[McCallum]

So guys, I just came back from my local dealer and I think most people would like to hear this.

The problem is know for quite some time at BMW now and affects all pre 2017 models (old dials). It's not a question of 'if' but rather 'when' your own cable will snap. The part mentioned here before (12517803874) is too small for the old nails cable and if any deformation is already visible in the cable, will pop right off when you take your first turn. Every small form of deformation of the cable should be reported to your local dealer, and taping it is the only temporary solution for now.

According to my dealer, although the right solution to solve the problem hasn't been found yet, be aware that a massive recall of all pre 2017 models is very likely in the near future.

PS: As @BaldyDave has mentioned above, the problem is a result of poor design by BMW, where looks are considered more important than functionality and safety.

 

[BaldyDave]

So guys, I just came back from my local dealer and I think most people would like to hear this.

The problem is know for quite some time at BMW now and affects all pre 2017 models (old dials). It's not a question of 'if' but rather 'when' your own cable will snap. The part mentioned here before (12517803874) is too small for the old nails cable and if any deformation is already visible in the cable, will pop right off when you take your first turn. Every small form of deformation of the cable should be reported to your local dealer, and taping it is the only temporary solution for now.

According to my dealer, although the right solution to solve the problem hasn't been found yet, be aware that a massive recall of all pre 2017 models is very likely in the near future.

PS: As @BaldyDave has mentioned above, the problem is a result of poor design by BMW, where looks are considered more important than functionality and safety.

At least it is recognised that an issue exists, lets hope a proper fix, and not just a bodge is released.

If I understand you correctly you are saying that the flexible tube conduit will simply fall off when the loom flexes at the headstock?

I can't answer for the BMW part, but the tubing I fixed over the loom seems very secure indeed and actually took quite a bit of force to prise the split open to take the loom, and the tubing snapped back tight afterwards. I'd be surprised if this comes off, but will certainty keep an eye on it.

I'll email the dealer with photos and ask that they record the issue in my vehicle service record and ask for their official response. Doubt that I'll be in any postition to be able to ride for at least the next 2 months (recovering from knee operation).

 

[Kenko]

Checked mine today and found that the outer plastic covering had split all round exposing the wires inside. I slit a 6" black piece of air line and slipped it over the damaged cable and secured it with cable ties. This will do until I can find a better way of fixing the problem, I believe part of the of the cable splitting etc is because the cable is too short to begin with. a bit more slack would help.

 

[NineT16]

My 2016 has a different sheath on the right side cables , but the headlight cable sheath is the same.

 

[Rooster]

Thought I would add to the list:

Just checked my 2015, 14000 mile bike and have same problem, although inner wires still look ok.
Had it serviced just before the warrantee ran out, would have thought they should have picked up on it then?
Thanks for the heads up, I would not have thought to look until it was too late!
Great forum guys.

 

[JohnT]

Based on this thread I went out and looked at my 2015. No issues but I can see why there's a problem. The typical over engineering. The wire bundles are trapped and they flex in a short area when the forks are turned.


There are two bundles, one on each side at the top of the steering head retained by clips and one on the left side at the bottom of the steering head retained by one of the (many) black nylon ties BMW seems to love. It looks pretty dumb. The bundles are anchored so all the flex is over a short wire span concentrating it in one area asking for failure.


So I clipped one nylon tie and opened the two clips freeing the bundles so they're free to bend/flex more gently. When it warms up and the bike comes down off its' stands I'll look at popping the 2 clips off the frame to get them out of the way.

 

[BaldyDave]

Had a conversation with my local motorrad dealer re this issue, unfortunately the ICE system was down (which has all the service issues and recalls for all BMW motorcycles) but I was told that they were aware of the issue, and one 9T to his knowledge has been in for this issue and the room was repaired using sticky cloth wiring tape. He isn't aware of any recall at this stage or any modified fix other than tape. I let them know what my fix was and to note that I had been in to report the issue on my bike, also made them aware that this forum has had several reports of the same issue plus showed him photos of the damage on my bike. They could see by looking at my leg brace and crutch that I was in no state to ride my bike in! lol

Anyway I did notice that later 9Ts have got a revised wiring loom with sleeving that looks very similar to my repair.

Below is a photo taken from a brand new 2017 R nineT.



The fact that BMW have altered the wiring loom design is pretty-much an admission that they got the original loom design wrong. Doubt that BMW will put it that way though!

 

[NineT16]

Had a conversation with my local motorrad dealer re this issue, unfortunately the ICE system was down (which has all the service issues and recalls for all BMW motorcycles) but I was told that they were aware of the issue, and one 9T to his knowledge has been in for this issue and the room was repaired using sticky cloth wiring tape. He isn't aware of any recall at this stage or any modified fix other than tape. I let them know what my fix was and to note that I had been in to report the issue on my bike, also made them aware that this forum has had several reports of the same issue plus showed him photos of the damage on my bike. They could see by looking at my leg brace and crutch that I was in no state to ride my bike in! lol

Anyway I did notice that later 9Ts have got a revised wiring loom with sleeving that looks very similar to my repair.

Below is a photo taken from a brand new 2017 R nineT.



The fact that BMW have altered the wiring loom design is pretty-much an admission that they got the original loom design wrong. Doubt that BMW will put it that way though!

Looks like mine:eusa_clap: 2016

 

[BillB]

Is it me, or does that harness still seem stretched too much? They didn't lengthen the harness, but just added the protective loom. :icon_scratch:

 

[BaldyDave]

Is it me, or does that harness still seem stretched too much? They didn't lengthen the harness, but just added the protective loom. :icon_scratch:

Think you have a point there...

 

[JohnT]

Makes a difference if you have stock bars or not. Lower farther forward bars and you have more slack.

 

[BaldyDave]

Makes a difference if you have stock bars or not. Lower farther forward bars and you have more slack.

Respectfully disagree, mate. The bars make no difference as the part of the loom that is failing goes to the instrument cluster. Irrespective to what bars you choose to put on your 9T, the instrument cluster stays in the same place.

 

[JohnT]

Respectfully disagree, mate. The bars make no difference as the part of the loom that is failing goes to the instrument cluster.

You're right, bit of brain fade on my part. Upon closer inspection the outer sheath on mine is cracked. I'll deal with it when the bike gets moved from its' winter resting place.

I'll look at the harness routing to see if some more slack is available to route it better when I lift the tank to install the Rapido quick throttle spool.

 

[drotor]

You're right, bit of brain fade on my part. Upon closer inspection the outer sheath on mine is cracked. I'll deal with it when the bike gets moved from its' winter resting place.

I'll look at the harness routing to see if some more slack is available to route it better when I lift the tank to install the Rapido quick throttle spool.

JohnT,

Can I request you post a DIY for the quick throttle installation?

I have one sitting on my desk ...

Cheers,

David


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[JohnT]

JohnT,
Can I request you post a DIY for the quick throttle installation?

Hope you're patient. It won't happen 'til April or so. Looks like one of those jobs where the biggest issue is removing (or lifting) stuff, like the tank, to get access. The actual spool R&R once you get to the splitter housing should be easy.

 

[JohnT]

"wiring loom failure" Has anyone had the wires actually break (which would be a "wiring loom failure") or is this just an (over) reaction to the sheath cracking?

 

[BaldyDave]

Hope you're patient. It won't happen 'til April or so. Looks like one of those jobs where the biggest issue is removing (or lifting) stuff, like the tank, to get access. The actual spool R&R once you get to the splitter housing should be easy.

Erm....classic example of someone not reading the first post.....

Also my local dealer confirmed the case they had seen had instrument failure due to a broken wire in the area we have been discussing.


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[JohnT]

Also my local dealer confirmed the case they had seen had instrument failure due to a broken wire in the area we have been discussing.

I was wondering. I'm going to cut off the sheath in that area and start over. The sheath cracks and then the edges of the cracked sheath cause issues with the wires. Definitely could have been done better.

Sorry for the drift.

 

[BaldyDave]

I was wondering. I'm going to cut off the sheath in that area and start over. The sheath cracks and then the edges of the cracked sheath cause issues with the wires. Definitely could have been done better.

Sorry for the drift.

No it's me that needs to apologise I quoted your post in error. I am sorry for the mix-up, and will quote the correct member.


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[BaldyDave]

"wiring loom failure" Has anyone had the wires actually break (which would be a "wiring loom failure") or is this just an (over) reaction to the sheath cracking?

Erm....classic example of someone not reading the first post, my friend..... look closely at the photo and read later posts

Also my local dealer confirmed the case they had seen had instrument failure due to a broken wire in the area we have been discussing.


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