Hugger, blower, grab handle

[David T]

Hi

2 questions first.
Although I'm totally delighted with my M. Concepts hugger has anyone notice a sort of sound box amplified background whine at about 20 to 60 (when it gets left behind or masked). It's as if the hugger, which isn't fouling anything is either amplifying tyre or transmission noise. It's puzzling rather than irritating.
After washing and thoroughly the bike, particularly with our hard water its annoying when drips leave whiteish rings. Somewhere and I can find it again I saw an electric blower for bikes that blasts trapped water say from the oil cooler off the bike so it is truly dry. Any suggestions.
Finally the best bit of kit I fitted was a Wunderlicht foldaway handle (well made and looks part of the bike) to help this tall but decrepit sod get the bike on to the centre stand. My 1150 was easy but the ergonomics on the 1200 are not so easy. So if like me its a struggle contact SPS where I got mine from.

David T

 

[chippelmike]

White lime marks

Yes I did say liMe not line!
Have you tried washing the bike with car wash/wax shampoo, this should help with a quick leather off to leave a sparkle.
Mike.

 

[sjwb]

Buy yourself a compressor and blow it dry. Careful where you point the nozzle around the instruments and electrical stuff.

 

[JayGee]

I used bumper black polish on my mat hugger and this helps reduce white marks from water. It also gives it a finish more like the other black plastic on the bike. Can't say I've noticed any increased noise, but the boxer is so noisy I wouldn't hear it anyway!

 

[Mouse]

I've heard leaf blowers are good for drying bikes. Personally I just go for a ride to dry it out

 

[bsogri]

gs rear noise

it is probably your rear diff on the way out, mine was a bit noisy at six thousand mile service and they ordered replacement, mechanics reckon they are changing at least two a week [ only because this is all they can get] isn,t it wonderful and confidence inspiring to hear bmw, s quote, this is the first one i have heard of

 

[wut]

David

I am glad somebody else noticed the strange sound coming from the back wheel. For the first few days I was sure that it was all in the mind but there is certainly "whistling" sound coming from the back wheel.

Personally I think it must be the air trapped between the tread of my Anakees and the hugger that is causing this. Could it be tyre specific?

This sound in no way detracts from the hugger which does its job very well and looks great too.

Walter

 

[bsogri]

rear noise on 1200gs

rear noise is probably your diff knackered mine was noisy at 6000 mile service , they ordered new one, [mechanics said they are changing two a week [ only cos this is all they can get] confidence inspiring eh

 

[TerryM]

Re: rear noise on 1200gs

rear noise is probably your diff knackered mine was noisy at 6000 mile service , they ordered new one, [mechanics said they are changing two a week [ only cos this is all they can get] confidence inspiring eh

Does your "diff" allow your left rear wheel to go round faster/slower than the right or have you got the Quaife clutch pack limited slip version or the Detroit locker?????

 

[stroller]

After fitting my m/c hugger (very pleased with it) I also noticed a "new" humming noise at certain speeds. I checked for clearance which is OK. I assume it is caused aerodynamically, possibly by the aluminium bracket.

Regards,
Mike

 

[RogerJ]

Blower, grab handle

I use my leaf blower.....carefully. Works a treat. Totally agree about that grab handle. Especially with full bags and gear it is easy to put it on the center stand. Am expecting my hugger soon so we'll have to see if there are any new sounds.

 

[Marco]

After fitting the Motorrad concepts rear hugger I also noticed a strange sound coming from the rear wheel mostly when turning to the right; never noticed such noise before fitting the hugger but I will try to ride without and check if the noise is still there;
hope it is only aerodynamics and not my diff...

 

[plasmatron]

expecting my hugger soon too...

is it not possible that the hugger just reflects the normal opertaing noise of the transmission/wheel, amplifying it a bit, perhaps making it louder at certain frequencies that create resonance between the hugger and the noise source?...

seems at least "possible" to my mind...

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

When I put the hugger on my last bike (a VFR) and the GS, I noticed a strange sound from the rear. Much as described above. So I think it could well be the hugger. You'll get used to it.

Re grab handles, I have to say that the 12GS is one of the easiest bikes to put on and take off its centre stand. The instructions for doing so in the manual (i.e. using the exposed frame at/before the rear pegs) was useful for me.

Kai

 

[Mel]

Wot you washin' your GS for ya Wuss - it's for riding not shining!

 

[David T]

Actually I do both, ie ride my GS and keep it clean.
Thanks for all replies, from the optimists (tyre noise etc) to the doom and gloom (your wheels going to fall off).
Compressor/blower is what I was after for no matter how carefully I dry the bike (and I do use pukka shampoo) it still drips from various crevices and leaves stains on the front guard which do come out with back to black etc.
cheers
David T

 

[JAY]

Yeh - petrol leaf blower! Get some strange looks from next door though!!

John