2011 bmw g 650 gs fork failure

Well.... part of me thinks that there hasn't been enough time for BMW to work through her particular issue but on the other hand, the OP has been conspicuously absent since late July.

This particular failure has been cross posted all over the planet. Does anyone know of any other similar failures in 2011 models?

No we have not heard of any other failures in 2011 models

I understand VOSA UK has asked BMW for information as a result of the failure so they are aware of it

To me this is just another bit of evidence that there was/is a process problem with the castings.

Whether or not you're an idiot is an unrelated question.

Thanks for posting your experience. Very interesting discovery and your observations are helpful.
Also, you have proved you are not an idiot like those who minimize the danger of riding with an obvious defective fork.
An idiot would be the one who ignores the possible danger and pays the penalty by NOT replacing the fork leg.
Good on you mate!

p.s. I do not mean that everyone should replace their forks as this is a very rare occurrence, just that if you have evidence of a problem it would be wise to check it out.

Hello, everyone.

I am still around and breathing. Healed up finally except for the weakness and slight pain in my wrist. Meanwhile I have been doing some self - physical therapy on it so I can roll the throttle on and off.

I have put BMW behind me - it ROYALLY SUCKS that it happened. But I will not let it or them knock me down from enjoying the ride.

I have been
Checking out the new bikes available on line. Waiting for springtime to venture to the sales rooms to try em out.
And no BMW will not be one of them.

It's just great to hear from you AW!

I'm glad you are recovering and are still up for some moto adventuring. Winter is a great time to buy a bike! If you post what you are thinking of getting you will be buried by lots of advice, some of it may even be useful.

Good luck!

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Glad to hear this one bad experience hasn't put you off bikes forever.

Another potential candidate for your shopping expedition: 2012 DL 650. Really nice bike with a long term "Low grief" reputation.

Pete

Is it always the right fork leg that breaks first?

For anyone concerned about their fork leg breaking, I'd contact a local metallurgical testing lab. Ask them about how they'd test the cast aluminum fork leg if you disassemble it and bring in only the clean casting, and ask the cost. Let them know that it appears to start cracking from the inside around the lug, but really nothing is known for sure. Bring along some photos of others that have broken as well as a printout of the findings of FinlandThumper.

Here's an example of what a testing lab can look at:
http://www.nwlabs1896.com/metallurgy.html

If you get any info, please let us all know.

Metallurgy tests have been done on a number of failed fork legs, results are mixed

There are metallurgists with many years of experience who have posted into the various threads and we all
thank them for their work. Look at the failure analysis page

The information which is public on it all can be read here

http://www.f650gs.crossroadz.com.au/FFIntro.html

AW,

Good to hear that the experience hasn't spooked you on riding in general.

Not to sure yet.. As I do live in a rural area I would like something that can handle rough roads, since some roads around here are dirt an stone. I know definately I am going to go check out the triumph tiger 800xc and kawasaki KLR 650. Triump street triple might be one too I check out. You know how it goes - start looking and anything is possible once you sit on em and see if you melt in that seat.

Aw-

Kwak Versys also a fine candidate.

Glad you're on the mend! I have a set of Yamaha forks sitting in my garage, right next to my 2001 Dakar, and plan to make the swap once things warm up out in my garage a bit - in part due to concerns of a catastrophic failure like yours.

While you're considering new bikes, depending on the street/dirt bias of your riding, you might consider the Husaberg FE570



It's very much a dirt-oriented enduro, with street capabilities. I just bought an FE390 myself, but am keeping my Dakar (and my R1200GS).

AW, thanks for the follow-up.

Don't discount smaller bikes like the Yamaha WR250, the Suzuki DR 200, or a Honda 230L.

Depending on how tall you are and just how much you plan on riding on the freeway, a small, light bike is often much better than a big, heavy one.

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2008-lightweight-dualpurpose-shootout-87657.html

I found this in the Thumpers thread here on Advrider.

AW: Glad to hear you are out and about, looking for your next bike, and with the attitude to keep going. That's great!

Some people suggested the Tiger 800 and some other, fairly big bikes. Not to discourage you, but I would recommend something smaller, especially if you plan to go off the beaten path. The Tiger is a beast compared to your G650GS, and too heavy to wrestle with if it starts slipping, especially after an injury.

Someone suggested the WR250R, which I thing would be a great choice. capable on road, capable off road, light, fuel injected...

Anyway, the final decision rests with you of course, just don't rule out smaller bikes.

This ^^^^^