New engine at 17K 2006 R1200RT Help

[134833]

Hey guys I need some help. I was ridding my 2006 R1200RT on the interstate from Florida to Kentucky when the engine began to vibrate and the bike would only do 55 mph at wide-open throttle. Limped the bike off the freeway and it appeared from the sound (clunking), vibration and power level that it was only running on one cylinder. Did not see any smoke or leaks. Oil level was full. Filled up about 150 miles before (buddy put the same gas in his bike with no problems). The bike was towed to BMW Motorcycles of Louisville. The dealer investigation is not complete but at this point it shows that the camshaft chain broke and gas in the oil. Can a camshaft chain break and the engine still run? I did not hear a rattling or slapping noise. Has anyone else had this problem? Anybody have any experience with the service department of BMW Motorcycles of Louisville? Other than the engine anything else I should replace (clutch)? The bike has only 17k. I would like to keep the bike; any experience with BMW’s extend warranty? I am back in Michigan and the bike is in Kentucky. Any help, advice or comments are welcome.


Thanks,
Mark

[ironoxide]

Mark,

It's sad to read of your bikes problems. I can't answer your engine questions, but I do business with Louisville BMW. Based on my experience their service department does good work. They have a couple of master technicians employed there.

Good luck.

[PGlaves]

Hey guys I need some help. I was ridding my 2006 R1200RT on the interstate from Florida to Kentucky when the engine began to vibrate and the bike would only do 55 mph at wide-open throttle. Limped the bike off the freeway and it appeared from the sound (clunking), vibration and power level that it was only running on one cylinder. Did not see any smoke or leaks. Oil level was full. Filled up about 150 miles before (buddy put the same gas in his bike with no problems). The bike was towed to BMW Motorcycles of Louisville. The dealer investigation is not complete but at this point it shows that the camshaft chain broke and gas in the oil. Can a camshaft chain break and the engine still run? I did not hear a rattling or slapping noise. Has anyone else had this problem? Anybody have any experience with the service department of BMW Motorcycles of Louisville? Other than the engine anything else I should replace (clutch)? The bike has only 17k. I would like to keep the bike; any experience with BMW’s extend warranty? I am back in Michigan and the bike is in Kentucky. Any help, advice or comments are welcome.


Thanks,
Mark

Well - that bike has a chain out to the cams in each head - so a broken chain on one side would cause it to have valve actuation (thus "run") on only one cylinder.

So the diagnosis is at least initially consistent with your description of the failure. The next question is "why" would a cam chain break. And then - what was damaged when the chain broke, valves and pistons collided (maybe) etc.