NHTSA Complaint #10447856 — 1996 BMW K1100

CROWN GEAR BEARINGS FAILED DAMAGING SEAL RESULTING IN GEAR OIL LEAKING ONTO THE REAR WHEEL. I DISCOVERED THE LEAK ON PRE-RIDE INSPECTION, IT WAS LUCKY FOR ME THAT I DIDN'T HAVE THE FAILURE WHILE RIDING. WHEN THE REPAIR WAS MADE THE DEALER SHOWED ME WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE BEARINGS, NOT MUCH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED, REAR DRIVE OIL CHANGED AS REQUIRED BY THE FACTORY MAINTENANCE MANUAL, AND PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT WAS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL. HAD I RIDDEN THE MOTORCYCLE I WOULD HAVE LOST REAR BRAKING POWER FROM GEAR OIL ON THE ROTOR, THE REAR TIRE WOULD HAVE BEEN COATED IN OIL AND EMERGENCY HANDLING WOULD BE COMPROMISED DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE PLAY AT THE REAR WHEEL. *TR