R1200RT/R1250RTP Rear suspension & pressure washing.

Having Problems with your BMW R1200RT/R1250RT? or have some Maintenance and Service questions?
Post Reply
User avatar
7vwh
Subscriber
Posts: 242
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2014 9:16 pm
Location: East Yorkshire, UK
Bike Model and Year: R1200RT 2014
Has liked: 12 times
Been liked: 33 times
Great Britain

R1200RT/R1250RTP Rear suspension & pressure washing.

Post by 7vwh »

A note received through work in the UK where there have been a few failures of the rear suspension due to the effects of pressure washing, for your info (edit: non ESA).



At the base of the rear shock absorber there is a rose joint which had seized resulting in it shearing off. It transpired that the bikes having issues had been regularly cleaned with a pressure washer resulting in water getting behind the seals and ultimately leading to the joint seizing up. This joint is a non-serviceable part and can only be inspected with a full strip down of the suspension unit , something which is not routinely carried out when police bikes are serviced. BMW are quite clear that bikes must not be cleaned using  pressure washers as it can lead to mechanical and electrical failures as well as invalidating the warranties. Can you please make your riders aware of this issue as failure of this joint at speed could easily lead to a catastrophic incident.[/font][/size]
User avatar
Doctor T
Posts: 1626
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:21 pm
Location: west sussex
Bike Model and Year: 2007 R1200RT SE
Has liked: 879 times
Been liked: 230 times
Great Britain

Re: R1200RT/R1250RTP Rear suspension & pressure washing.

Post by Doctor T »

One reason i don't wash my bikes
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
Post Reply