BMW R1250 RT Exhaust Valve - What Have I Found Out?

Mine was fixed but this issue carries on. Here is what I have found out in the three months since I suffered the problem.

[@Papaondas]

you only have problems with a exhaust valve if you have a exhaust valve, get rid of the valve function , leave it in open position , I've been riding my GS 1250 with the valve disable , a success

[@trailingarm63]

The design of it can't cope with the hostility of the environment it has to work in. I've copper-slipped mine three times, which works for a few months. I've now bought a cheat device for the sensor and will remove the actuator - Ikg weight saving apparently.

[@HighlandRider]

No manufacturer has cracked this problem, or that it is indiscriminate, some bikes get the problem, some don't

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Disable it using the HealTech ESE-BM1 It will not impact your warranty. It's only purpose is to reduce noise and preheat the cat. I check my valve every time I change the rear wheel, and it has never seized up, even though it stays wide open...all the time.

[@HighlandRider]

I will look at that

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@HighlandRider It's a plug and play module. You don't have to remove any hardware, it's literally a matter of switching plugs and securing the module to the frame.

[@grhmnz4648]

@@HighlandRider In the last two months I bought a 2013 R1200GS,after trading in a R1200R .I already had the HealTech ESE-BM1 unit . The BMW dealer I use in NZ and got the GS from, was honest about the issue . They wire the valve open , disconnect the cables , then plug in ,and cable tie the unit to the frame . I got them to remove the servo motor also . For a bike under warranty their approach is likely to be different .

[@800Viffer]

Could it be that this exhaust 'technology' is only being persevered with by bike manufacturers (not just BMW) to help them conform with ever more stringent EU emissions legislation? If so, the issue is not really one that the manufacturers can easily resolve? If they don't get, or more importantly keep the emissions down, they can't sell their bikes in Europe

[@HighlandRider]

It is a valid point and I believe emissions legislation is the core reason why they all persist. Euro 7 is on its way and will only require more reductions in emissions so I think it is something we are all going to have to live with.

[@800Viffer]

​@@HighlandRiderMore than likely

[@johnnie2721]

Thankyou very much for the information, my local dealer has 4 (3 X RT.s and 1 x 1600)BMW's in all just out of warranty! Until I saw your posts I was considering buying one but not a chance now. At £20k new I would have expected this problem to be resolved - it isn't financially viable for a company to keep replacing the same parts under warranty. I watched another review and it said: 'Awesome bike, I still can't connect my phone.' This was a few days ago. There is no will to correct the issue - with modern parts and lubricants this should be a relatively easy fix and certainly not up to the owner to consider remedial action like cutting the valve out!

[@HighlandRider]

Hi Johnnie, thanks for your comments. I would never buy a BMW out of warranty and although last year I bought a 2016 RT it came with a 2 year BMW warranty. Hated the bike and changed it for the new RT, but that is another story. The new RT is awesome to ride and I love mine, but BMW are a joke when it comes to customer service, too dependant on a reputation that is rapidly dwindling away, although not seemingly to the point of affecting the sale of new bikes, which is the only thing they care about.

[@dalevincent9779]

Nothing on the valves

[@gatti493]

Just got the light and im noticing bike running rough , this will be the second time this has happened on my bike from new on a 2022 plate, Not happy at all , i was considering the new 1300 but i may just go for the Africa Twin

[@HighlandRider]

I cut my losses, sold my bike in May 2022 and replaced it with a Goldwing Bagger. No regrets, apart from buying BMW in the first place.

[@othoapproto9603]

In the states, we have 10% Ethanol mix. Ethanol can raise your motor's temp quite a bit. Here is LA it can get really hot in the summer 32c to 43c and getting stuck in traffic just idling will cook your motor oil. So I run pure gas, no Ethanol mix in my GSA and change my oil every 2k in the hot months.

[@HighlandRider]

In the UK we recently moved to 10% ethanol so this could be a growing problem. The redesigned butterfly valve does seem to have solved the issue for now

[@billow9721]

Highland Rider spoke to a gent yesterday who purchased a new 1250RT from a Manchester dealer, had it 10 days problems with the exhaust valve, also he had problems with the Sat Nav, when he parked up switched off, he had to reprogram the Sat Nav, problems with Nav when driving lost signal and lost Sat Nav, just had basic Nav, he has now fitted a Garmin Sat Nav as a backup as his dealer can't fix it and there is a massive problem getting parts due to the factory in Germany suffering flood damage, his biggest gripe, BMW not accepting responsibility that they have problems with this model and recalling them, instead they are passing the buck to the dealers poor is a complement for a 20k bike!

[@HighlandRider]

Unfortunately Paul this is a common set of complaints. For those who have had the software update things appear to be good, but you would think a new bike would come with the new software. It does also appear to be a strategy to deny there are problems and blame anyone else who is conveniently unable to defend themselves.

[@brianwalter7560]

Hi. I had the same problem with my Ducati Multistrada 950. The valve wasn't completely stuck but the operating cable had started to corrode and was barely moving, so the warning light came on. I was able to lube the cable, thereby releasing the exhaust valve. I disconnected the cable at the exhaust valve end so that the valve stayed open all the time. In order to get rid of the warning light, I fitted a Healtech exhaust servo eliminator. This cost about £20 and took c.5 minutes to fit. It's a very simple job. the unit plugs into the wiring loom where the servo would plug in. Job done. I understand from a couple of Ducati dealers' service departments that they often do exactly the same thing when confronted with this very common issue as it doesn't affect the performance of the bike at all. I don't know if the BMW exhaust valve works in the same way as the Ducati's but it would be worth talking to Healtech or checking out their website because it's a good solution in my view.

[@HighlandRider]

Hi Brian. I heard Ducati's suffered the same problem. BMW have redesigned the valve and it is supposed to be much better, but time will tell.

[@paulgibson490]

Hi there I believe early gs bmw had the valve in a short pipe if this is true why don't they us that type now? would be much cheaper replacement. A freind of mine has a 2020 rt where the valve doesn't rotate when ignition is cycled it is in the open position also his front pipes are in perfect condition. My 2019 gs has a working valve 15000miles old but the front pipes are blue? I wonder if this means the extra back pressure also means a lot of extra heat. Bmw just want you to replace your bike every 3 years next customer gets 2 years warranty from bmw dealers.

[@HighlandRider]

BMW only build bikes to last three years, because that is what they sell. They make no money from bikes sold outside their dealer network, so they build for their buyers. They don't care if the bike breaks down at 3 years and one day, because the chance of it being their problem is minimal.

[@colinclugston4757]

It’s happened to myself last year only bought the bike , replaced under warranty but didn’t say it was a new valve or not . Just going to fit a servo buddy like I did to my sports bikes think they are about £40 .

[@HighlandRider]

Depends when that happened. BMW have a new design of valve which is what they are fitting in the UK right now for warranty claims, and I assume to new bikes under manufacture. The thing is not all technicians know, depends on how close the dealership are to BMW

[@philipdebelder6998]

Hello, Philip here from The Flanders ! I bought my R1200RT last february 2017. To day, I have 52 700 km. Since then, the flapper valve seized 3 times. Problem solved, without any cost, by dealer. On the other hand, nearly had 3 accidents, due to erratic gas response. I 've heared that solving the problem could be to remove the Bowden cables between the servo-motor and valve pulley. This allowes the ex- up valve, through pulley spring pressure, to remain in the "normal open" position, while allowing the sofware, not knowing the cables are disconnected, to do its succesfull "open- close" check. Before I do this, does any one have any experience on this matter ? I mean: could this damage the engine ? I am not, at all, interested in the fascist EU reglementations.

[@HighlandRider]

See the reply from K16, but this is way beyond my mechanical knowledge

[@reinhold3590]

Would be best if BMW builds a future RT GS R and others without such an exhaust valve. Make the bikes more silent BMW!!!! I do not need the noise!

[@HighlandRider]

anything that stops this problem and worry I would cheer for

[@digger8180]

As you pointed out a lot of bikes have had these "ex-up" valves for years my K1300S has one, haven't noticed one on the K1600. Originally to tune the back pressure for different loads and at different throttle openings, it also makes for a quieter bike in urban use. The one on my K1300 stuck during exuberant riding on the Dukes Pass earlier this year, bike is also fitted with an Akrapovic end can, I had the baffle out perhaps the temperature got a tad too high? I had to stop just before Callander to let the bike cool down, internals of exhaust were glowing red😲 You can get an electrical plug-and-play application that allows the the removal of this valve for most bikes without setting off the "check engine light".

[@HighlandRider]

Sounds a fun ride

[@wellybobs4403]

Just got the dreaded light too .. exhaust valve....

[@bangersmith7060]

With the technology and material science available to BMW it’s really not credible that they cannot resolve this issue should they choose. What is very believable is that they choose not to whilst enough valves fail outside of warranty to profit them.

[@HighlandRider]

Can't say i disagree

[@clivebrooker8641]

The problem I see with the exhaust flap is that it is up right the top where the cables are connected does move a tad, but the bottom of the flap shaft is on the bottom of the exhaust pipe this catching any moisture that runs through the pipe this then seizes the bottom of the flap arm stopping it working.

[@HighlandRider]

To my tiny mind they are more trouble than they are worth, but if many manufacturers are using them then there must be a reason.

[@ianross225]

This valve was a weak point on the pre LC machines but was contained in a replaceable stub. Without addressing this issue it then became integral to the header/cat assemble on the LC machines and is sealed to prevent any repair. I was quoted £1,800 for my 2014, 7,000 mile GSA where the diagnostics pointed to the valve. I paid £210 for a low mile replacement for a 2017 bike and fitted it myself. A noticeable difference was the end float with much more on the later unit. That may, however, have been lower miles and less carbon residue build up. I was told that my (vastly expensive) extended warranty would not cover this, incidentally. I’ve also heard the rumour of a redesign. Why wait for this many years? To me it’s a typical BMW approach and why I sold my GSA following other quality issues with the bike and service.

[@HighlandRider]

Hi Ian. I was told by BMW that my new valve was a redesign but I take that with a pinch of salt

[@ianross225]

@@HighlandRider I guess a redesign implies a fault and claims for replacement….. shame because I love the bikes.

[@BubbaSatori]

Final drives, fuel strips, canbus, connectivity and exhaust valves. Some things never change.

[@HighlandRider]

Quality has never been a strong point for BMW

[@pauldumon8907]

Hi H, I bought a 20 plate August last year, on its prep for collection the flapper failed like yours requiring new valve new headers. March this year whilst touring Northumberland the Ecu light illuminated, On returning back home I contacted BMW dealer who were fantastic, run it in, yes you guest flapper failure, new valve and headers again!. Dealer thinks the first replacement was possibly the new type valve but unsure. New valve will Definately be fitted this time, so I will let you know any other failing.

[@HighlandRider]

Let’s hope you have no more problems

[@pauldumon8907]

Cheers

[@grenphelps7455]

Have you not thought about getting a exhaust servo eliminator kit for the RT...??

[@HighlandRider]

Never knew you could get one. I am not mechanically minded and rely on dealers to look after me and my bikes. It us why I have never kidded myself I could take on a project

[@sootythegeezer6406]

Just had pre warranty inspection at dealer on my almost 3 year old R1250RT. New exhaust being fitted for partially seized valve. Also final drive bearings need replacing. All this on a bike with less than 5,000 miles on the clock. Extended warranty is an absolute joke - almost £400 per year with a maximum payout per claim of £1000 (and I think a £100 excess). My fifth BMW, but probably my last.

[@HighlandRider]

When I first joined the BMW Owners Group, in Oxford, all the guys had new bikes, or bikes less than 3 years old. They were all what I call realistic fans, that BMW's are great bikes but not billed to last. Your experience is not unusual and belies the BMW reputation, something earned a long time ago before the bean counters got involved. Yet I keep buying.

[@sootythegeezer6406]

@@HighlandRider Just picked up the bike from warranty work, and the service guy at the dealer said he was assured at a technical seminar last month that BMW had modified the exhaust valve recently to try and solve the problem. He did add the caveat that I shouldn't hold my breath. More worryingly, he said he is seeing an increasing number of BMWs (various models) having main shaft drive bearing replaced under warranty.

[@HighlandRider]

@@sootythegeezer6406 I was told the same thing Sooty, which shows they are trying to solve the problem

[@philipbassett5129]

My 2019 1250GS had the same problem at a year old (it had been sitting for months in a dealer showroom during Covid before I got it). The replacement so far, has been ok. I do regularly remove the end can and trim panels round the valve and servo and puff graphite powder at it and around it, in the hope this heat resistant lubricant will prevent it from seizing. Whether this is what’s been doing the trick or not, I’ve no idea (perhaps a mechanic with experience of these can comment), but it’s an easy job, so my thinking is why not, it’s better than doing nothing and hoping (hopefully!).

[@HighlandRider]

If it works Phillip, do it. The thing with the valve is that it doesn't affect all bikes and many owners never experience the problem. The repair BMW did worked for the rest of the time I kept the bike, just other quality issues wore me down and now I have a Goldwing

[@philipbassett5129]

@@HighlandRider I never imagined I might be a Goldwing kinda guy, but I’ve been watching a few videos of the latest model and boy does that engine sound beautiful. If I had a bigger garage, I’d be very tempted.

[@HighlandRider]

@@philipbassett5129 Me neither, in fact I declared very loudly I would never have a Goldwing, but then the new bagger came out and when I tried it I loved it, and still do.

[@MWS1960]

Thanks for the video. I would love to understand a different exhaust if mine dies fail out of warranty.

[@HighlandRider]

I have seen older beemers with aftermarket exhausts, but I will not keep my RT beyond the warranty so unlikely I will find out

[@kencarrcarr3751]

JHC what the hell is going on with BMW I was considering buying one,but not now you have put me totally off.I run a 2020 Street Glide Special 114ci and a 2015 Pan European and can honestly say hand on heart that I have had zero problems over tens of thousands of miles,Is it just a case you have a lemon I'd love to hear from other riders experiences.

[@HighlandRider]

These are not isolated problems, and not entirely exclusive to BMW. I have had three Harleys which have been great apart from flaking lacquer on the forks, which afflicted all three bikes, and the cost of replacement tyres which on my Low Rider was quite expensive, but on my Street Glide Special, was eye waveringly expensive. Still like them though and keep looking but in some ways I think Harley have lost their way a bit in what they are making.

[@kencarrcarr3751]

@@HighlandRider Hi personally I have had no problems with the paint work or finish on any of my Harley's, but I have had friends who experienced that exact problem you had,as for tyres I always replace the originals with Avon Cobras, but I now have ten thousand miles on the original tyres and there is still plenty of life left in them so I cannot really complain.Just as a matter of interest the Pan is a keeper the HD is not lol!

[@HighlandRider]

@@kencarrcarr3751 With the forks, the first two bikes Harley changed under warranty. First time they were reluctant telling me I was riding in the rain, so when I asked them to update the bike descriptions to 'unsuitable for British weather' or I would be talking to trading standards they had a change of heart. The last time they basically told me to piss off, so I sold the bike and haven't been back. Guildford Harley (my dealer then) were gutted as I spent a lot of money with them, and only now, three years later, have they stopped calling.

[@kencarrcarr3751]

@@HighlandRider That's ridiculous to be told the fault was caused because you rode the bike in the rain what the hell were they playing at,if I was told that by any bike manufacturer I would never buy their products again. Keep on riding stay safe.

[@julianmorris9951]

My local Honda dealer has 3 rts they’ve taken in part ex, they seem to be like a hot potato when the warranty expires. These manufacturers will have to start giving 5 year warranty with bikes just to give people the confidence to keep them with all the electronic jizzery that they come with now🤔

[@HighlandRider]

Hi Julian, interestingly in South Africa the bikes come with a 5 year warranty as standard. As I have commented elsewhere I would not buy a BMW bike that was out of warranty, just not worth the risk.

[@julianmorris9951]

@@HighlandRider I didn’t know that!! like you say it isn’t only bmw with problems, it’s all of them😊

[@digger8180]

The extended warranty insurance a waste of money, buyer beware!

[@HighlandRider]

@@digger8180 Absolutely, but an extended warranty from BMW is good, and isn't insurance. I have had both, and the insurance based products are robbery