2022 R1250GS Highway Vibration Above 75mph

[richard99]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 2022 R1250GS Factory Low Suspension with 8,500 miles from BMW dealer. I’ve since put another 2,000 miles on it. The dealer installed the front tire with new Bridgestone Battlax A41, while the rear tire is original (also Battlax A41) and sitting at about 4/32" tread left.

Here’s the issue:

• At highway speeds (above ~75 mph), I notice a vibration feeling that’s different from normal engine buzz.
• The frequency is lower than engine vibration but the amplitude is stronger, and I mostly feel it through the handlebars.
• It feels like a vertical wobble (up/down, perpendicular to the ground) rather than a left/right weave.

My thoughts so far:

• Could be the combo of new front tire + almost-worn rear tire? Or Battlax A41 characteristic?
• I’m concerned it could also be driveshaft related? But the vibration feel doesn't change much when I accelerating or coasting or 0 throttle. (the recall/vent hole service bulletin was already done at the dealer).
• Suspension looks clean with no leaks; the bike was very well maintained by the previous owner.

Questions for the group:

1. Have any of you experienced a similar vibration at freeway speeds?
2. Would you bet on the rear tire being the culprit before chasing driveshaft/suspension issues?
3. Is this just the “normal” GS highway feel, or should it be smoother?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. I’d prefer to avoid dropping the bike at the dealer to let them diagnostics without knowing more.

 

[tjmouse]

1. Never had this before

3. No this is not normal. I’ve ridden all my hex heads at good speed and they are super stable and pull like a train

Could it be you’ve lost a wheel balance weight? Sounds a lot like our of balance wheels so I’d start getting the balance checked. If not a trip to your local garage might be in order.

 

[jetjock]

Do you have a top box fitted ?

 

[richard99]

Update - I took the worn rear tire to dealer to replace with a new Michelin Anakee Road tire, problem solved. It turns out worn rear tire can cause some wobble feeling on the handlebar as well. Thank you for all your help!

 

[Stevie4scoops]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 2022 R1250GS Factory Low Suspension with 8,500 miles from BMW dealer. I’ve since put another 2,000 miles on it. The dealer installed the front tire with new Bridgestone Battlax A41, while the rear tire is original (also Battlax A41) and sitting at about 4/32" tread left.

Here’s the issue:

• At highway speeds (above ~75 mph), I notice a vibration feeling that’s different from normal engine buzz.
• The frequency is lower than engine vibration but the amplitude is stronger, and I mostly feel it through the handlebars.
• It feels like a vertical wobble (up/down, perpendicular to the ground) rather than a left/right weave.

My thoughts so far:

• Could be the combo of new front tire + almost-worn rear tire? Or Battlax A41 characteristic?
• I’m concerned it could also be driveshaft related? But the vibration feel doesn't change much when I accelerating or coasting or 0 throttle. (the recall/vent hole service bulletin was already done at the dealer).
• Suspension looks clean with no leaks; the bike was very well maintained by the previous owner.

Questions for the group:

1. Have any of you experienced a similar vibration at freeway speeds?
2. Would you bet on the rear tire being the culprit before chasing driveshaft/suspension issues?
3. Is this just the “normal” GS highway feel, or should it be smoother?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. I’d prefer to avoid dropping the bike at the dealer to let them diagnostics without knowing more.

I get this on my 1250 GS which I bought earlier this year.

The front wheel balancing was way out which I corrected and hoped would solve the problem but sadly although better it didn't.

Changing the tyre also didn't help so it must be that the wheel is slightly out of true.

I'll be having a play with this in the next couple of months.

Bloody spoked wheels, more trouble than they're worth!

 

[Smartbazza]

I had the vibration with worn Bridgestones. Worn CTAs create a noise like a worn wheel bearing when cornering on a smooth surface.

Barry