R1100RS Frame problem

[gftl91]

Has anyone ever had a problem with the seat frame breaking right behind the rider portion of the seat? My '94 1100RS has a clean break on both sides of the frame right where the passenger seat rests. What would the best fix for this problem be? I was planning to sell the bike and don't want to just put a band aid on it. I also don't want to shell out a ton of money to replace the frame only to have it break again. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

[cat0020]

You can replace the rear subframe with the R1150RS subframe that has more material at crutial parts to support the weight of the passenger or luggage.

[gftl91]

Thanks. Any idea about cost? I was thinking about having it welded but I don't know if that would be strong enough.

Thanks again

[MCMXCIVRS]

Talk to your local dealer. This item is a known issue with the RS in a certain VIN range (0310001 - 0312503). There is a reinforced sub frame assembly available for replacement, and it may be covered under warranty. The BMW service bulletin that refers to this is # 2722 from 08/2000. The problem was associated with heavy loading of the luggage rack, or with use of the topcase. The cracking described in the bulletin sounds exactly like what you have noted.

[gftl91]

Thank you so much. I wondered if there would have been some kind of known issue. I am taking it to the only dealer in town on Tuesday. They quoted me $452.00 for the frame and $300.00 for labor before I found out about the service bulletin. Hopefully they will be able to cover it under the SB.

Thanks again.

[AntonLargiader]

Originally posted by cat0020
You can replace the rear subframe with the R1150RS subframe that has more material at crutial parts to support the weight of the passenger or luggage.

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the mounting to the 6-speed transmission is different. But there is an updated subframe for the R1100RS. It was strengthened to support the top box.

[gftl91]

Went to the dealer today. Was told that the repair would not be covered due to the bike being out of warranty. He also said that it would not have been covered even if the bike was still under warranty. I am confused. What does the service bulletin do? I realize that there is a difference between a recall and a bulletin but I don't see the point of the bulletin if the repairs would not be covered by BMW under any condition.

Does anybody have a copy of the full bulletin?

Thanks

[bmwmick]

I saw that bulletin in June or July of 2000 when my riding buddy had his crack. Do you have a top case fitted on your bike? That was the major cause of the frame damage.
The SI was only valid during warranty from what I can tell. If it fails AFTER the warranty expires, it's not covered.
If I remember correctly, the break was right behind the weld where the two front frame members come in. The new rear section also requires a new rear seat I think.

Mick

[kbasa]

Can you get it welded? Probably wouldn't cost you more than $50 or so. It's a subframe, so it's not like it has to be perfectly aligned or anything. It just has to be strong. The welder may be able to add some gusseting or something for you.

[gftl91]

I do have a top case on the bike. It is a Givi. It was on the bike when I bought it last year. The service manager implied that the real problem was with the aftermarket luggage not the frame.

I am having the frame welded and hopefully that will be the end of it.

Thanks for all of the help and advice.

[jdiaz]

Make sure the welder knows about all the computers on your bike before he touches it. The last thing you want is a repaired subframe with a dead Motronic FI computer.

[lorazepam]

I never knew that Givi bags were the cause of damage, other than to the dealer's profits. Sounds like a case of we didnt sell the stuff, so we blame it. I agree with Kbasa, I would just get it welded at a competant shop, and have some gussets installed.

[bmwmick]

The gusseting should make it as strong as the new one. : )

It's not the GIVI label but the weight. The original rack was listed with an 11Lb maximum weight rating. When they made the 33L top case available, it required the new updated rack before it could be mounted.

Mick:confused:

[28796]

I don't think it has anything to do with the Givi. BMW upgraded the subframe in 95 due to problems with breakage using the stock top box. When we wanted to mount a givi top plate on my wife's 94RS we had to get the BMW rack supports which came with the reinforced mounting arrangement to strengthen the subframe.

[macman320]

The R1150RS rear subframe is indeed different. The rear mounts are and flatter and one has to be turned sideways for the 6 speed transmission, I know , I just cut mine and had it re-welded to accept the newer transmission. I haven't broken my frame on a 94 w 75K .