While on a cross country motorcycle trip. I was traveling at highway speeds when the motorcycle began to have a grinding noise and vibration from the rear. I stopped to find oil leaking from the final drive all over the rear tire and wheel assembly. While attempting to stop, the rear ABS system activated because the gear oil saturated the brake rotor and pads. I almost crashed the motorcycle because of the oil on the tire. The final drive was serviced per bmw specifications of gear oiltype and weight days prior to the trip. There were no indicators prior to the final drive failing. The gear oil escaped the housing due to a torn bearing seal on the back side of the housing next to the brake rotor. Teardown of the finaldrive assembly found a disintegration of the main bearing including ball bearings. The metal in the housing tearing the bearing seal leaking oil on to the rear wheel assembly. The metal in the housing also damaged the second smaller bearing which had to be replaced. The following are the bmw part numbers for the failed parts 33121242210 grooved ball bearing 33121451188 tapered bearing 33127663482 shaft seal
The worst 2001 BMW R1150GS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission3
Problems by type
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- Transmission3
Recalls 1
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. The distance between the brake line and the speedometer drive cable could be too small. Due to compression and rebound of the fork, the speedometer cable could contact and chafe the brake line.
- Risk
- Brake fluid leakage could occur, resulting in a loss of front braking capability. If this happened, depending on traffic conditions and the rider's reactions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will measure the distance between the front brake line and speedometer cable. The brake line will be replaced if the distance to the speedometer cable is found to be too small or if it is damaged. A new protective sleeve will be installed in the speedometer cable near the front fender. Owner notification began december 18, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117, option #5.
Recall number 01V246000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2001 BMW R1150GS
Defect investigations
Fuel line leakage
Bmw is conducting a recall (04v‑028).an information request(ir)response was not received. Upon bmw's receipt of the ir, and after discussions with odi, bmwdetermined that a recall was necessary. On certain motorcycles, the o-ring contained within the fuel line quick-disconnect coupling could become damaged.further, there is also a problem involving crimp-type hose clamps, which can also result in a small fuel leak.dealers will inspect, and if necessary, adjust all crimp-type hose clamps.also all fuel line quick-disconnect couplings will be inspected.if a leak is detected, the quick-disconnect o-ring will be replaced.if damaged, the coupling will be replaced.owner notification is expected to begin during february 2004.
PE03054
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW R1150GS 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2001 BMW R1150GS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Bmw motorcycle rear drive failure, could lead to catastrophic crash if rear wheel locks up. Drive failed with no advance symptoms. Drive rebuilt.
Rear drive (wheel) bearing failure. This is the only suport bearing for the wheel.
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Questions about the 2001 BMW R1150GS
Is the 2001 BMW R1150GS reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2001 BMW R1150GS, close to a typical R1150GS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW R1150GS?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 3 complaints.
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW R1150GS have?
1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
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