Rear Pinion Bearing and Seal

[RrunsinOregon]

I am relatively new to the R1150R with an 03 with 8,500 miles, as I converted from Honda GoldWings because they got too heavy, and need some advice. I have been getting suggestions from other BMW owners that I need to replace the rear pinion bearing, reshim the backlash, and install new seals at between 10,000 and 20,000 miles.

Is this valid advice, or was there a problem specific to certain years of this bike?

[Sunbeemer]

I have 18000 on mine without any leakage or backlash problems. Have you noticed any problems back there? I'm big on routine and preventative maintenance, but also believe if it ain't broke...don't fix it!

[jamais]

Rrunsin,

You've been poorly advised. Would you break a perfectly good weld and reweld it because some Goldwings had a weld problem?

I'm willing to bet you'll enjoy the ride with a minimum of problems.

[ebincia]

I am relatively new to the R1150R with an 03 with 8,500 miles, as I converted from Honda GoldWings because they got too heavy, and need some advice. I have been getting suggestions from other BMW owners that I need to replace the rear pinion bearing, reshim the backlash, and install new seals at between 10,000 and 20,000 miles.

Is this valid advice, or was there a problem specific to certain years of this bike?

Poor advise IMO. The items mentioned are not service replacement items, nor are they prone to failure.

The dealerships here in Oregon are mostly very good and will provide accurate infpormation. Ask them, and I am sure they will be confused as I am by the above suggestion.

[sjbmw]

If that was SOP for 10-20k BMW would not be selling too many bikes. Ride the tar out of the bike. She will appreciate it. Just check the oil often and don't overfill it.