C650 GT Mirror Issue?

[davidh]

Went to wash the bike the other day and noticed the right mirror looked a bit different than the left. On closer examination the entire assembly appeared to be much looser where it attached to the frame. I removed the side panel and battery and checked both screws; both appeared tight. I didn't exhume too much because I didn't want to fully disconnect the battery and have the windscreen stop working (pet peeve).

So...I'm wondering if the attachment actually broke? It has much more play than the left one (which also sits lower). I haven't hit anything and there's no damage to either side. I'm hoping it actually stays on the bike until my next service appointment (4-6 weeks) but am fearful for what they'll say (and what it might cost -- assuming I can't get the warranty to cover it).

Anybody else have issues with the mirrors (other than the usual vibration, of course)?

 

[Sparkrn]

4000 miles and no issues so far

 

[exavid]

No trouble here coming up on 5000 miles.

 

[JaimeC]

17,500 miles and the only complaint I have about the mirrors is the lack of visibility directly behind me. GREAT view of my upper arms and the lanes next to me, though.

 

[TN_Sooner]

GREAT view of my upper arms and the lanes next to me, though.

THIS!

Won't let me post with out at least 10 characters...

 

[davidh]

Well here are the pics. My best guess is metal fatigue. Had I hit something, the threaded inserts would've given up way before the metal frame. The dealer is writing up a case to BMW so we'll see what happens.

 

[SteveADV]

If you hit something, you probably would have some marks on the mirror casing, right? Absent that, and without any other reports of metal fatigue, it is a tough one to figure out. I wonder if it is an assembly issue that can be a one-off problem. Whatever it is, it's good to hear your dealer is backing you (or at least attempting to).

It will be interesting to hear about BMW's follow up.

 

[davidh]

Good news, BMW approved a new mirror and the frame pieces. I'll have to dig through the manual to see if both mirrors are attached to the same bracket or two separate ones. I'll also try to find time and pull the left mirror just to see if there's any signs of stress there.

 

[Sparkrn]

Try to keep that scooter below 100mph and maybe you won't collapse the new ones.

 

[Snowdog]

Metal fatigue usually stems from some kind of movement, which points to a design flaw or materials problem. Being a stamped part, cracks could have formed during manufacturing
and spread due to movement of the thin material. An impact would have looked much different.

 

[exavid]

Possibly the mirror was loose and the resulting vibration did the dirty work. Kind of like having a Harley.

 

[Snowdog]

It wouldn't have to be loose, just flexing would do it. But you don't know until you look at the fracture at the laboratory. I used to examine jet engine part failures in a lab 25 years ago. Didn't do it for long as it was a temp job. A tedious job.

 

[Skutorr]

Snowdog called it, that's metal fatigue due being mounted on a thin, stamped piece of metal that flexes with engine/road vibration...

 

[davidh]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'll report back when I inspect the left side.