BMW R1200 GS Rear Ligth Lens

[Fun_D_Mental]

I have broken two rear light lens in the last 6 months on my GS. I have not been off road yet, just riding on good old Louisiana roads. Which some people from other states maintain is 'off road." Are any other GS riders having this problem? If so, have you found what is causing the problem and how to fix it?

[Ritten]

I've never heard of breaking a lens just from jolting or riding. Are rocks hitting the tail and breaking the light cover?

[Fun_D_Mental]

No, the first time it happen I was riding for my home to Sears in the Houma Mall to purchase a set of tork drives. When I returned to the parking lot it looked like someone hit the lens with their hand and broke it off. Never did find the len. That was a few months ago. It happened again this weekend as we were riding with Andy the his friends to Mississippi. Stopped for fuel and noticed it was gone. Both screws are still in place and both tabs are broke off.

[Britton]

I've never had that problem. All I can think of is that the screws are being over tightened putting stress on the mounting tabs causing them to crack and fail.

[Shaq Diesel]

overtightening sounds like the most likely cause. As an experiment I would buy a new lens cover and screws and put it on "hand-tight".

Also, if you can take a picture and show use what it looks like now?

[Ritten]

I've never had that problem. All I can think of is that the screws are being over tightened putting stress on the mounting tabs causing them to crack and fail.


I was thinking the same thing. Usually vibration takes out the bulbs first.

[nickatnite]

I was thinking the same thing. Usually vibration takes out the bulbs first.


Do you have Jesse Bags installed on your bike or nothing as of now?

The reason why, all of us: me, Ted and Stu have jesse's. To install the Jesse's, you have to take the assembly loose and move it further back and down.

Also, word on the street, is that BMW is using 2 different stalk lengths. Yours might be the longer one allowing it to move a good bit more.

Here is a pic on the relocation of the turn signal for the Jesse's.

http://voodeauxphotography.smugmug.com/photos/231057267_ZoeLw-XL.jpg

Even tho, this is the left side, you can see where it removes itself from where it could constantly hit on the plastic tab that hold the factory luggage.

[Shaq Diesel]

Good call Nick, I didn't even think of aftermarket luggage racks being an issue.

Since the OP hasn't posted in a few days I hope the problem is solved. If not, a picture is worth 1000 words (even though you might only need 100 of them).

[Fun_D_Mental]

The first time this happens I did not have my Jesse Bags installed. I have ordered a new lens and awaiting it's delivery.

I looked at the rear lamp assembly and one of the screw holes is fractured but intact and useful.

Both lens broke the same way and the only thing I have left after each incident is the plastic part of the lens that is under the screws. It really looks like someone hit the lens from above and broke it off.

Mike