Changing gears

[seb]

Does anyone have any tips when it comes to changing gears on the 1200GS.

I find going up a gear is relatively smooth. However dropping a gear seems to be a lot nosier. Is it normal for a heavy clunking sound to occur, sometimes there even seems to be a slight echo (big clunk, then a smaller clunk).

Usually I ease of the throttle, pull the clutch most of the way in, then drop a gear.

Seems to be less noisy if I increase the throttle, clutch in, then drop a gear. Is this good for the bike?

I can't remember if the test bike's gearbox was as noisy, although I have gathered that BMW gearboxes aren't noted for their quietness.

My dealer did say that the 1200GS gearbox was supposed to be very smooth.

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[Tarka]

You may be better off asking this in the 1200 Forum
(If you haven`t also done so).

It seems odd to discuss how to change gear on this site,as opposed to a Learner Rider one,but downchanges are usually far smoother if done with a small blip of the throttle as you`re declutching and prior to the actual gear change.

 

[seb]

Hi Tarka,

Probably should have asked it on the 1200 Forum. Any way to move it without retyping it?

Have been riding bikes for 6 years so know how to change gears...sort off. What I am trying to ask is whether there is a way of limiting the noise of dropping down the gears, as it seems very loud to me. If it is normal for such a heavy clunk then I will forget about it?

 

[Tarka]

Hi Tarka,
Probably should have asked it on the 1200 Forum. Any way to move it without retyping it?

It may be easier to PM Steptoe and ask him to move the Thread for you.


.

If it is normal for such a heavy clunk then I will forget about it?

Well,most Beemers are noisier or clunkier than Jap gearboxes....though they do get better with a few miles on them.
Plus,you tend to 'adjust' to them.

 

[earthmover]

My dealer did say that the 1200GS gearbox was supposed to be very smooth.

This is a relative term, very smooth compared to say, a 1960's Seddon Atkinson!

My 1200 gearbox has loosened up as the miles have increased, and as my "technique" has evolved. I can't describe it though, because if I concentrate on what I'm doing, I make an utter horlicks of it!
Mark