Are my splines a ticking time bomb?

[screwtop]

I have about 22,000 on my 02 GS. I was at a BMW dealer today, and spoke to an old acquaintance who actually sold me my first RS back in 94. Anyway, he's been around the BMW riding community here for a long time, so I figured I'd ask him about it my splines and other xmission issues in general. He indicated to me that the some of the 02 oilheads had a potential manufacturing defect where the motors were not perfectly alligned with the transmissions, and as a result, the failures were occuring at the input shaft splines. He said that in all liklihood, my bike is past the critical mileage point (i.e., the failure probably would have already happend if it was going to).

I'm sorry is this has been discused before, but I want to know if other folks with 02's have had any issues and your take on the matter. Can I rest easy?

Thanks,

ST

[snoone]

Mine fried at about 22,000 miles. If it happens to you don't let BMW service talk you into allowing them to rebuild what failed. Insist on a new transmission. I allowed them to rebuild it after the splines self destructed and 8,000 miles later during a check metal shaving were discovered in my tranny fluid.. They then replaced the entire transmission under warranty.

[awagnon]

From threads on other forums and magazine articles, it seems like some spline failures are due to axial misalignment between the engine and transmission. This results in early ( before 30,000 miles ) and repeated failures of the clutch splines. However, there are some late failures, after 50,000 miles, which are probably simply due to a poor design of the spline and clutch fit. I don't think you're safe yet at 22,000 miles, but why worry about it. Enjoy the bike.

[screwtop]

I don't think you're safe yet at 22,000 miles, but why worry about it. Enjoy the bike.

Thanks Snoone and awagnon. I'm just looking for some more reassurance, as I'm sure others have. I wish there was some way to identify by vin or serial # whether or not the bike is affected, but in lieu of that, what's a guy to do other that what you have suggested. Make sure my roadside assistance program is up to date and ride! :thumb

[awagnon]

Quote: "I wish there was some way to identify by vin or serial # whether or not the bike is affected,"

Screwtop,

There was a survey on, I believe, the sport touring forum. I don't remember the details, but I recall there were spline failures in nearly all years of production, but a significant cluster in early 2002 production bikes. The reason I remember, is because my RT is a 2002. However, the sport touring forum is mainly followed by RT and other touring bike riders. You might want to post your question on the adventure rider forum, if you haven't already. I'm not sure if the GS data is the same.

Like you, I keep one or two roadside assistance plans and my Anonymous Book handy when I ride. The problem out here is, much of my riding in Utah and Wyoming is on roads where you often don't see another car for quite a while and there isn't any cell phone reception. I always tell my wife to come looking if I don't call or show up each night. I used to back pack with a friend who always said, "If you worry about it, it will happen." So, I try to not worry any more.