F 650 GS - suspension problems

[dakaralex]

Hello out there!

Since a few days I started hearing a kind of "click" from the back of my bike, especially when it's getting a lot pressure on the back wheel, while riding through ground waves and bumps.
Due to the fact, my bike is almost overload. I've been to a scale before I started two months ago, 380 kg incl. myself.

I've been to a BMW dealer here in Italy, yesterday and offered me a whole new lever with all the bearings for 200€. The centre one at the bottom of the suspension. I did assume, that at least one bearing is bad, myself before going there...

I'm not sure if the price is OK? Because he sais it so straight and it's such a round number. Does anybody has experience with it??
He said he has to roder it from Germany, so it will take a few days eitehr way...

Thanks in advance

Alex

[Tony P]

Bearings from a BMW box cost many times more than the same bearing from a Bearing Supplier. Although unboxed these are often even from the same original bearing manufacturer!

All BMW bearings (and seals) I have stripped off bikes were standard sizes which are used across a huge range of machinery.
Bearings should have their size details stamped on part of them which the specialist will recognise and match them from stock.

I also am always more inclined to get a moto mechanic with dirty hands to diagnose then solve the problem, sooner than a 'highly skilled technician' with a carnation in their buttonhole.

[Toyark]

Alex- for what it's worth- many forget that the rear suspension on their bike of choice is one of the THE most important items to look a & modify.
I read that you have just started your RTW so- if I was in your shoes I'd head North and visit Mr Wilbers's factory.

Not cheap but they will build you a bespoke proper suspension.
I've never regretted my investment onhis kit on my F650 Dakar.
With the weight you said, suspension problems are , alas, likely to come back and bite you later on when you'll be too far away.
Pm me if you need more info

[AliBaba]

I'm not sure what kind of F650GS you have or which bearing you are talking about but if it is the "deflection plate" the price is pretty right. for the plate incl bearings.
If the plate is okay you can get only the bearings. There are also some bushes that probably need changing.

The prices are a rough guideline: RealOEM.com � BMW R13 F 650 GS Dakar 00 (0173,0183) Rear swing arm linkage components

[colebatch]

Originally Posted by Bertrand

Alex- for what it's worth- many forget that the rear suspension on their bike of choice is one of the THE most important items to look a & modify.

Wise words

[dakaralex]

Thanks for your responses!

I was at the workshop today, because the new "deflection plate" showed up there. After we had a look at my ones all the bearings looked O.K. no gap or play somewhere. The mech. (I had a good feeling about him!) cleaned everything, put it back together and the "click" and noise is gone.... :-)

What does a Wilber's suspension kit cost? I'm still running on veeery low money...

Thanks again...

Alex

[Toyark]

The Dakar is known for having an 'extra bit' of metal right close to the bearings on the LHS when looking at bike from the rear. Many grind that bit down a bit to prevent the rubbing and eventual bearing destruction.

Wilbers costs? depends on what you want done.
Best thing is to have a look at his site here then speak to them.


Cost is all relative- How long are you planning being on the road (overloaded!)
When, and sadly the chances are very high that this will be a 'when' your rear suspension fails- (OE is very basic) consider that you could be a looooooooong way from 'civilization', perhaps without the skills/tools to mount it yourself and/or being able to find a competent mechanic.
Then there are:
The shipping costs $$
The import taxes to pay $$
The time waiting where you could be stuck in a hotel = more $$
+ finding/paying a mec to do the job.
It seems you are only a couple of days away from him, three at the most.

it's well worth the detour/fuel to have your suspension set up properly for your weight and that of your luggage.

One of their technicians even found a fault within seconds just by rolling my bike off my trailer! It turned out I had a spacer missing in one of my forks - They are real pros, friendly and I very much recommended them- no connection aside from being a very happy customer.


Colebatch -
Thanks for kind comment
(yr kit now mounted- I have more ideas for you when you get back)