fine metal shavings on the differential drain plug

[Chaos]

If the oil had never been changed consider the fuzz the result of the final self-polishing of the components.

[Scott]

The material on the plug looked fairly alarming to me, usually it's fine pasty stuff, yours looks like swarf from a drill press after drilling metal, but if the final drive feels okay, and doesn't make noise, why not change oil and look in another 500 miles and re-evaluate then.  What is the capacity, something like 800cc's?  Keep an eyeball out for another final drive in the meantime.  That's what I'd do at least, good luck.

[Laitch]

It's hard for us to believe, because we love our bricks, but there are people out there who don't even know that the final drive takes oil.

Out there? They're in here! Furthermore, loving a Brick seems slightly perverse and undoubtedly abrasive, so count me out. :-)

  What is the capacity, something like 800cc's?

250cc for the final drive.

[Laitch]

Another bloke who ran his Husky chainsaw with less oil to blow it up for a refund. Didn't work so he ran it with no oil, still didn't pack up.  It's hard to believe but some weird shit happens sometimes.

The best way to ruin a Husky saw is run low octane gasoline in it.

[billday]

The best way to ruin a Husky saw is run low octane gasoline in it.

Don't ask you how you know?

[SDCR john]

Scott,

  The pic with the swarf, is not the one from my bike. I referenced it, because the volume is similar. The swarf on my drain plug, although similar quantity, was of the very fine, granular type. As I mentioned, I have a Independent BMW tech taking a look, I will post his diagnoses when he gets a look.
 Thanks for your response to this issue.

The material on the plug looked fairly alarming to me, usually it's fine pasty stuff, yours looks like swarf from a drill press after drilling metal, but if the final drive feels okay, and doesn't make noise, why not change oil and look in another 500 miles and re-evaluate then.  What is the capacity, something like 800cc's?  Keep an eyeball out for another final drive in the meantime.  That's what I'd do at least, good luck.

[johnny]

greetings...

i am earths foremoist independent internet bmw tech... i says  put a nonmagnetic drain  plug in there and fill it up with mobil 1 synthetic gear lube ls 75w-90 and stop your freaking and continue motobricking...

is your aaa premier rv membership up to date...

j o

[billday]

Furthermore, loving a Brick seems slightly perverse and undoubtedly abrasive, so count me out. :

Oh, a Brick. At first I thought you said a Buick.

[Scott]

Scott,

  The pic with the swarf, is not the one from my bike. I referenced it, because the volume is similar. The swarf on my drain plug, although similar quantity, was of the very fine, granular type. As I mentioned, I have a Independent BMW tech taking a look, I will post his diagnoses when he gets a look.
 Thanks for your response to this issue.

Okay I see, could be the last mechanic didn't clean the plug last oil change or two.  Who knows on a used motorbike. You're forming a baseline now for the bike. I would change the oil frequently, small capacity, inexpensive gear oil and see how it goes.  It will be interesting what the BMW expert thinks.  My old Husky always has a fuzzy plug and it"s an 1982, still shifts fine.  I change it's oil every other ride.  cheers.

[Laitch]

It will be interesting what the BMW expert thinks.

If this technician has the final drive disassembled on his bench, he'll probably indicate it needs a new part or two, and you probably should concede to that.

[SDCR john]

I am expecting perhaps a bearing has failed. I am not averse to having any repairs done by him, as his past work on other bikes has been fine.

Being a 25 year old machine, occasional repairs are expected. It has been a terrific machine, and I plan to keep it.

If this technician has the final drive disassembled on his bench, he'll probably indicate it needs a new part or two, and you probably should concede to that.

[SDCR john]

I am expecting perhaps a bearing has failed. I am not averse to having any repairs done by him, as his past work on other bikes has been fine.

Being a 25 year old machine, occasional repairs are expected. It has been a terrific machine, and I plan to keep it.

If this technician has the final drive disassembled on his bench, he'll probably indicate it needs a new part or two, and you probably should concede to that.

[johnny]

greetings...

a technician would fill the differential with marvel mystery oil and run it in 5th gear on the centerstand for and hour... drain it... fill it with mobil one and charge you $800 for parts and labor rebuild...

j o