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My C650GT failure during the 2015 Finger Lakes Rally

I do worry about my GT. I really like this bike and hope it's the last one I'll ever want. But being a new machine with out much of a track record yet there's no way to know what to expect. I'm even considering another Silverwing as a back up bike. I'd miss a lot of features of the GT if I had to go back to a SW but at least those are darn near bullet proof.
I will keep my eye open for a late model SW with ABS just in case I find a good deal. It's always nice to have more than one egg in the basket anyway.
 
I had my problems with my K1200LT in its early years too (including a rear wheel bearing failure in the first three years). I don't know what it is with BMW and rear wheel bearings but their track record is NOT good. I still remember the year they came out with a brand new design that was supposedly maintenance free with a "lifetime lubrication system" (or whatever their marketing department called it). In that same year, not ONE BMW with the new design finished the Iron Butt Rally (an event BMW used to dominate). Every single BMW entered in that year's event with the new rear wheel bearing design suffered a failure. I don't think a BMW rider has won that event since.

Even today I still hear reports of BMW motorcycles suffering rear wheel bearing failures. And now I'm one of them.
 
exavid said:
I do worry about my GT. I really like this bike and hope it's the last one I'll ever want. But being a new machine with out much of a track record yet there's no way to know what to expect. I'm even considering another Silverwing as a back up bike. I'd miss a lot of features of the GT if I had to go back to a SW but at least those are darn near bullet proof.
I will keep my eye open for a late model SW with ABS just in case I find a good deal. It's always nice to have more than one egg in the basket anyway.
Click to expand...

Or a clean used Tmax in Oregon?

http://www.cycletrader.com/Oregon-Y...=1&make=YAMAHA|2321194&model=T MAX|764863128&

55e09f58cd3a224014837665.webp

This one only has 2,200 miles!
http://albany-or.americanlisted.com/ad/gallery/22333235/

2009-yamaha-t-max-scooter-500cc-engine-only-2-200-miles-americanlisted_30126635.webp
 
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Re: Iron Butt Rally

The Iron Butt Rally (11,000 +/- miles in 11 days) is more about survival than anything else. The fastest finishers rarely win as the competition is not only time/miles based but also point biased. In the most recent year (2015 - it's a bi-annual event), five BMWs (including one TWO-UP on a K1600GTL) finished in the top 10 as did four Yamahas, and a Gold Wing. But lots of models are represented as the rider is FAR more important than the bike. Being the top finisher is mostly about HUGE endurance coupled with a fair amount of luck.

While at a recent Iron Butt Rally in Kingsport, TN I took my first look at the most recent FJR1300. It almost looks purpose built for the Rally and is one beautiful hunk of machinery. However, it does not offer the flexibility of many competitors. (Note: the C650GT has been used by at least a couple different riders on different Iron Butt sanctioned rides).

As far as the Iron Butt Rally is concerned (or any of the IB sanctioned rides) caring for your bike and having the proper set-up along with knowing your own limitations is far more important than sitting on a BMW or any other specific brand.
 
By the time someone gets an invite to participate in the Rally (it is invite only) they pretty much have their bike sorted out, of course. 20 years ago the top finisher road a Moto Guzzi (yikes!!). Five BMWs in top 20. 15 years ago there were 7 BMWs in the top 20 but the most popular specific model was the Honda ST1100. And Goldwings were there in force. Yamahas were a bit of a no show until the FJR came around and now that model has shown itself to be a super bike for the Rally.

Over the next 15-20 years there will likely be something that replaces the FJR. An American made bike?? Maybe something electric?? One thing for sure, with the globalization of commerce (and information), successful manufacturers will have to figure out a way to provide repair/parts on a timely basis to all parts of the world. Those that do not will have a tough time of it regardless of how well engineered and pretty their product may be.
 
An electric bike? We're a LONG way from having the technology to allow an electric bike to do 1,000 miles a day in ONE day, let alone eleven consecutive days...
 
Lotta difference between computers and battery/motor systems. Improvements in battery technology have been coming pretty slowly. There's still nothing that can pack the btus by weight or volume as compactly as gasoline.
 
Think nuclear.:D

But, yeah, it does seem battery progress is slow compared to the speed with which other technologies have advanced. Look how long we have had hybrid cars and other than the technology becoming more widespread, there are not the commercially used advances one might expect.

Ok, far enough away from the OP. Time to get that '13 vermillion CGT back on the road.
 
Latest update: Snoopy is all put back together and the dealership is now submitting their paperwork to BMW NA to see how much will be covered by the warranty. He did point out that some of the items replaced were considered "wear items," but since they were damaged by a warrantied part in his opinion they SHOULD be covered as well. Not sure how long BMW till take to get back to him, but he'll call me when he has something. In the meantime I have to figure out the best way to get him back. 400 miles one way!
 
Right now the BEST option is to fly up to Rochester (<$190 one way) and take a taxi to the dealership (about $30). It's a two hour flight to Rochester from Long Island. Once I have the scooter I'm looking at an 8-hour trip. The time of day decides whether I do it in one leg or two. 400 mile days aren't an issue; I did that already to and from Indianapolis.
 
By the way, on the Google+ BMW Scooter forum someone else complained of a failing rear-wheel bearing. His was (fortunately for him) discovered by his mechanic at his 18,000 mile service and not hundreds of miles from home...
 
Worse comes to worst, I have access to a "Trailer in a Bag" trailer that I can use... but then I'm looking at 16 hours of driving. If the weather holds out, I'd really prefer flying up there and riding it back.
 
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