[hemiwes]

So I went on a 90 mile round trip today and when I got home, I noticed that my right side plastic cover for the spark plug had flew off some time during the ride! This is the 2nd one that has come flying off. Anybody else have this problem? I'm thinking of drilling a hole in the cover this next time and putting some lockwire through it. Anybody else have a better idea on what I can do to prevent this piece from flying off?

 

[Hoshiko]

I have never heard of that problem, not even with GS bikes going off road. Sorry

 

[hemiwes]

I guess the 2012 style plastic pieces are designed differently and I'm assuming are more prone to this problem. Either that, or my valve cover has the issue with holding one of these pieces on.

 

[fleuger99]

I also have a 2012, never had an issue and last month I did a 2300 mile trip and no issues.

 

[las]

Never had, or heard of the problem; have you changed the gasket?

 

[hemiwes]

There is no gasket involved with the little plastic piece. I know there is a lip that it sits in on the top part. I still think I'm going to drill two small holes and lock wire it to the little bolt below the valve cover just for added security.

 

[Clem]

Haven't seen that problem, either hemiwes.Lost 3 or 4 telelever pivot joint caps from my R1100R.

"Either that, or my valve cover has the issue with holding one of these pieces on."
Or wasn't attached in "just the right way."
While you have the safety wire,drill & small bit right there,... oil filler cap?
Don't know how much BMW charges for plastic spark plug cover.
If you loose many of them, you could have paid for a set of these. I love mine.
http://machineartmoto.com/shopsite_sc/XHDOHC.html

 

[hemiwes]

I did look into those Clem, really nice valve cover covers. But I have the Ztechnik crashbars. they won't fit. I think the safety wire will probably do the trick. Atleast if it falls now, it won't go flying off! Not a bad idea for the oil filler cap. Thanks for the tip. I'll take a picture and show you guys how it turned out.

 

[Classic11]

I am starting to have feelings for your covers also Clem. This is a result of the minor incident I had in the garage with my left cylinder head and my brush blade that left a small cut into the outside. I can't stop looking at it, you know how it is. If only I had been more careful

 

[Clem]

Scratched your new bike? I KNOW how you feel. Believe me.

Those covers give just a bit better coverage than some others. They have a cushion inside them, also. Price ain't bad. I am very pleased with them, AND the MudSling. No more often than the valves need adjusting, Why not? These MachineArtMoto covers have all 3 Torx mount bolts up high, quick & easy to reach. The old oilhead ones used a hex screw on the underside of the cylinder, and were a PITA !!

 

[Classic11]

What did the dealer say? I'd hope they would address this since your bike is next to new!

 

[hemiwes]

SO I took it to the dealership this last saturday and they had me fill out a PUMA report. Apparently, they can't do any warranty work until one of these reports is filled out and sent to BMW. So with that being said, I held off on the safety wire idea until I hear back. I installed my 3rd plastic cover and rode this past Sunday, luckily it didn't fall off. I did notice that it's backing out again. I really think it's a defective valve cover. anyhow, I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

 

[Clem]

I installed my 3rd plastic cover and.....

Perhaps, since it's the 3rd time, you should have the dealer install it.
If it's a faulty cover, he'd be sure it wasn't your oversight.Get my drift?

PUMA report??? WTF? Acronyms are gonna' kill me.

 

[Hoshiko]

PUMA report??? WTF? Acronyms are gonna' kill me.

Don't know what that is but I can tell you that the Pumas (close enough) are my Soccer team.