GS idle wound

[SparkyGS]

Sound not wound .


Hello all , new here.

I've just bought a 2011 GS with 30k on it and it just sounds wrong whens its idling compared to any yamaha I've every owned. I've had the valve clearances and throttle bodies balanced and its got all kinds of rattle is this normal ?

Have you got any links to videos showing how they should sound ?

 

[davegs]

Sound

Welcome to the site, BMW twins are completely different to any Yamaha so don't worry get along to a GS meet and you'll soon see. In the meantime just ride the bloody thing.

 

[oddshapedballs]

I'm also fairly new to GS ownership, and went the same route as you, it seemed/felt/sounded lumpy v every single jap four and twin I've ever owned (30ish bikes since 86)...the tall and short of it is, it's what they do!

I had the whole throttle body and valve thing done, new filters, plugs, oil, etc etc, and no change, even went to 2 different dealers (2nd opinion/checks) however now...I love it's character, and you need to spend a lot of time with it to re-tune your brain and riding style.

Unless you've got proper rattle like something's lose you'll find it's how it should be.

If you're really worried I'll be in North Wiltshire over the weekend so if you fancy meeting somewhere you can have a look/listen to mine and compare over a cuppa.

 

[oddshapedballs]

Sound not wound .


Hello all , new here.

I've just bought a 2011 GS with 30k on it and it just sounds wrong whens its idling compared to any yamaha I've every owned. I've had the valve clearances and throttle bodies balanced and its got all kinds of rattle is this normal ?

Have you got any links to videos showing how they should sound ?

Forgot to add, mines a 2007 so single cam, you have the twin cam, they have the nicer throaty burble.

 

[SparkyGS]

Cheers Guys, I think your right might just have to ride it more and see if it explodes. There is metallic death rattle just muffled knock and bangs and it seems to sound different at different time, but maybe I am just over thinking it.

 

[Beemerman59]

Yep, the gearbox can sound like a bag of nails when in neutral and the engines warm.

 

[malcopopolo]

Cheers Guys, I think your right might just have to ride it more and see if it explodes. There is metallic death rattle just muffled knock and bangs and it seems to sound different at different time, but maybe I am just over thinking it.

Make sure you wear earplugs, they all sound rough, but they are good!

 

[Ogmios]

The Classic description of an Airhead on tickover;
"Sounds like two skeletons having sex in a biscuit tin"
They haven't changed much since then.

 

[SparkyGS]

it is a great bike, took the downpipes off and soaked them In acid and they came out really well, all that I thought was corrision was just wielded on dirt

 

[veefour]

The Classic description of an Airhead on tickover;
"Sounds like two skeletons having sex in a biscuit tin"
They haven't changed much since then.

Brilliant -and true.

All the same and my 2010 one proper rattles when cold but brilliant bike. In fact collect a new adventure next week

 

[birdseye]

Sound not wound .


Hello all , new here.

I've just bought a 2011 GS with 30k on it and it just sounds wrong whens its idling compared to any yamaha I've every owned. I've had the valve clearances and throttle bodies balanced and its got all kinds of rattle is this normal ?

Have you got any links to videos showing how they should sound ?

Its an air cooled engine so noisy and rattly. Its developed from the old british Douglas engines licenced to BMW when they were no longer allowed to make bnits for warplanes. Old technology but no worse for that. Dont expect it to be remotely as refined as a Jap engine or a modern Triumph.

Ride it. If you still think there is something amiss, then post a you tube video so we can listen

P.S. Dont deceive yourself into thinking that its a great build quality. It isnt. Think of it as a German Harley. Full of character not technology.

 

[davegs]

Rattles

You ever ride / hear a Vincent motorcycle you'll realize with a GS you 'aint even heard proper rattles!!.

 

[Bendy toy]

The airheads go back to the British Douglas design. The engines have the same cylinder layout and engine speed gearbox but few other similarities.
The heads with huge valves etc hang out in the breeze so will always be more noise than a cross frame four. Also bigger slugs hammering in & out so will never be as smooth as a revvy four.
However the punchy acceleration from 3000 is good. From 5000, I still find it amazing. There's a bit of top end rush but nothing like a Japanese four. However much less need to dial in the right gear.

One thing about noises. The dry clutch rattles when box is in neutral but goes quiet when clutch pulled in. If that rattle is really obvious and bike has 50 K miles the clutch plate might be failing.