many miles/kms on your bike that it needed a new clutch ?

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

That K1200 was/is a fast bike alright...seen videos of them hitting 260 kmh !!
I had no idea the "flying brick" was that smooth either....how many miles/kms on your bike that it needed a new clutch ?

Not many miles (47k) which was partly why it failed. Sitting around too much.

There is a standard rubber o-ring used as a gland nut seal where the clutch basket (housing in BMW parlance) fits to the engine output shaft. The rubber ring hardens and cracks over time, heat and oil exposure. Once the oil seeps onto the dry clutch plate it slips.

The reason this is such a big deal is because you need to partially lift the frame off the engine to allow the transmission to slide back from it. It’s quite a complicated process, but is well covered in the factory service manual. To have a BMW specialist, or dealership pull it apart becomes a $3k service bill. I did my own for about $300, plus my own labor.

 

[shuswaper]

deleted

 

[shuswaper]

I've put miles on RTs and they are wonderful bikes, but I'm not rich enough to own one. My FJR is all I need in the big ST category... but yeah 30 pounds lighter would be really nice when I'm trying to move it around the garage or gas station.

Not only is the RT 30lbs lighter but because of the boxer design, the weight is splayed out and a lot lower....as a result the bike feels 100lbs lighter. It truly is amazing how different it is from any of the bikes I have ridden over the last 56 years !!

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

Exactly right. Total weight doesn’t tell the whole story. My K1200RS weighs 628lbs wet. My FJR is 644 lbs wet. Sure feels like more than 16 lbs difference. And it’s because of how low the BMW carries its weight.

 

[2017 Authority bike]

I just asked CoPilot about this, here are the results:

Yes, BMW officially recommends replacing the driveshaft on the R1300GS every 36,000 miles (60,000 km) as part of its scheduled maintenance.
This marks a shift in philosophy—BMW now treats the driveshaft as a consumable item, similar to brake pads or tires.

🔧 Why the Change?

• Field reports showed occasional damage or water intrusion in the cardan shaft, which could lead to propulsion loss.
• BMW responded by updating the maintenance schedule and introducing splines lubrication every 20,000 km.
• For the R1300GS, the driveshaft replacement is now a preventative measure, not just a repair.

💸 Cost & Coverage

• While earlier models like the R1200GS and R1250GS are reportedly eligible for free lifetime driveshaft replacements under a service campaign,
• the R1300GS replacement is owner-funded unless BMW extends similar coverage.

One good thing about BMW they do look after their customers when it comes back to a proven parts failure that's documented. I have had a few RT`s and K1600 bikes ( too many to be honest lol ) but love my FJR much cheaper to maintain and parts don't have the BMW price.