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My bike blew up. Lost power, started sounding like a lawnmower, loud bang, puff of smoke, big hole in oil pan, no warning lights. Towed 250+km home, great service from BMW roadside assistance. Taking it in this morning, 2 weeks to US bike trip. 2444km on the bike now, 1500km since it's first service.
I did notice my left leg feeling warm, ran out of gas twice since I got it, with no warning lights. Stalled several times since I got it (I thought this was me not giving it enough throttle, now I'm wondering). I specifically told the dealership that I would be riding long trips, about 160 cruising speed, they said "no problem, it can go all day". I was even stopping every hour to top up the tank (just in case). I broke it in by the book.
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Originally Posted by
Lucy B
My bike blew up. Lost power, started sounding like a lawnmower, loud bang, puff of smoke, big hole in oil pan, no warning lights. Towed 250+km home, great service from BMW roadside assistance. Taking it in this morning, 2 weeks to US bike trip. 2444km on the bike now, 1500km since it's first service.
I did notice my left leg feeling warm, ran out of gas twice since I got it, with no warning lights. Stalled several times since I got it (I thought this was me not giving it enough throttle, now I'm wondering). I specifically told the dealership that I would be riding long trips, about 160 cruising speed, they said "no problem, it can go all day". I was even stopping every hour to top up the tank (just in case). I broke it in by the book.
Hi,
Are you the same Lucy B who in another thread, asked if I was trying to start my bike in gear ? 
Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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Yeah, what's up? I wasn't dissing you, I was asking. Sometimes it's a little thing.
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Oh, the mechanic said it was "catastrophic engine failure" and I was lucky not to have a rod go through my foot. They've never seen anything like it. The place I bought the bike is calling BMW to ask for a new bike for me. Here's hoping! 16 business days for parts, 18 days till my trip. I'm hoping for the new bike.
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(speechless)
...............shu
2009 F800ST midnight blue
2007 F800ST-gone but not forgotten.
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Wow......bound to be one! Sorry to hear. i'm sure you'll get a new bike no problem.
In all fairness BMW didn't actually make the engine!
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Originally Posted by
avboden
Wow......bound to be one! Sorry to hear. i'm sure you'll get a new bike no problem.
In all fairness BMW didn't actually make the engine!
In all fairness BMW speced the Motor out, that is why the side covers say BMW!
BMW engineers who approved the engine are supposed to be quite good at waht they do, arn't they? I doubt that they said to purchasing "get us a motor that fits from the lowest bidder! I also doubt that purchasing told them they can get cheap engines so build a bike around them.
Sorry to hear of your problems and hopefully BMW will help.
What year is the bike and how early a serial number?
Short old guy
2008 S Yellow,
Factory low
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The original Schwartz Wald Troll
Well, this is a new one. The lads in England will have to work a lot to one-up this! Pat H, Dunny, heard of this before? I certainly hope BMW gives you a new bike for your trouble. This otta resonate on the forum for a while!
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Sorry to hear about your blown engine. Just curious, where do you 'cruise' at 160? Is there an autobahn in Edmonton?
2007 Blue ST, ABS, computer, center stand, heated grips, engine and final drive sliders, mirror extenders, HID hi-lo, Hyperlite LED,, MRA Touring Screen
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Originally Posted by
Leisha
In all fairness BMW speced the Motor out, that is why the side covers say BMW!
BMW engineers who approved the engine are supposed to be quite good at waht they do, arn't they? I doubt that they said to purchasing "get us a motor that fits from the lowest bidder! I also doubt that purchasing told them they can get cheap engines so build a bike around them.
Sorry to hear of your problems and hopefully BMW will help.
What year is the bike and how early a serial number?
It was a joke.... 
It's a very solid motor and this is the first catastrophic failure i've ever heard of. These engines are running almost a 16:1 air/fuel ratio. This would normally fry most engine valves but for some reason ours does it no problem. This is what gives us our amazing gas millage.
Although from the sound of this blow, it wasn't a valve, but something much more major.
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Originally Posted by
avboden
It was a joke....
It's a very solid motor and this is the first catastrophic failure i've ever heard of. These engines are running almost a 16:1 air/fuel ratio. This would normally fry most engine valves but for some reason ours does it no problem. This is what gives us our amazing gas millage.
Although from the sound of this blow, it wasn't a valve, but something much more major.
Amazing - Lucy, I'm sorry that you had this experience. Keep us posted on how BMW/dealership deals with this, and how things go for your big trip!
Avboden - I'm not sure that I would call gas mileage "amazing". Mine is still very poor, and I've passed the 5000 km marker on the bike. I was told, by the dealer, that gas mileage "will improve as you wear in the bike", but it certainly is nowhere near what I would expect given the gas milage numbers being reported in the media. (The numbers I have seen reported are 90 km/h 3.4l/100 km or 120 km/h 4.4l/100km - and I am significantly less than this).
Veni, Vidi, Vroom
(I came, I saw, I rode away)
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No, no autobahn, just highway. Daylight, good weather, good visibility (wide ditches or fields to watch for wildlife) and low traffic areas are where I go that fast. Not all the time. I will keep you all posted, I just really want to be able to go on my bike trip, and not have any problems.
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Oh, and BMW roadside assistance was fantastic! The first thing "Mary" asked was if I was safe, if anyone was with me, if I was in town...she asked about me! Fabulous. She called back after the tow truck got there and made sure I got picked up. FANTASTIC! I will post pics later. You can see exposed gears from the second hole (rod smashed out and then back into the bike). I do still love my bike...I just wish it hadn't cratered and I want it back soooooooon! Or a new one. Sooooooon! Can't they just strip parts off the showroom bikes? lol
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F800Riders.org Supporter
[QUOTE=Can't they just strip parts off the showroom bikes? lol[/QUOTE]
Even better let them give you a bike off the show room floor!
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If only! I'll know tomorrow.
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Lucy, you need to slow down. 160!?
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The original Schwartz Wald Troll
If the 160 in question is mph, Babe, you was flying! If it's Kilometers, you hadn't broke 100 mph. Admirable but not award winning. I do hope they give you a choice in color to relplace the dead bike. I'd really like to see the engine. I'd hang that sucker on the mantle!
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Originally Posted by
Lucy B
... I told the dealership that I would be riding long trips, about 160 cruising speed, ....
That's 99mph. I still want to know how long you 'cruise' at that speed....and how you avoid speeding tickets!
Maybe I'm a wimp -- but most of my long distance cruising is at bout 65-70 mph. That's enough wind noise for me...
2007 Blue ST, ABS, computer, center stand, heated grips, engine and final drive sliders, mirror extenders, HID hi-lo, Hyperlite LED,, MRA Touring Screen
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Originally Posted by
joewiecha
That's 99mph. I still want to know how long you 'cruise' at that speed....and how you avoid speeding tickets!
Maybe I'm a wimp -- but most of my long distance cruising is at bout 65-70 mph. That's enough wind noise for me...
Cruising at 100 seems like nothing once you take the bike into the 130's...... I've gotten used to wind. Double bubble windscreen and a Shoei RF1000 helmet. Yeah it's loud at those speeds but not deafening. Wind hits me about mid helmet sitting straight up. Most of the time i'll tuck and rest on the tank though if I want to cruise at those speeds.
on the race track of course.. i'd neeeever go that fast on the street 
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Semi-wimp here.
I like to get my bike up to triple digits every now and then, but I won't cruise there. The problem is not with the bike, it's with the rest of world, especially other living things. At 100 mph and above, things happen very fast: a dog runs out in the road, a kid on a bicycle, unseen mud or gravel on the highway, etc. You know what I mean.
...........shu
2009 F800ST midnight blue
2007 F800ST-gone but not forgotten.
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This must have been an old British engine they found on the shelf that had been lying unused since the '60s and stuck in the F800 frame by mistake!
Hope BMW sort you out - this must be a complete one-off and you were seriously unlucky to become its victim.
[COLOR=Red]2013 F800GS Cordoba blue/black, ABS, ASC, ESA, heated grips, centrestand, BMW vario cases, Scottoiler, Touratech hand protectors, Powerbronze flip-up screen Number of ABS extended releases: None
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F800Riders.org Supporter
Nothing like a good burst of triple digit speed to get the blood going. The first twenty miles of my trip in to work allow me a few shots to do just that. Works much better than my second cup of AM coffee that I have in my shop when get in to work.
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160km/hr If you'd like to see pictures, I'll put some in my garage for you. I drive that fast only when the road is clear, ditches are wide, weather is good, on straight stretches. I have only been stopped once, clocked at 152km/hr and told to slow down. I do tuck in, and I've got a good helmet so the noise isn't too bad. I'm not going 160 for long, so it's not bad. I vary speed according to road surface, corners, wind and other traffic.
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Ahhhh....okay, well a short burst of triple speed is not exactly cruising, is it? I'm a new rider and I keep the bursts of idiocy down to 95 mph and under for a few seconds. And as for CRUISING...which implies a relaxing ride during which some sightseeing and smelling of roses can occur, I do most of that at around 65, with one hand resting on my knee - when I'm not waving to oncoming bikers....
And yes, I'd like pictures please.
2007 Blue ST, ABS, computer, center stand, heated grips, engine and final drive sliders, mirror extenders, HID hi-lo, Hyperlite LED,, MRA Touring Screen
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I exceeded 100 mph on a bike once. In Canada, on Queen Elizabeth Way, in Ontario. Wide fields to other side, and I must say to you Canadians bravo because every road I've ever ridden up there is smooth as glass. Getting to that speed and doing it safely I wouldn't consider anywhere here.
I find it somehow ironic that it was your 800 that blew up and not the Sportster. I'm glad you're okay.
"So I got a question, do you wanna have a slumber party in my basement, do I make your heart beat like an 808 drum?" "You Love Is My Drug"--Ke$ha
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No, not much rose smelling at 160, and on a good stretch of road, I've maintained a 2hr cruising speed of 150-160. I sightsee and wave at 120/130, and use my cruise control then. 160km/hr is only 100 miles/hr, so not far from your 95. Still trying to resize pictures (multitasking). And there are NO kids on bicycles on the highway. I do not drive that fast in the city! And yes the highway is the Queen Elizabeth II between Calgary and Edmonton. There are a few cities inbetween, so obviously one has to come back down to 120 a few times. A very nice, smooth highway with great visibility!
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Yeah, I had an earful from my uncle when I bought my first Harley, he said I'd spend all my time on the side of the road. The Sportster shook a battery cable loose once, and my Street Bob gave me no trouble whatsoever! The Sporty was a 1200 and the Bob a 1600. I was told the BMW would walk all over them both.
Originally Posted by
Mike in Ohio
I exceeded 100 mph on a bike once. In Canada, on Queen Elizabeth Way, in Ontario. Wide fields to other side, and I must say to you Canadians bravo because every road I've ever ridden up there is smooth as glass. Getting to that speed and doing it safely I wouldn't consider anywhere here.
I find it somehow ironic that it was your 800 that blew up and not the Sportster. I'm glad you're okay.
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Pics are up in my garage now.
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They're flying an engine from Germany, should be a week or so.
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Guest
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pictures are in my garage, just click my F800ST in my bikes (lower right hand corner of my posts) and you'll see my oil soaked rear tire, the hole the rod came out, and the missing piece of the metal casing over the gears. 
I MISS MY BIKE! It looks nice sitting there wounded, on the side of the road.
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So Lucy did the dealer not offer you a demo/loaner to ride in the meantime - or were they afraid that you might blow up another one Perhaps you are just too hot for the bike (sort of like Mermaid being too sexy for hers 
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I'm thinking that if I had to be week or more w/o my bike my dealer would find me something to ride just to get me out of their showroom if nothing else!
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No, they don't do loaners. Yeah, I'm taking a lot of flak from friends - jibes about being "dynamite" on a bike. Ha. Ha. It's only funny the first 100 times. :p I may have to pull my Harley out of the garage for this trip.
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Originally Posted by
Lucy B
No, they don't do loaners. Yeah, I'm taking a lot of flak from friends - jibes about being "dynamite" on a bike. Ha. Ha. It's only funny the first 100 times. :p I may have to pull my Harley out of the garage for this trip.
.........shu
2009 F800ST midnight blue
2007 F800ST-gone but not forgotten.
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I got a call from BMW customer service this morning, and they're giving me a demo bike (identical to mine) to use until my bike is running! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO grateful! I guess because the bike is so new, the problem's so big, and I asked so nice... 
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Good for you!
Congrats on getting a replacement...
Sharon--Blog '08 Blue F800ST, comfort & safety pkg., alarm, standard suspension, low seat, ctstand, risers/pull backs, vario levers, frame sliders, BMW topcase, Givi V35 sides, Zumo, Cortech tank bag, Throttlemeister, Laminar lip, Hornig sidestand extender.
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It's good to hear that BMW stands behind their product.
My first bike, a Suzuki, blew a head gasket before it had even reached 200 km. Brand new bike... took over 2 weeks (!) to get in the parts and put me back on the road. Suzuki would never do something like provide a loaner/demo bike, and I am really glad to see that BMW will step forward like this. Sure, it sux that it happened, but your trip is still possible.
Keep us posted!
Veni, Vidi, Vroom
(I came, I saw, I rode away)
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Maps are OK but.
They don't record just whereabouts
you were lost!
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Well, my bike trip was fabulous! The loaner has an additional 10 000km on it now, and I have 500 km on my new engine. I had NO problems on the trip. I love the bike. It handles fantastic, and after riding a demo bike, I appreciate my new tires and brakes! I am a very satisfied customer! I saw 2 other F800's while in the States, they're quite rare there. Here, there's at least 2 in my town! Love it love it love it. No one has commented on the blow up pictures, did anyone go have a look?
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Lucy - glad to hear you had a great trip. I'm sure the dealer was thrilled with the mileage you put on the demo bike.
Unfortunately I couldn't make out a lot of detail on the photos. Hope that she runs smoothly now that you have her back!
Veni, Vidi, Vroom
(I came, I saw, I rode away)
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Lucy, glad your ok. Could have been nasty. Let me know how the dealership handles this as I suspect I have purchased my bike from the same one. (Named after the street it sits on in Edmonton) My experience with them has been mixed and I'm still waiting to pass judgement as they seem like a good bunch so I'd hate to cast them in a dim light if my experiences with them were just the result of a bad day.
Regarding high cruising speeds... Alberta has straight roads leading to straight roads and moving along at a high rate of speed is easier than you might think. Cops are great here but its quite easy to see them in the distance and if you make the effort to bring her down when you do they are usually pretty good about not giving you grief. Engine braking makes short work of slowing down in a hurry.
Average traffic is moving along at 120-130 (limit is 110) so its not that big a differential. Line of site is huge as mentioned and providing you don't push your luck at dusk or dawn (bambi time) its reasonable.
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This dealership worked with the office in Ontario to get me a loaner bike lined up for my 10 000 km bike trip, so I was blown away by that. I did have to be the "squeaky" wheel, so to speak, but they came around. They replaced the engine on my bike at no cost to me, and have since been changing out fuel strips (because these are quirky and we've yet to find one that gives me an accurate fuel reading) at no cost as it is a warranty issue.
The service department is exceptional. If you'd like to private message me, I can give you details, but I bought my bike from a Calgary store. I deal with the Edmonton store though, for service, and I'm delighted with all the staff (except for the bike sales people - whom I've had almost no contact with). The Edmonton store is where I went first, though. I don't want to touch on this further on the board, but PM for sure.
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Is that 160kmph in 2nd gear ?? 
!!! I think that could cause some stress on the motor !! 
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Haha, no in 6th. I've put 5000 more km's on it since, and it's working wonderfully! I have a few girlfriends that admire it's size (because they're short too), it's weight, (because no one likes parking their bike on it's side), and it's speed (it can keep up with the Suzuki GSXR's at cruising speed). My girlfriends still won't give up their GXSR's though. One of them did downsize to a 750 but still looks wistfully at my 800FST.
- I sold the Harley Street Bob. The new owner is thrilled, and I have NO chrome to polish anymore!
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Originally Posted by
Lucy B
I have a few girlfriends that admire it's size...
me too...
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Carving waves and carving turns
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Originally Posted by
Dunny
me too...
I knew I was going to get a response like that!
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Nope, it would have NONE of that! It ran like a dream! Mine has been very well behaved, and I have the Two Bros. slip on exhaust on it now so it sounds like a....well NOT like a sewing machine anymore! I absolutely love my bike! I'll have to post some more pics. 
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