1150 GSA - Knocking noise (clutch pulled / in gear)

[woodsman149]

I've owned by bike for about 10 weeks now but an issue has cropped up that is concerning me a little. I thought I was getting used to all of the odd noises this bike makes but this one has only cropped up more recently. When the bike is at operating temp (5 bars) and I'm at a stop light with the clutch lever pulled in and "in gear" there is a very noticeable "deep knocking" noise coming from the centre of the engine. The noise goes away most of the time when I shift into neutral and release the lever but sometimes it's there even in neutral but to a much lesser degree and always goes away if I pump the clutch lever a couple of times. It's so bad I'm now in the habit of shifting into neutral at every stop light so I don't have to sit there with the knocking noise in my engine and counting the worry beads.

I can't recall the bike making this deep knocking noise when I bought it and it seemed to appear after a prolonged stint of stop and go city riding on a recent trip I made. I have yet to change the clutch / brake fluid but I know the levels are OK. What could be the issue or is this another noise to chalk to the bikes character and just get on an ride the thing? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Steptoe]

It's so bad I'm now in the habit of shifting into neutral at every stop light so I don't have to sit there with the knocking noise in my engine and counting the worry beads.

.

You should never sit for long periods with the clutch pulled in on a dry clutch BMW.
You'll feck the clutch slave cylinder bearing.

 

[slalom]

As Steptoe says.

I first noticed this noise on mine while queing for the Mont Blanc tunnel in
80C heat and it still does it 30,000 miles later when hot. Don't worry.
I've been tempted to put 90/140 oil in the gearbox but managed to resist so far
slalom

 

[jaak]

There is a guy at ADVrider who opened his geabox after those knocking noises.
He had a failed intermediate bearing.

Looky here:

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/R11xx tranny rebuild.html

 

[woodsman149]

There is a guy at ADVrider who opened his geabox after those knocking noises.
He had a failed intermediate bearing.

Looky here:

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/R11xx tranny rebuild.html

No, this sounds different. It's certainly a knocking rather than a grinding. Also disappears when under load. It's only at idle with the clutch pulled and in gear. Had a few other replies under ADVrider and sounds like a common issue without too much to worry about. I'll make sure shift into neutral when stopped as Steptoe suggests, then it won't be a problem.

 

[woodsman149]

You should never sit for long periods with the clutch pulled in on a dry clutch BMW.
You'll feck the clutch slave cylinder bearing.

Would the knock I'm hearing be due to the fact I may have "fecked" my clutch slave cylinder bearing? I've done all other maintenance tasks, rocker end float, valves etc etc but the knock is still there. Would changing out the clutch slave cylinder solve my noise?

The clutch is operating fine but the noise does seem to be coming from the slave cylinder location. Other posts I've seen refer to changing the slave due to poor operation of the clutch or contamination fluids but the clutch fluid on my bike is perfectly clean and fluid levels are stable. I'd really like to track down the "knock" as it really bothering me now.

 

[Canuck]

You'll only know once you've changed it!

 

[The smudger]

Get some ear plugs!

If you listen intensely you will hear all sorts of noises from your bike, i had one for a couple of years and gave up listening after a while, just enjoy the bike!

Where in BC are you, we are maybe going to visit relatives in Vernon next summer, i can come and have a listen!

 

[Welshman]

Drain your gearbox oil, strain it through a coffee filter, find nothing significant sleep better

 

[B4ndit]

Mine makes all sorts of knocks. Its even worse than my DRZ with no baffles. I am just putting up with it. The more I read these threads the more I worry.

Do what Welshman says.

 

[woodsman149]

Knocking noise - video

I took this video yesterday that clearly shows the difference between the knocking audible on "clutch in" and when the knocking disappears on "clutch out". This is a 2002 R1150 GSA with 57,000 kilometer's. Any thoughts? On ADVrider excessive crank shaft end float, worn TB's and knackered clutch slave have been suggested. The worn / excessive crank shaft end float seems to be the most logical explanation so far but would love to hear others opinions, Steptoe etc.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/59m9MB2P2cI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

I would'nt worry about it, they all sound like that

 

[metropolis2k]

Mine makes that noise the whole time!