BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

David. wrote: Is there any evidence of the reservoir being bonded (glued) to the control assembly.

Looks like the resorvoir clips to those red lugs and sealed with an O ring

Replying to David.
Don't call me Shirley.I told you that it did not happen, but won't continue to belabor the point.
No glue residue.  The red tabs hold a male part in the mating female recess and pressurize the o-ring.  I believe.

3Pines wrote:The red tabs hold a male part in the mating female recess and pressurize the o-ring.

If there is no damage, can the reservoir just be re-fitted.

Ah! Perhaps I've left out details.
The reservoir actually smashed around the "cockpit" for several seconds before finally going "down the drain" past the triple tree.  It took me several seconds - maybe even 10 to figure out what big piece of the bike had broken.  It seemed like it was going to be a real catastrophe (crash!).  The bike continued on straight, don't misunderstand.  From the sounds, I feared something really big and important had fallen off.  I had to look several times before I could get the fact that it was the fluid reservoir.  I was not able to identify it before it disappeared, only after finally noticing the plate and the absence of the reservoir.  Remember, I had a face full of mineral oil.
I searched for an hour, but could not find the reservoir.  I suspect it bounced into the overgrown ditch.
You have inspired me, though.  I'M GOING BACK. 

If you do find it. If there is not a separate lid on the reservoir it may need to be filled inverted and then assembled

#9

Doesnt look like the right one

Entering your BMW Serial Number (last 7 digits of your VIN) into the "Search" box will identify the correct parts, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

The right one is the handbrake assembly.

It's a bit worrying if the handbrake assembly is the same construction as the clutch.

Thanks for the help, folks.
I spent another two hours searching the ditches and of course found nothing.  I suppose the reservior got hung up in the tupperware for a while before it made it to the road.  In other words, I may not have been searching the right spot.  So, no joy on the "find it and snap it back on" idea.
My local dealer continued to screw up, and I've divorced them.  They used to be great, but have hired some real peaches since the dealership changed hands.
I ordered the US$525. part from another dealer, and will attempt the repair myself.   

The smoked  glass "jiggly-mount" fluid reservoirs are a pretty stupid design.  I expected better from BMW.  Or, the previously mentioned geniuses broke it when they replaced my cruise control switch (two weeks before the incident).  This latter possibility seems quite likely based on how they behaved.