1999 BMW K1200LT: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Feb 23, 2013 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · KY

The final drive leaked fluid on the rear wheel, the rear drive began to grind and seize. End of ride.

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Transmission · 37,290 miles · TN

This is same failure as described in odi no. 10439549, and currently being investigated under campaign dp12001. My 1999 k1200lt has had the final drive rebuilt twice and replaced totally once at bmw dealerships. The first time was a rebuild on 9/25/2004 at 37290 miles after the final drive started grinding. The next was 9/12/07 at 54929 miles with the same circumstances. The most recent was 8/28/2012 at 73001 miles after the final drive failed completely, leaking drive lubrication all over the rear wheel and disk brake. Rear brakes subsequently failed as well. This happened at interstate speeds of 75mph. Costs for rebuilds run $400-600 and the last repair/ replacement of final drive and brakes was $2023.00. My experience indicates that the drives only last 20-30,000 miles. I bought the bike with 11,000 miles on it and I do not know if the final drive had been replaced prior to my purchase. These failures have all been attributed to the faulty assembly of the final drives, which require a very careful measurement of a tapered wheel bearing preload. Most rebuilds blame the failure on too much preload. Newer designs by bmw have replaced the tapered bearing with a better design that does not require the exacting standards for preload. Failures on these units have been drastically reduced.

Filed Oct 10, 2005 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · TN

Rear end final drive failed on my '99 bmw k1200lt motorcycle. There was no real warning other than a severe grinding noise. I was able to ride home (slowly) and then noted the rear tire was no longer straight up but had a severe wobble. I then had it towed to the dealer who fixed it. Bob, pls note, the incident date below is an approximation - it's been a while. (I heard you speak at the ra rally in shelbyville - very good job!)

Filed Mar 1, 2004 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · CA

The rear drive assembly on my bmw k1200lt motorcycle started vibrating and making grinding noises. It then dumped drive oil all over the rear wheel and tire, causing the rear brakes to become inoperative and the rear tire to slip on the road. I was fortunately able to bring the bike under control and to a complete stop thus avoiding a serious crash.

Filed Aug 14, 2003 · Transmission · 42,500 miles · CA

Rear drive failed on bmw k1200lt motorcycle. Bearing in rear drive of shaft drive motorcycle has failed causing grinding noise, making vehicle unridable.