From what I have been told the out-put bearing, which has a seal on one side and open on the other side, was being installed by one particular "technician"(or what ever you would like to call this position ) backwards at assembly.
This meant that instead of having the open (non sealed) side facing inwards therefore open to the oil enviroment, it was open to the outside getting no lubrication and being open to the crap from outside.
This was a particular batch as done by this particular operator.
Once rectified, no more problems.
I was told that the bearing lasted about 25-30K Kms, but bikes with noisy exhaust pipes the bearing lasted about 35K Kms !
How much "Fact" is in this who would know. When you consider just how strong the rest of the trans is, this does make sence.