2015 GS 1st gear “clonk”

[Bigjimknickers]

I also used Motul 7100 in my 1200, I found it quietened everything down a bit too

What grade ? I think I’ll do it, Anything to sort this kerrlonk

 

[leadfarmer]

What grade ? I think I’ll do it, Anything to sort this kerrlonk

As per the spec in the manual, think it was 5W40 from memory

 

[Bigjimknickers]

You can always try different oil to see if it makes a difference. My GS (2021) was always serviced by BMW dealer, while it was on warranty and they obviously used BMW oil, the one that is made of golden powder to justify its price. The clonk was just as on every other bike I owned, maybe just a tad harder.
Anyway, after the warranty expired I've done my own oil change and this time used the oil I've always used on my previous bikes, Motul 7100.
After the oil change, the gearbox feels smoother and the "clonk" is not that big anymore.
So, do you know what oil your bike has or you bought it and it still has the oil unknown to you?
If in doubt, I'd change the oil and take it from there.

Thanks, what makes the Motul 7100 different from the other oils then?

 

[bosnjo]

Thanks, what makes the Motul 7100 different from the other oils then?

Good question. I don't know. But on any motorcycle I put it in, the difference was significant. On some bikes, there is no difference between Motul 7100 and other oils for first 6 months after the change. Then, the other types of oil, usually put in on regular service, starts to degrade and shifting becomes more difficult and jumpy. The Motul 7100 has always performed the same between oil changes. It would never degrade.
That is from my own experience.

 

[Bigjimknickers]

Good question. I don't know. But on any motorcycle I put it in, the difference was significant. On some bikes, there is no difference between Motul 7100 and other oils for first 6 months after the change. Then, the other types of oil, usually put in on regular service, starts to degrade and shifting becomes more difficult and jumpy. The Motul 7100 has always performed the same between oil changes. It would never degrade.
That is from my own experience.

Good to know, even though it seems so wasteful to do an oil change after 2 months I think it’ll be worth it if it works! Thanks for the info.

 

[bosnjo]

Good to know, even though it seems so wasteful to do an oil change after 2 months I think it’ll be worth it if it works! Thanks for the info.

Just as a last thought:
In January 2024 my bike was serviced at BMW dealer for the last time, as it was at the end of warranty and I asked to do valve check, camshafts sync and the rest for the regular service. The truth is, I wanted to look at camshafts lobes because of the dreaded camshaft wear while it was still under warranty. Everything was ok, I even took photos of the camshafts, for posterity.
So, during 4 years the bike was running on BMW oil and I got used to its noises, vibrations etc.
In January this year, I've done the service myself. I used HiFlo oil filter and Motul 7100 oil. At the first ride after that service, it was just "wow"...
The bike was much smoother, the shifting was easier and smoother, the overal noise and vibrations were down a bit.
That was on my bike. I don't say on yours the result will be the same but I think you're right: it's worth a try.

 

[Bigjimknickers]

Just as a last thought:
In January 2024 my bike was serviced at BMW dealer for the last time, as it was at the end of warranty and I asked to do valve check, camshafts sync and the rest for the regular service. The truth is, I wanted to look at camshafts lobes because of the dreaded camshaft wear while it was still under warranty. Everything was ok, I even took photos of the camshafts, for posterity.
So, during 4 years the bike was running on BMW oil and I got used to its noises, vibrations etc.
In January this year, I've done the service myself. I used HiFlo oil filter and Motul 7100 oil. At the first ride after that service, it was just "wow"...
The bike was much smoother, the shifting was easier and smoother, the overal noise and vibrations were down a bit.
That was on my bike. I don't say on yours the result will be the same but I think you're right: it's worth a try.

I shall report back when I’ve done it

 

[leadfarmer]

Just as a last thought:
In January 2024 my bike was serviced at BMW dealer for the last time, as it was at the end of warranty and I asked to do valve check, camshafts sync and the rest for the regular service. The truth is, I wanted to look at camshafts lobes because of the dreaded camshaft wear while it was still under warranty. Everything was ok, I even took photos of the camshafts, for posterity.
So, during 4 years the bike was running on BMW oil and I got used to its noises, vibrations etc.
In January this year, I've done the service myself. I used HiFlo oil filter and Motul 7100 oil. At the first ride after that service, it was just "wow"...
The bike was much smoother, the shifting was easier and smoother, the overal noise and vibrations were down a bit.
That was on my bike. I don't say on yours the result will be the same but I think you're right: it's worth a try.

Sounds like my observations when I swapped brands…

Post in thread 'Correct spec oil'

Apr 2, 2021

Been out for a blast on the bike today ‘cos I had some petrol that needed burning and we’re limited to a 10 km radius as from Saturday

I almost can’t believe the difference a different brand of oil has made!

Took out Castrol Power 1 Racing and put in Motul 7100, the engine is quieter, feels smoother and the gearbox is much better

Ok, it’s still a GS but it now sounds less like a set of pétanque balls in a cement mixer

Only problem is it’s not going to help me ride any slower , it sounds and feels a lot less like it’s going to grenade when you thrash it

Happy bunny...

• leadfarmer