1250GS vibration?

[yofi]

It's odd that the overwhelming consensus out there is undoubtedly that there isn't much of an issue on the 1250GS. On taking delivery of the bike some 18 mths ago, it just seemed unfortunate that the high frequency vibes through the handlebar and pegs seemed to come in at around cruising speed.

But this summer's riding has made me strongly wonder that there isn't something amiss. Any revs much above 4.3k in any gear are simply horrible, in the way that's been described as a feeling of 'metal grating'. I cannot believe that this can be the same experience as the majority are having. I'd hope that with further running in it would improve when, if anything, it feels worse.

I've totally fell out of love with the bike. It goes into the dealer for the recall in a couple of week's time and for them to have a look at my perceived issue. I'll be taking out another 1250GS to compare. I can't see how they will.

 

[Winjar]

It's odd that the overwhelming consensus out there is undoubtedly that there isn't much of an issue on the 1250GS. On taking delivery of the bike some 18 mths ago, it just seemed unfortunate that the high frequency vibes through the handlebar and pegs seemed to come in at around cruising speed.

But this summer's riding has made me strongly wonder that there isn't something amiss. Any revs much above 4.3k in any gear are simply horrible, in the way that's been described as a feeling of 'metal grating'. I cannot believe that this can be the same experience as the majority are having. I'd hope that with further running in it would improve when, if anything, it feels worse.

I've totally fell out of love with the bike. It goes into the dealer for the recall in a couple of week's time and for them to have a look at my perceived issue. I'll be taking out another 1250GS to compare. I can't see how they will.

they must do software update for free and that must help normally, bad software installation can give that feeling

 

[bosnjo]

I have January 2021 GS with no vibrations at all, at any rpm. I mean, nothing out of normal. The only things I have on my bike since day one, that may be "no vibes" related, are grip puppies and aftermarket lowered pegs (with rubber inserts).
I owned many bikes in the past and many of them were V-Twin or single cylinder. Those bikes really vibrate (my GS is my first boxer). In 90% of situations when I, or some friend of mine, had the problem with vibrations, it was due to badly installed or loose crash bars. We would run the test by removing all the crash bars from the bike, that includes the luggage and the racks, top box and any additional plate for the top box. As I said, in 90% of situations, vibrations would disappear so we worked from there on solving the problem.
Other 10% was engine related.

 

[yofi]

they must do software update for free and that must help normally, bad software installation can give that feeling

Thanks, I have seen this mentioned elsewhere as well, so I will include it in the discussion with the dealer

I have January 2021 GS with no vibrations at all, at any rpm. I mean, nothing out of normal.

This is why I'm now just sure there is something not right with mine - nobody who normally rides a GS, whether a 1200 or 1250 - would not think it's right

The only things I have on my bike since day one, that may be "no vibes" related, are grip puppies and aftermarket lowered pegs (with rubber inserts).
I owned many bikes in the past and many of them were V-Twin or single cylinder. Those bikes really vibrate (my GS is my first boxer). In 90% of situations when I, or some friend of mine, had the problem with vibrations, it was due to badly installed or loose crash bars. We would run the test by removing all the crash bars from the bike, that includes the luggage and the racks, top box and any additional plate for the top box. As I said, in 90% of situations, vibrations would disappear so we worked from there on solving the problem.
Other 10% was engine related.

I do have oem, dealer fitted crash bars and, again, I have seen this mentioned. I have grip puppies and evotech weights. Other than this, simply the oem billeted pegs, but half the reason why I put these on (also had them on the 1200) was hoping they'd help a little with the vibes.

 

[Edmund Kean]

Thanks, I have seen this mentioned elsewhere as well, so I will include it in the discussion with the dealer



This is why I'm now just sure there is something not right with mine - nobody who normally rides a GS, whether a 1200 or 1250 - would not think it's right



I do have oem, dealer fitted crash bars and, again, I have seen this mentioned. I have grip puppies and evotech weights. Other than this, simply the oem billeted pegs, but half the reason why I put these on (also had them on the 1200) was hoping they'd help a little with the vibes.

My 1250 is not as smooth as my two previous 1200’s, 2014 & 2017 MY. I would say my cam heads were even more smooth than these. I haven’t ridden another 1250 GS, but I have ridden a 1250 RT as a loner and that vibrated significantly more than my 1250 GSA.

 

[buzzie]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone out there with a 1250 has noticed any vibration through the pegs, bars and seat?

I'm not talking about bits falling off levels of vibration, but it is there at a level were its really noticeable and annoying etc. It occurs all through the rev range, but at motorway cruising speeds it is particularly noticeable unfortunately. I've done around 500 miles from new and I reckon this has started to occur from around 250 miles.

I've ridden a demo bike previously and didn't notice anything. I've had two 1200 LCs previously (an R1200R and R1200GS) and both were silky smooth in comparison.

Any thoughts welcome.

Hi I have the same problem really bad at 4000 rpm. even change tyres still the same.
just had service and they say its ok, just not having it so when to Bmw today and the service guy who sat on it and agreed that it has a lot off vibration. they have agreed to have the bike for a week to look at it. let us no if you have any luck with yours.gary

 

[Vince377]

I just picked up a 2022 R1250GSA Rallye with only 4,000 miles. I’ve noticed a vibration that starts subtly around 3,200 RPM and becomes significantly more pronounced at 4,000 RPM. Like others, I also noticed the noise from the front wheel, which seems to be related to the stock Bridgestone A41tires. However, these vibrations are so intense that they actually loosen the screws on my prosthetic foot (I am a left tibia amputee).

This morning, I went to my dealer, who assured me that it was just the TwinCam effect. This response frustrated me so much that I went and rented another 2019 R1250GSA HP with only 4,350 miles(which runs perfectly) and went back to see the workshop manager at the dealership. His bad faith was only matched by his incompetence—he ridiculed me, claiming that the rented bike was even noisier than mine.

What solutions have you found on your end?

Thanks, from a French rider.

 

[Smartbazza]

At 4000miles the front tyre may be cupping ie wearing at about the 2/5 & 4/5 points across the tyre. They may be legal but this may be the cause. Cta3s or Road6 is the cure if it’s not machanical.

I got mine worst at about 75mph and thought a wheel bearing was shot.

Barry

 

[Vince377]

I also thought of a damaged bearing. I immediately changed my front tire, but for an A41 to stay consistent with the rear tire, which is still in good condition. Even with this new tire, the vibration remains under the tank, it seems to me. It’s a noise like a loose screw, really annoying. Nothing to do with the tires.

 

[GSMarky]

I just picked up a 2022 R1250GSA Rallye with only 4,000 miles. I’ve noticed a vibration that starts subtly around 3,200 RPM and becomes significantly more pronounced at 4,000 RPM. Like others, I also noticed the noise from the front wheel, which seems to be related to the stock Bridgestone A41tires. However, these vibrations are so intense that they actually loosen the screws on my prosthetic foot (I am a left tibia amputee).

This morning, I went to my dealer, who assured me that it was just the TwinCam effect. This response frustrated me so much that I went and rented another 2019 R1250GSA HP with only 4,350 miles(which runs perfectly) and went back to see the workshop manager at the dealership. His bad faith was only matched by his incompetence—he ridiculed me, claiming that the rented bike was even noisier than mine.

What solutions have you found on your end?

Thanks, from a French rider.

Get your wheels balanced as a starter.. If needed or even near it, just get new tyres too so you can check the TPMS is seated OK to the rims as the tyres are changed.

My 2023 1250 GSA is smooth as you like & it has had a remap which definitely made it feel less lean too.

It should not do that!!!

 

[GSMarky]

Oh and get yourself some Grip Puppies too:

Grip Puppy Puppies Anti Vibration Motorcycle Handle Bar Foam Comfort Over Grips | eBay

Grip Puppies will fit OVER all standard grip sizes. Reduce vibration. Foam will not weaken or crack as a result of years of outdoor exposure. Rock solid when fitted, a simple and very effective solution.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[malcopopolo]

Tyres and remap is worth exploring.
BHP UK is the place to go to for remap.
Search you tube.

 

[PWP]

I went and got handlebar end weights. Evotech EP BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Handlebar End Weights. They totally took away the vibrations and pins and needles I felt when on long journeys. Worth considering.

 

[jetjock]

Quick update re the vibes...

Had the service done and asked the dealer to look into the vibration etc mentioned in earlier posts.

Nothing found to be wrong, couldn't be faulted etc.

I did take out their demo bike just to compare etc. Well, just the same as my bike pretty much.

Conclusion: unless I've totally lost it then the the 1250 does have more in the way of tingling/vibration than my previous 1200. Anyway, something to either get used to or improves as the mileage goes up, we'll see I guess.

The 1250 does have a natural resonance that can induce pins and needles in the hands if you’re holding on a little tight to the grips

 

[jetjock]

I went and got handlebar end weights. Evotech EP BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Handlebar End Weights. They totally took away the vibrations and pins and needles I felt when on long journeys. Worth considering.

Apparently lead shot in the handle bars gets rid of the vibration too