BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Well I ordered and fitted this new SW Motech bash guard on the LC. "Why?!" I hear you say, or "buy a GS!" Well, I love the new LC but I have to travel down a track to get to my place (no I don't own a lot of land, it's a 'right of way') and in any case noticed even with the crud catcher, the country roads round our location throw up a few stones and mark the underneath of the engine casing. It's quite light and I actually think it looks OK (see pics). However, it makes the bike sound and feel like an old RT (growly and lots of vibrations through the hands). This may be bad fitting or may be a product problem. Anyone else tried this (I know, you're probably not daft enough to want to) and been able to get it sorted?

Looks like a nice bit of kit, and it cost you ?

Thanks.  Yours looks better finished than the one on their site. That's a good lump of cash though.

I know and bottom line is if I can fix the noise/vibration I'm ok with it but if not the 'buyer's regret' will be severe. I guess water cooled GS people will have experience of how these things affect noise/vibration...?

I would not think it would have any effect on noise or vibration.

Well it's really quite bad and I took it off (leaving the three fixing brackets still attached) and all goes back to normal. It's as if it's acting as a sound (and vibration) box that shoves all the noise up the fork cavity. Will have to get my thinking cap on re possible rubber washers for the vibration and sound deadening material..... or just send it back. A bit frustrating. If I had more time, or retired it would be a good little challenge to get my teeth into. Hmmm

Very odd.  When you think its much like the GS one, if not just about a clone of it. 

I would get back to SW-Motech explain your case maybe there's a solution or something either in the fitting or the part, you never know. It is a nice bit of kit though. What is strange is the engine is the same as the GS so why doesn't it work? Not being technically minded I am sure there will be be the "gurus" on the site who will enlighten me lol But, how can a respected manufacturer of the after market accessories be allowed to sell something that could effect the design and safety of the machine.


i hope there is a good conclusion to this as I quite like it and I have lots of tracks that I otherwise avoid, best of luck

Thanks will keep you posted! I've added an attempted photo of the three brackets with the actual plate removed in case anyone is interested, the fittings look and feel well made and sound.

Dealer deinstalled and reinstalled but same problem so it's either badly designed or faulty (Matt at North Oxford has been great about this). BS Motorparts have been really supportive (distributor) and offered to replace but SW Motech said it was a problem for the dealer re poor fitting or I should take it up with the retailer. It's was a trainee who replied to my mail in a rather uniterested and facetious way When I asked for a response from his manager he replied saying manager aware but he could not tell him what to do  :not:

You mean a refit using a replacement item?

Steveeung wrote: You mean a refit using a replacement item?

That make sense, if the problem persists and your unhappy with the `product' then you have consumer `rights' and get a refund  as its unfit for purpose,  you have then provided them the opportunity to resolve the issue  ......

Steve, I fitted one after the 600 mile service and now have 3200 miles on the clock. I can't say I've noticed the problems you've described unfortunately. Craig