r100rt shock mount

[sprints@pldi.net]

I removed my rear tail plastic and began noticing several item out of line. The PO said he fell over with the bike once and that sprung the luggage rack and 'saddlebag'. I also noticed my upper shock mount is quite bent to the outside - so much so the bolt is in a bind and the mount actually rubs against the top shock eye.
My question is this - I would assume these cast parts are cast steel, not cast iron or it would have already broken.
Can I straighten the mount so my bolt is aligned properly again by bending the mount inward and not break it? Thanks - Rod
You can email me for a photo - my pictures are too large to attach

[Deleted User 62]

What year is your bike?

[sprints@pldi.net]

91 r100rt

[Deleted User 62]

Is this like what you have? If so, I think it would be easy to bend it back. I'd get the shock, and maybe the subframe out of the way and use an adjustable wrench as the tool.

[Jean]

I'd be worried about MORE than the shock mount if it hit that hard.
Swing-arm, driveshaft comes to mind first.

[Deleted User 62]

Here's the pic he sent me (looks like a poorly designed part if you ask me !)

[ME 109]

I'd be inclined to use heat to straighten it out.
I might also look for a straight s/hand one or even a new one if available, and weld it on.
.........that depends on whether the 'arm' is bent, or if it's meant to be like that.

If it's just bent on one axis as the picture shows, then heat and bend.
Heat the entire arm, not the 'eye'. Heat to a dull red and bend with a snug fitting bar through the eye.
Don't cool it with water.

[sprints@pldi.net]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for posting the pic Tim. Here's abit more info - I have a friend with the identical bike ('(95) and his is straight. The problem with bending the whole arm is that if you look carefully up the arm you see another boss arising on the same casting. That boss is where the upper subframe mounts and it's slanted also to the right because the subframe toes in at the front and bolts on there. I would have to only bend the rear 1 1/2" inches or forget it. I think I will chalk it up to a qc slip up and assume that occasionally they have some crooked ones. As long as the bolt has integrity the rear shock isn't in a bind and by the way, it works fine.
You all (the club, the BMW family) are really a great resource - thanks again - I'll be back - Rod

[SteveD]

What would happen if you rotated the shock 180 degrees in the top mount?

[ME 109]

What would happen if you rotated the shock 180 degrees in the top mount?

The mis-alignment would remain the same.

The bend appears to be confined to the area within 3/4" of the shock mount.
I say that on the evidence in the pic that the subframe mount is straight. The bend appears to start at the end of the subframe mount, not that the subframe mount would offer any resistance.