Is The FJR1300 Dead? No 2025 Model?

[Toter]

I was thinking a BMW might be in my future, but after reading this updated maintenance schedule for BMW driveshaft, the allure is decidedly subsided.

The executive summary is driveshafts for 1200/1250 models through model year 2023 and earlier will be replaced at BMW expense every 36500 miles.

The new 1300GS model driveshaft must be replaced every 49,600 miles at the owner's expense costing about $1000.

It is nice of BMW to replace the older units. Hopefully the dealer is nearby and is able to do the work without creating issues. I'd rather be riding my bike than having sit in the shop.

So much for the advantage of shaft drive vs chain drive.

It's a pretty simple procedure, less intensive than replacing chain and sprockets on other bikes. BMW stepping up to grease these driveshaft splines every 12,000 mi., and replace them at 36,500 mi at their expense is pretty amazing in my book. Especially, when you consider that this covers all liquid cooled 1200-1250 bikes from 2013 thru 2024. I think the issue shows up more with people that ride difficult terrain, do a lot of water crossings, tour extensively in all weather, or where the bike lives outside in wet climates. My bikes are pretty pampered compared to those scenarios. It really should have been a 12,000 mi. service item since 2013. Crazy not to make that change years ago. Look at the cost this entails now. Some heads should roll for this. I would not let that deter me from trying some of the Berlin koolaid, not a 1300, too new. In the words of Clark Griswold, "It's good, it's good".

Might be easy to do and nice that it is on BMW's dime but I would rather not trust a drive train where the shaft is considered a consumable. Hell, I get better life out of sparkplugs on some vehicles! Not only that, but my closest BMW dealer is two hours away and appointments can't be made on short notice - they are asshats anyway. Unlikely to have a "while you wait" service. (Maybe OK for an annual or semi-annual replacement but for a 12,000 mile inspection a couple or three times per year?) What are you supposed to do on an extended road trip?

Edit: I like my F700GS for what it is but I can do just about any necessary work on it myself. The newer bikes (including boxers and new parallel twins) are a different matter. Service manuals are no longer available from BMW or aftermarket and stuff like the drive shaft are enough of a concern that I would not lean in that direction. Beautiful bikes, but I'll choose to spend my money elsewhere.

Chain and sprockets are consumables. For an extended trip, you do it like every other service item, either before, or after your trip. I disagree, the boxers are much easier to service than an FJR, or your F700 GS. I do all my own service, and tires. Sounds like you don't like your BMW dealer. Pretty sure you can't pull into any motorcycle dealer without an appointment and obtain a while you wait service. Although, I pulled into Wooly's BMW in Atlanta, on the 2014 GS I bought used, and asked them about a software recall it required. They took it in immediately, and updated the software, while I waited, which took about 45 minutes. Gave me a chance to test ride a new R1250RT. Guess it depends on where you go.

[FJRoss]

It's a pretty simple procedure, less intensive than replacing chain and sprockets on other bikes. BMW stepping up to grease these driveshaft splines every 12,000 mi., and replace them at 36,500 mi at their expense is pretty amazing in my book. Especially, when you consider that this covers all liquid cooled 1200-1250 bikes from 2013 thru 2024. I think the issue shows up more with people that ride difficult terrain, do a lot of water crossings, tour extensively in all weather, or where the bike lives outside in wet climates. My bikes are pretty pampered compared to those scenarios. It really should have been a 12,000 mi. service item since 2013. Crazy not to make that change years ago. Look at the cost this entails now. Some heads should roll for this. I would not let that deter me from trying some of the Berlin koolaid, not a 1300, too new. In the words of Clark Griswold, "It's good, it's good".

Might be easy to do and nice that it is on BMW's dime but I would rather not trust a drive train where the shaft is considered a consumable. Hell, I get better life out of sparkplugs on some vehicles! Not only that, but my closest BMW dealer is two hours away and appointments can't be made on short notice - they are asshats anyway. Unlikely to have a "while you wait" service. (Maybe OK for an annual or semi-annual replacement but for a 12,000 mile inspection a couple or three times per year?) What are you supposed to do on an extended road trip?

Edit: I like my F700GS for what it is but I can do just about any necessary work on it myself. The newer bikes (including boxers and new parallel twins) are a different matter. Service manuals are no longer available from BMW or aftermarket and stuff like the drive shaft are enough of a concern that I would not lean in that direction. Beautiful bikes, but I'll choose to spend my money elsewhere.

Chain and sprockets are consumables. For an extended trip, you do it like every other service item, either before, or after your trip. I disagree, the boxers are much easier to service than an FJR, or your F700 GS. I do all my own service, and tires. Sounds like you don't like your BMW dealer. Pretty sure you can't pull into any motorcycle dealer without an appointment and obtain a while you wait service. Although, I pulled into Wooly's BMW in Atlanta, on the 2014 GS I bought used, and asked them about a software recall it required. They took it in immediately, and updated the software, while I waited, which took about 45 minutes. Gave me a chance to test ride a new R1250RT. Guess it depends on where you go.

I haven't had any issues servicing my F700GS (or my FJR) although valve checks would be easier on the boxers for sure. And you're right about my opinion of my not-so-local BMW dealer. Difference with chain and sprockets is that I can do it myself in a couple of hours without making an appointment and maybe having to wait weeks in the busy season (although the chain/sprocket cost is greater than the "free" drive shaft). Don't have to take the F700GS anywhere for an inspection every 12,000 miles either.

Each to his own, I guess. I have to say that in terms of the bikes that are out there, I think that the BMW R1250/1300 GS/GSA have the most appeal to me strictly as a sport-tourer with the added bonus of being competent on gravel and modest dirt. I am just astonished that they haven't come up with a permanent fix for the drive shaft problems and would consider a used example for a next bike if not for my concerns and the lack of local dealers/service. I would be seriously happy to see Yamaha come up with an updated contender but it seems less likely as time goes by. Yamaha calling the Ténéré 700 or Tracer 9 touring bikes is a bit of a joke, IMHO.

[gixxerjasen]

BMW stepping up to grease these driveshaft splines every 12,000 mi., and replace them at 36,500 mi at the expense of future consumers via higher priced motorcycles is pretty amazing in my book.

Fixed it for you. Just remember, all those recalls/service bulletins (for any vehicle) were either baked into the original price, or will be paid for with inflation of prices of future vehicles. Extra costs are always passed along to the consumer.

[Toter]

BMW stepping up to grease these driveshaft splines every 12,000 mi., and replace them at 36,500 mi at the expense of future consumers via higher priced motorcycles is pretty amazing in my book.

Fixed it for you. Just remember, all those recalls/service bulletins (for any vehicle) were either baked into the original price, or will be paid for with inflation of prices of future vehicles. Extra costs are always passed along to the consumer.

Up to the point that the competitive product is more attractive and they do not sell. Thanks for the definition of capitalism. There is no free lunch.

[fontanaman]

The fix for the BMW shaftdrive is called an axle.

As a consumer it apparent BMW is interested in providing cutting edge technology and weight reduction at the expense of reliability.

I give BMW credit for keeping the product line current I just wish the reliability was better especially with the driveshaft.

And many BMW riders in Spokane area don't trust the only Spokane service shop.

[bungie4]

I drive up to a BMW dealership in Toronto on the FJR to go eye ball an RS. The place was empty of customers. Not a single sales person so much as made eye contact with me. I walked over to the nearest sales dude, and I swear, he gave me the 'just one sec' finger to continue playing mah-jon.

f@$k no. Never in a million years.

[Hppants]

Now that it's ACTUALLY happening (no more new FJRs here), I'm contemplating my next move.

I'd like to run through one more FJR before I move on. It really is the ideal road bike for me. On the one hand, I could continue as planned and just ride my current '21 to about 100K (give or take). That will take about 6 more years. At that time, search fairly far and wide for a '21 - '24 with low miles and start over.

OTOH, I could short pit in about 1-2 years, looking for the last remaining new '23 or' '24 gathering dust at some dealer and scoop it up. This method may buy me a bit more time, but maybe not. 6 + 6 = 12, and 2 +10 = 12.

Of course on the 3rd hand, I could just let this be my last FJR and move on. I could be happy with, say, a Versys 1000LT. And I'm sure there are others.

The good news is that I've got a year or two to overthink it.... (sigh)

[D-Eagle]

Who knows what models will be introduced in the next 6 years? There may even be an updated FJR in the future. Or something similar to it.
Or you can pivot and be the talk of the town on your new-to-you Niken.

https://www.autoweek.com/drives/a312554 ... of-nature/

[CollingsBob]

I traded my ‘17 FJR in on a ‘24 BMW 1300 GS because the FJR was getting too heavy for me to roll it comfortably around the garage. The BMW is a lot lighter overall and because the engine isn’t top heavy like the FJR, it feels more nimble.
The downsides? The cost..my fully loaded GS was $36k CDN before taxes…..Add a few grand for necessary farkles, like a RDL seat, crash bars, Denali lights and all in it’s almost $45k cdn . There are no service manuals available from BMW because they want you to take it to the dealer for everything…and none yet from the aftermarket. You can’t just add lights or a horn..or anything because the bike is so heavily computerized - you need an accessory manager.

[FJRoss]

I traded my ‘17 FJR in on a ‘24 BMW 1300 GS because the FJR was getting too heavy for me to roll it comfortably around the garage. The BMW is a lot lighter overall and because the engine isn’t top heavy like the FJR, it feels more nimble.
The downsides? The cost..my fully loaded GS was $36k CDN before taxes…..Add a few grand for necessary farkles, like a RDL seat, crash bars, Denali lights and all in it’s almost $45k cdn . There are no service manuals available from BMW and none yet from the aftermarket. You can’t just add lights or a horn..or anything because the bike is so heavily computerized - you need an accessory manager.

There won't be an aftermarket manual for the R1300GS. BMW has stopped making service information available to Haynes and other manual publishers. In addition, they don't even publish detailed service specifications (as far as I know) for the owner or independent shops. You can still change your oil and do basic maintenance but you may be limited in terms of anything beyond that. GS911 or Motoscan may help with troubleshooting...

[CollingsBob]

I traded my ‘17 FJR in on a ‘24 BMW 1300 GS because the FJR was getting too heavy for me to roll it comfortably around the garage. The BMW is a lot lighter overall and because the engine isn’t top heavy like the FJR, it feels more nimble.
The downsides? The cost..my fully loaded GS was $36k CDN before taxes…..Add a few grand for necessary farkles, like a RDL seat, crash bars, Denali lights and all in it’s almost $45k cdn . There are no service manuals available from BMW and none yet from the aftermarket. You can’t just add lights or a horn..or anything because the bike is so heavily computerized - you need an accessory manager.

There won't be an aftermarket manual for the R1300GS. BMW has stopped making service information available to Haynes and other manual publishers. In addition, they don't even publish detailed service specifications (as far as I know) for the owner or independent shops. You can still change your oil and do basic maintenance but you may be limited in terms of anything beyond that. GS911 or Motoscan may help with troubleshooting...

I bought a GS911 to reset the service light..useful tool.

[Toter]

The fix for the BMW shaftdrive is called an axle.

As a consumer it apparent BMW is interested in providing cutting edge technology and weight reduction at the expense of reliability.

I give BMW credit for keeping the product line current I just wish the reliability was better especially with the driveshaft.

And many BMW riders in Spokane area don't trust the only Spokane service shop.

As much as they redesign, and re-engineer their bikes and engines, I am amazed that they have not redesigned the driveshaft/final drive component. It has not changed from 2013 to present. These are not stupid people. I don't get it. Overall, I think they are pretty reliable. Most newer motorcycles, are less reliable than they used to be. Manufacturer's cutting costs everywhere is usually not good for the end consumer. Look at refrigerators today.

[CollingsBob]

The fix for the BMW shaftdrive is called an axle.

As a consumer it apparent BMW is interested in providing cutting edge technology and weight reduction at the expense of reliability.

I give BMW credit for keeping the product line current I just wish the reliability was better especially with the driveshaft.

And many BMW riders in Spokane area don't trust the only Spokane service shop.

As much as they redesign, and re-engineer their bikes and engines, I am amazed that they have not redesigned the driveshaft/final drive component. It has not changed from 2013 to present. These are not stupid people. I don't get it. Overall, I think they are pretty reliable. Most newer motorcycles, are less reliable than they used to be. Manufacturer's cutting costs everywhere is usually not good for the end consumer. Look at refrigerators today.

The driveshaft issue affects a specific date range of bikes…and to BMW’s credit they are replacing the driveshafts ..forever.

[Dan Cooper]

The fix for the BMW shaftdrive is called an axle.

As a consumer it apparent BMW is interested in providing cutting edge technology and weight reduction at the expense of reliability.

I give BMW credit for keeping the product line current I just wish the reliability was better especially with the driveshaft.

And many BMW riders in Spokane area don't trust the only Spokane service shop.

As much as they redesign, and re-engineer their bikes and engines, I am amazed that they have not redesigned the driveshaft/final drive component. It has not changed from 2013 to present. These are not stupid people. I don't get it. Overall, I think they are pretty reliable. Most newer motorcycles, are less reliable than they used to be. Manufacturer's cutting costs everywhere is usually not good for the end consumer. Look at refrigerators today.

I find that refrigerators are too heavy and awkward for me to move around the garage easily. They need a new seat, handlebars and windshield to be more comfortable on the road. They don't handle very well in the corners and don't ride very well on the highway. The gas mileage is terrible, but they do hold a lot when traveling, including snacks!!

dan

[Toter]

I traded my ‘17 FJR in on a ‘24 BMW 1300 GS because the FJR was getting too heavy for me to roll it comfortably around the garage. The BMW is a lot lighter overall and because the engine isn’t top heavy like the FJR, it feels more nimble.
The downsides? The cost..my fully loaded GS was $36k CDN before taxes…..Add a few grand for necessary farkles, like a RDL seat, crash bars, Denali lights and all in it’s almost $45k cdn . There are no service manuals available from BMW and none yet from the aftermarket. You can’t just add lights or a horn..or anything because the bike is so heavily computerized - you need an accessory manager.

There won't be an aftermarket manual for the R1300GS. BMW has stopped making service information available to Haynes and other manual publishers. In addition, they don't even publish detailed service specifications (as far as I know) for the owner or independent shops. You can still change your oil and do basic maintenance but you may be limited in terms of anything beyond that. GS911 or Motoscan may help with troubleshooting...

The boxers are ridiculously easy to do routine maintenance. Oil & filter, rear drive oil, air filter, spark plugs, valve clearance check and reshimming, brakes, tires, etc. I can sit on my rolling stool and do a lot of it. Wet clutches last a long time, unless abused. ABS, traction control, and other electronics. Yes, that could get expensive, on any bike, but, I've never had trouble on 2 FJR's, and 3 BMW's. Putting auxiliary lights on the BMW was a snap. I learned new cuss words putting them on the FJR. Anything goes wrong more serious with either bike is going to be ugly. My $.02

[bungie4]

But to redesign the shaft drive would in essence be an admission of poor design and engineering.

[Toter]

I find that refrigerators are too heavy and awkward for me to move around the garage easily. They need a new seat, handlebars and windshield to be more comfortable on the road. They don't handle very well in the corners and don't ride very well on the highway. The gas mileage is terrible, but they do hold a lot when traveling, including snacks!!

dan

Until they break in 3 years, and your chocolate Kind bars melt!

[Toter]

But to redesign the shaft drive would in essence be an admission of poor design and engineering.

Look at all the redesigns they do. Whole bike in 2013, whole engine in 2019, suspensions and electronics continuously, whole bike in 2024. But the driveshaft/final drive is still unchanged. Baffles me, when they are going to maintain 11 years of bikes every 12k, and replace every 36k. Maybe the bean counters think this will drive more owners in for the full 12k services? Has to be that, but they still should have redesigned with the full 2024 redesign.
"Vee have vayz of making you sign zee papers, old man"!

[bungie4]

Marketing.

Toyota does the same. Everybody's frames were rotting but Toyota were the only ones doing new frame recalls. A good company stands behind it's products. All the other companies stood behind the customer if you get my drift.

[SkooterG]

Well, this YAMAHA thread has truly gone off the rails......

My add to it:

My '14 R1200GSA has 72k miles on it and has been pretty much problem free. I think TPMS replacement due to batteries has been the only thing other than fork seals. And when I took it to the independent shop a few thousand miles ago for the fork seals he said the front shock had developed a small leak. Meh.... I'll send it off to EPM to get it rebuilt eventually.

And under their service bulletin my driveshaft was replaced at 65k miles. I stopped by on a Tuesday (on my FJR) to inquire about it. Two days later I brought back the BMW and it was complete 2 hours later. Pretty much painless.

Oh, and my worries about performing my own maintenance were completely unfounded. For the most part, it is easier to work on the BMW than the FJR. And there is plenty of 3rd party and aftermarket support for maintenance. For example, I have a maintenance DVD from http://www.jimvonbaden.com/JVB_Productions.html