Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

maybe due to Euro '4'?

BMW Reveals Tweaks and Changes for 2017 Models

BMW has revealed that several models are to receive facelifts and tweaks for the 2017 model year.

Most notably, all models will be subject to the application of Euro 4 emissions regulations

Do not know, but Euro 4 are yet-stricter emissions regulations...

Chris

It more than likly is the issue....clearly someone didn't think through the potension repercussions!! might be a bonus for winter ;)

I noticed the same thing on 2 different LC GSAs I borrowed over the past month. My first thought that I'd somehow switched on a seat warmer I wasn't aware of.

It is more noticeable on the RHS but the left was also warmer than usual. And I reckon it could be really uncomfortable in 40 degree heat.

I thought it might be a change in the airflow around the engine. The exhaust is on the right and may run a bit hotter because of the new emissions requirements. 

I ride a 2016 GS LC almost every day and have noticed the 'warm right leg' syndrome, but it hasn't bothered me and I've already ridden the bike in the little Karoo in 40 °C+ heat.

The fan is on that side but the fan won't usually be running if you're moving, unless you're going slowly in deep sand?

Also depends which way the wind is blowing, and how hard.

I haven't considered this to be a problem yet, but will monitor and see how it goes.

toss all that emission control junk off and you will have a much happier bike.

I am glad to hear that this has been elevated to BMW Germany and that 2 of the Bikes are in at Donford CT to be connected via computer to Germany this morning.

I have heard quite a few people complain of this problem I just hope that they are aware of what is transpiring.

If I was asked for my uneducated opinion as to how to solve the "issue" I would suggest removal of the CAT.

I really hope that this issue is resolved.

Owners that have not owned one of these bikes previously may not find the heat an issue that also effects the underside of the Pillions leg above the exhaust.

I have the 2017 LC GSA and experience the same Heat 

I was told that its partly due to my Height / Size that Causes Turbulence and in fact draws the hot air up.

My wife often complains of the same heat when we Pillion.

Regards

Wayne  

Time for a visit to your dealer Wayne.

Donford CT is busy with 2 bikes and Germany.

Don't believe that nonsense Wayne.... This situation (Shituation) is definitely not normal and surly cant be acceptable! the more people that put their hands up the sooner this issue will be dealt with. I smell a Ford Kuga blow off from Germany at the moment.....perhaps because there are not enough people coming forward and highlighting this as an issue to them.  

Hi. I also own a 2017 GSA and went for my first fast road ride to Robertson and back this last Monday with my wife as pillion. We both experienced the warm/hot underside righthand leg issue. I assume that on a longer dayride travelling at fast speeds with pillion and full luggage set that the situation would/could become a lot worse and I wonder how hot the pannier case would get etc.

Time to go and see Donfard CTN and log my issue.

We have a 2015 1200GSA lc (35000kms) and 2017 1200GSA lc (1000kms) in the household and noticed that the 2017 gives off more heat than the older model but didn't think much of it. Then I heard about the possible problem and went out with the bikes to compare and test. Same road and distance, same conditions. I wore tekkies and jeans to enable me to sense any heat. Definitely more heat on the right leg from the newer machine. In fact, my leg was burning like hell. With AGATT not so much, but still feel a difference. I can just imagine how a pillion would suffer. The 2015 has an Acrapovic and the 2017 has the standards exhaust.

Herman please log this as an issue with Donford.

Cape Town already has a few bikes on the list and I am not sure if STB is aware of it.

The more that report the more they can keep diagnosing/looking for the problem.

I've noticed it on my 2014 GSA LC, mostly on long trips. My wife does not notice it when being a pillion but we generally have the panniers on for long trips, so her leg may be protected from the heat.

Does it bug me enough to log a call with BMW? No, but my bike is a 2014 model. 2017 may be a lot worse.

Good luck. I'll be interested to see what BMW has to say about all of this.

Hi All,

I have the same problem on my 2017 1200 GSA. The bike is booked in by BMW here in PE for next week Wednesday. Will give you an update after that.

from what i have heard....it is.

Good luck....My bike has been in a couple times now and still not resolved. To me it is quite obvious what the problem might be....one just needs to look at the exhaust colour! Mine is almost bright Blue compared to previous models which aren't....and no, I dont race my bike ;)   

BBK,

I really hope that they don't try to fob you off as if you are a fool and don't know anything.

Please refer them to Donford in Cape town where they can speak to the Dealer Principle (Wernich Stipp) or Service Manager (Shane Hoskins) both are completely aware of the situation and can inform PE of the status quo. 

If they would be prepared to replace the Bike is another story.

What is for sure is that the issue is not a "myth" it is for real and the more people that bring the issue to the attention of their "Dealer" the better.

I see BMW sell polish to remove the blue colour....

Hi David....i appreciate your comic relief here but would prefer this thread to stay on point as it is a pretty serious issue with some pretty big financial implications :)

BMW Really need to come to the party here and resolve this Shit-uation ASAP!

Hi All,

Just received this mail from BMW in PE:

Hi Bertie

Die amptelike posisie is dat Motorrad SA wag vir ‘n respons van Motorrad Duitsland op die oomblik. Lig jou in oor volgende stap so gou as moontlik.

Groete

Some more feedback today:

Hi Bertie

Nee. Motorrad SA het ‘n “Group Complaint” met Duitsland aanhangig gemaak en wag op ‘n hoë vlak besluit oor volgende stap . Sodra ek weet sal ek jou inlig.

G

Look like we just have to wait and see.

Following... 

I'm still running mine in, so haven't hit those high speeds/ extended rides to trigger the 'hot leg syndrome' - yet.

 

Hi All,

I am still waiting for feedback from BMW SA but have take things in my own hands to get this resolved. On our return trip from the Africa Bike week in EL was it between 33 and 34 Deg on some places. The right hand side of my bike was getting so warm that I have to stop to regularly and that was when I decided enough is enough.  I ordered a set of Remus headers from Remus SA and fitted it to the bike removing the CAT.

I can now tell you that I do not have any heat issues anymore and my bike pulls now like a train. Very happy with it and with the service I was getting from Deon at Remus SA.

So, my bike will now stay like this UNTIL BMW can resolve this problem.

Kind Regards.

BBK.

I repeat my Comment of 10 March on this thread.

BBK, would you care to post a pic of the bike with the exhaust. I would like to see what it looks like. Is there any difference to the noise level?

Many thanks

Hi David,

As requested. You will also see on one of photo, one of the wind deflectors that I made to help with this problem. None of them worked.

Some more photos of the headers:

WRT the noise, yes the bike is louder, a deeper sound but not nearly as load as what I thought it will be. It is actually very nice and I enjoy it. It sound very nice when you use the QS.

Thanks very much. I would really like to bring this to the attention of BMW Germany via Clubs Africa.

Did you need to get the bike tuned regarding running rich or lean without the "CAT"?

My limited knowledge would suggest to me that one of the two will be affected!

Having same issues - 2017 white, R1200GSA LC.

BBK, what did the headers and exhuast set you back?

have you confirmed with BMW SA on warranty?

Silvrav I hope you have raised this issue with your BMW dealer.

I did yes, and they indicated warranty voided on the spot.

but still looking into the cost as i am only some months away from out of warranty

Hi Silvrav, the headers was R8000.00 & Vat. WRT the warranty issues.

I don't want to get involve with a discussion wrt this on an open forum. All that I can say is that some of the dealers have empathy with us and will help where they can until BMW have resolve this issue. 

I meant have you raised the "heating" issue with your dealer?

Voiding the warranty is a given.

This problem is with the 2017 models.

I hear of many owners with this problem but it appears not all of them are raising the issue with their Dealer Principle which does not help to solve it.

Also from feedback I receive it appears that not all the "Dealers" are singing from the same Hymn sheet in that they appear not to all have the same response to the problem.

I do know that the guys at Donford in CT are doing a lot to try to keep their customers satisfied in this regard. But I suggest that this is their own initiative and not that of BMW HO.

I will be riding a 2017 1200 LC GSA in Europe in a months time for 2 weeks with my wife as Pillion. Will be interesting to see what the experience will be regarding the "hot leg" syndrome over there!!

I am sure BMW will sort this issue out but not before many, many people complain and take their complaint to the highest level and not just leave it with the service advisor/mechanic etc.

hi Geoff.

i am not an expert but I put a complete  Remus exhaust system on my 1150 and made no other changes.

It sounded and performed better. I believe that the BMW engine management system just adjusts the fueling accordingly.

In the days of carburetors, adjustments to jetting was usually necessary.

My 1200 already had a complete aftermarket system on it when I bought it and i have no problems whatsoever with the fueling.

Perhaps someone who is an expert can provide further information.

Good day. Refer my comments of 15th March. Have had several mtngs/emails with Donfard Motorrad CTN. Last mtng was on 3rd May and it was suggested that the 2016 header pipes be installed on my GSA which was done on Friday 5th May. Someone else also was testing the 2016 header pipes on their bike.

My wife and I went for a long ride on Saturday 6th May (cool day and the av day temp was only19°C). I did try to ride quite aggressively. There was no heat problem BUT it was a cool day.

I wonder what the feedback is from the other person?

I am now waiting for the next steps from Donfard Motorrad CTN.