1150 Vibration

[GS Loz]

Only had the 1159GS for a week and I am getting a vibration through the foot pegs, it feels like a bearing failing. But had a look and checked the rear wheel and final drive and all seems well. But if I run it up on the stand in gear (2nd) there is a lot of clunking sound form the drive shaft area. Is there known problem with gear box bearings or drive shafts that might be causing the vibration and noise. any help appreciated

 

[argos]

hello shaft is actually two piece,with a universal joint at either end which i would guess is most likely to be the problem.I would find a local independent BMWguy to have a listen and he will tell you straight off whats goosed.If it is a UJ gone youll pay about £80 for a good used one and its not hard to do yourself

 

[Welshman]

Do not run it on the sand in second, or it will clunk, the drive shafts do not like zero load at full extension

 

[ianboydsnr]

Do not run it on the sand in second, or it will clunk, the drive shafts do not like zero load at full extension

what he says, they are all going to do that

the vibration is more likely to be the tyres, or the final drive, or probably just what they all do, ride it some more

 

[GS Loz]

thanks for the info, this is my first BMW so what level of vibration through the footrests is normal if any at all

 

[ianboydsnr]

thanks for the info, this is my first BMW so what level of vibration through the footrests is normal if any at all

I dunno, it does do it, but you get used to it, and the only way to tell wether or not its normal, is to ride another one

 

[Stewart H]

The odd vibrations produced by my part worn Tourance at the rear need to be felt to be believed, Very small angles of lean produce a very convincing buzz, especially if you have been reading the threads about big bearing failure

Stewart

 

[Supertech]

Does it happen all the time or is it worse at certain RPMs?

Before condeming something major have someone who knows about the bike look at it. Could be something as simple as the throttle bodies need balancing.

Must admit my 1150 is clunky in the same area, I just assumed that was normal on a shaft drive bike.

 

[Steptoe]

They all clunk if run in gear on the stand. Don't do it.

Wear thicker socks to reduce vibration on a big shaft drive twin.

 

[GS Loz]

The vibration is there most of the time, but can be felt more under power. I have balanced the throttle bodies and given it a full service. I have measured the freeplay in the drive line (in first gear) on the rear wheel rim and its 70mm . This seems excessive to me but I have nothing to gauge it by. have some photos but can't figure out how to attach them. Is this correct amount of free play or not.

 

[Supertech]

No idea... but then I fly about on a 500cc single so if my feet aren't vibrating off the pegs and my filings stay in I look to see what's wrong. Personally I think considering the size of the BMW engine it runs extremely smoothly.


Some good advice......steer away from forum experts and get an opinion from a decent mechanic who knows these machines well....or you'll end up buying new front wheel bearings and replacing the chinese laundary valve.

 

[BigblackGS]

Hi
I recently changed the clutch on my bike and on refitting i put the drive shaft together 90 degrees wrong which caused vibrations at 120 kmh, i took it apart again and lined them correctly and the vibs were gone. There is a picture published by steptoe on a thread about drive shafts about 3 weeks ago.

 

[GS Loz]

Found the post on the drive shafts nice mess, mine GS has only done 28K and looks to be untouched so don't think it’s out of phase. Perhaps will take a trip to Clarks in Brum to get opinion on the free-play at the wheel, could always check a few some of the second hand bikes for comparison while I am there. By the way how do you put a photo on to a thread.

 

[BigblackGS]

Hi i think you have to be a subscribed member to add a photo. My bike had only done 40000km when i had to do the clutch due to an oil leak.
Phil

 

[Steptoe]

Found the post on the drive shafts nice mess, mine GS has only done 28K and looks to be untouched so don't think it’s out of phase.

Because it's untouched doesn't mean it's out of phase , i see lots of untouched bikes that have the shaft out of phase from the factory. Most of them didn't vibrate, so i've never concerned myself about phasing on my own bike ( customers do get phased ) and never noticed any vibes.

If i were you i'd try riding another GS as a comparasion, i think your worrying over nothing.

 

[Dazzle]

Welcome to the newby noise and vibration paranoia, only had my 1150 since end of jan, every time I go out I am sure its going to blow up, seize or some thing will fall off or break,
It never does, ride and enjoy

Dazzle

 

[D6]

Welcome to the newby noise and vibration paranoia, only had my 1150 since end of jan, every time I go out I am sure its going to blow up, seize or some thing will fall off or break,
It never does, ride and enjoy

Dazzle

plus one on that

 

[GS Loz]

Thanks for all the help, I think you are right I need to ride another GS or somebody try mine. will endeavour to meet the West midlands area group at the Broom Tavern when they next meet. Have been doing some more miles over the weekend getting used to the bike, it is certainly a change from the Ducati ST2 I had for 4 years before, but is growing on me big time, perhaps the words "vibration paranoia" sums up my current status. Must say you have a great forum here.

 

[Welshman]

Mine has vibrated for a while, hope it last to its next oil change at 100,000 km

 

[Stewart H]

Mine has vibrated for a while, hope it last to its next oil change at 100,000 km

Its still a bit tight, dont worry it will loosen off a bit when its properly run in

Stewart