Drive shaft is now a consumable

[TomRides]

Thanks for the recommendation.

I ended up calling So-So and after checking, they confirmed my bike is part of the service campaign.  Said I was registered with MotoRad and couldn't offer me a reason why I didn't get the letter.  I'll bring the bike in two weeks from now and have the shaft tested.

[Duckbubbles]

Is my understanding that they should test the drive shaft (and lubricate) even at 20,000 miles?

Initial inspection/lubrication at 12,000 miles and each 12 after that with replacement each 36,000 miles regardless for the life of the bike.
My '23 RS had the shaft replaced at the initial 12K inspection due to no lube from the factory.

Frank

[Duccrazydave]

I dropped by my local dealer (Motorcycles of Greensboro) last Saturday. The RS needed an inspection and the driveshaft service/check. At 54K and no prior check they said it was an automatic replacement. Dropped it off at 11am and to my surprise, at 1pm, I received a call saying it was ready. I guess they're keeping a few shafts on standby. I have noticed slightly less vibration, particularly under acceleration and inclines.

[Ray]

Well done. New shaft is reportedly, a little beefier and a tighter fit..., but no matter the reason, less vibration is better. Sounds like you're still having fun.

[saread]

Just took my '23 in for a cardan shaft check at 16k miles and lo and behold, it failed and I got a new one. Interesting day, the demo ride truck was at the dealer and it was fun to watch the people come through for a test rides. I only saw a couple that were even mildly interested in a new bike. Most were just joy riders having a spin on bikes they couldn't afford or wouldn't buy. The dealer had a local wood fired pizza trailer there for free pizza. Good day, new cardan shaft and free pizza. The more I hang around Seattle BMW, the more I get to like what they are trying to do. Free food will do that.

[Grumpy Goat]

Good for you. Impressed that they installed the cardan shaft during the Demo Day.

[Duckbubbles]

Good for you. Impressed that they installed the cardan shaft during the Demo Day.

When I had the 12K check done on my '23 RS, the shop scheduled it at a time that they would have shafts in stock.  I suppose to avoid preventable delay.  I also got a new shaft.  The service tech told me that the factory didn't do a proper job of lubrication.

Frank

[Grumpy Goat]

When I had the 12K check done on my '23 RS, the shop scheduled it at a time that they would have shafts in stock.  I suppose to avoid preventable delay.  I also got a new shaft.  The service tech told me that the factory didn't do a proper job of lubrication.

Frank

Regarding the scheduling ... my shop did the same. Called me when the shaft was in and we setup the appointment. At that time I had my own 2nd Gen shaft which I had bought separately but I did not investigate the possibility of them using my shaft (they would have likely and rightfully said no, given that the repair was BMW-sanctioned). So I have an unused shaft sitting in my garage.

Regarding factory misses - the factory also forgot to install the split ring on the transmission output splines on several R1200s (maybe other models too, I don't know) where the forward end cardan shaft has a groove to slip over the split ring. My bike was such a case, and I have heard of others as well.