BMW K1200 S/R/Sport Cam Chain Tensioner Install

Houston, we have a problem!

Seems BMW simply can’t figure out how to keep a Cam Chain under tension. I had this problem with a couple oil heads I’ve owned and I read there is (was) an issue with certain F bikes.

The symptom is that when you start your BMW motorcycle, especially if it has been sitting a few days, the right side of the motor sounds like a coffee can with marble rattling around in it. And NO, that isn’t the sound of a dry clutch like a Ducati or a Moto Guzzi. Now that sound is music to a lover of all bikes Italian. No, the sound you are hearing on your K “wedge” bike is the cam chain slamming around in the engine cover, doing its darn est to jump a sprocket tooth and send your pistons crashing into the now out of sync valves. Beautiful!

You’d think by now, after a few hundred million motorcycles have been built around the world, this little issue would be resolved. But nooooooooooo! You need to spend another $124.66 of your hard earned money to recitfy the situation.

Fortunately it is about the easiest upgrade you can possible do to your motorcycle.

You need to order BMW part #11317717287 (be aware, BMW has a habit of changing part number in mid stream. This is the part number for a 2007 K1200R Sport as of this writing)

The old Cam Chain Tensioner is shown on the top and the new unit, with the oil reservoir is shown on the bottom. The kit includes everything you will need.

On the “R” and “GT” you have some body plastic to remove. But once you do, on the right side of the motorcycle you will see a small steel cover held on by two bolts. That the Cam Chain Tensioner.

Using a swivel connector for a 1/4″ socket set, remove these two bolts

Be careful, the tensioner cap is under a little pressure. It’s not going to fly through space, but it could pop off and fling a bit of oil about.

Pull the old CCT out and discard everything. The new CCT has an O-Ring and a new plunger. Save the two bolts! Duh!

You need to pre-fill the oil reservoir and the plunger. I simply poured a half table spoon full of motor oil into the reservoir and inserted the plunger and actuated the device. I did this three times and it seemed it wouldn’t take any more.

Install the new CCT with the label facing the engine. Very important, the oil journals need to be positioned properly or the reservoir will not replenish properly.

Tighten down the two bolts to 9Nm torque.

Start the motor and shut it off immediatly. DO NOT BLIP THE THROTTLE!!!!! Do this “start-shut off” three times. This pressurizes the CCT.

Now start the bike. DO NOT BLIP THE THROTTLE!, let it run and check for leaks or any Ducati type noises.

If all is good, you are good to go.

You next mission should be to install a Cam Chain Tooth Jump Guard. See my other article on this wen site about that little puppy.

Hope you enjoyed this little article and you found it helpful!