Pivot Bearing Play Final Drive

[Quico]

Hi.

I have a 2010 RT with a small play in the pivot bearing on the final drive (needle bearing side).

When I rock the rear wheel, looking for play, with my hands on the rear tire at 12 and 6 o'clock, I can feel the bolt/bearing stud moving just a tad.

Should it have some play or should it be tight?

Is it common?

[David.]

I can't answer your questions but found a thread on BMWMOA, https://forums.bmwmoa.org/threads/a-gui ... ive.96845/
and a video from Tinderbox Arts.



They may be useful for future reference or if any maintenance is necessary.

[David.]

In 2017, after 5 years and 21,500 miles, during a VHC, a BMW dealer identified, "slight play in rear pivot bearing".

Had this checked at a.n.other BMW dealer and the bearing was perfectly ok.

The motorcycle is now 12 years old and has done 52,700 miles without any problems with the pivot bearing.

Reading the BMWMOA thread,
How to know if you have problems:

Final drive:
One way to inspect the final drive is to place the bike into gear, then onto the centre stand. Grab the rear wheel at the 12 and 6 O'clock position and attempt to feel if there is any play in the final drive as you rock it toward and away from you. Repeat this procedure at various other positions around the clock. If you discover play, have someone hold the rear brake and test again. If the play goes away, it is the final drive pivot bearings. If play remains, the final drive bearings are loose/toast.

[Quico]

I am sure it's the pivot bearing on the left side, the needle bearing. Given that it's a small play, I was trying to figure out if it's supposed to be like that or if I should replace the bearing.

I had already seen that video, and others from the same YouTuber. I think he is here on the forum. They are very useful for maintaining my RT. Because of him, I recently bought the Carbtune to balance the throttle bodies. Thank you!