Is this normal gs behaviour ???

[dondrup]

I have just bought a 2002 1150gs and have been riding around the weekend. I have noticed several things. There is a whine ( high frequency, not too loud, but loud enough to hear it with ear plugs on) coming from under the tank. It does not get louder, but is present for the whole time i am on the bike.
Then there is a double clunck as the bike moves off the first time after it has been standing. And finally it feels rough, i mean the drive train feels rough, feels that the brakes are dragging....
I am new to BMs having just made the switch from japanese chain driven inline fours, to this gs1150. So is this normal gs behaviour or its something more that I should take the bike back and get a refund??!
Thanks

 

[fatnfast]

The double clunk is the ABS activating as it pulls away. If you don't have ABS, take it back! The whine could be the fuel pump, although mine is quiet. Also my drive train is pretty smooth, even compared to jap chain drives. Could be wear/problem. Does the rear wheel rotate freely (slight drag from rear brake ok though), is there any sideways play, leaks etc. If you bought from a B*M dealer, take it back and get it checked out.

By the way, welcome to GS ownership. I am sure others will be along shortly to give some sound advice as well.

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

The whining noise you can hear is the fuel pump. If it's really noisy it might be time for a new fuel filter.

The double-clunk - is that when you put it into first from standing? Thats normal.

*Edit* As ^^ he says - double-clunk could be ABS - I wouldn't know, I don't have it.

Maybe the draggy feeling is not actually dragging, just you not being used to shaft drive rather than chains. But check the condition of your rear calipers and make sure there all fine and dandy, and do a search on how to check your rear bearings.

You'll get used to more mechanical noise and other stuff which adds up to 'character' as you get used to, and slowly become attached to the big BM twins.



Pluck

 

[dondrup]

Thanks, will do the checks . Out on it today.

 

[guzzimag]

If you're used to a jap il4 then it will be a very different beast to ride - less revs required, more torque, the dragging could be the engine braking effect, more pronounced in a big twin than a lot of il4's.

Mine whines too even with brand new fuel filter - it's just the fuel pump don't worry about it.

Double clunk is ABS activating

And lastly - roughness in the drivetrain could be due to the GS being a lurchy old beast - one thing BM have not perfected is their fuel injection, it's rough as a badgers arse. Once you're used to it though the GS is a fantastic machine - does everything and does it well.

 

[ELIMINATOR]

I would not blame the injection myself. The roughness may be due to the fact that the GS revs quite low, if you let it go slow enough in too high a gear, then the backwheel drives the gearbox & lurches, IMO? Possibly chain drive bikes don't need the "play" that a final drive needs.

 

[dondrup]

It is different, feels different, and i feel i could slumber to the throb of the twin, but just finished my first tank and calculated that i made 34 MPG in a combination of highway and town work.... is that normal??!

 

[pomm001]

I have just bought a 2002 1150gs and have been riding around the weekend. I have noticed several things. There is a whine ( high frequency, not too loud, but loud enough to hear it with ear plugs on) coming from under the tank. It does not get louder, but is present for the whole time i am on the bike.
Then there is a double clunck as the bike moves off the first time after it has been standing. And finally it feels rough, i mean the drive train feels rough, feels that the brakes are dragging....
I am new to BMs having just made the switch from japanese chain driven inline fours, to this gs1150. So is this normal gs behaviour or its something more that I should take the bike back and get a refund??!
Thanks

Most of your questions regarding the noises on your bike seem to be standard that sounds bit of a cop out but true
Changing from a silky smooth jap multi to a GS can be a big shock
I did the same and it took me about a thousand miles to really get to like it
warts and all
I have never had the same bike for so long or enjoyed riding so much ,going out on the jap bikes seemed to be a sucession of high speed sprints, i now have time to enjoy the view.
But it could be my age

 

[dondrup]

Most of your questions regarding the noises on your bike seem to be standard that sounds bit of a cop out but true
Changing from a silky smooth jap multi to a GS can be a big shock
I did the same and it took me about a thousand miles to really get to like it
warts and all
I have never had the same bike for so long or enjoyed riding so much ,going out on the jap bikes seemed to be a sucession of high speed sprints, i now have time to enjoy the view.
But it could be my age

I am trying to ween myself from these "high speed sprints" as you call it. And to be honest they did become very addictive. I do look around much more and I am seeing another face of the biking experience.....

 

[oblertone]

34 MPG ...

... sounds a little low, but there again I've never measured mine in Gallons; My 1100 will light the Reserve light anywhere between 170 - 190 miles on a standard tank. On a fast blast using A roads it'll do about 10 Miles per Litre, bit better if i'm pootling

 

[Colban]

It is different, feels different, and i feel i could slumber to the throb of the twin, but just finished my first tank and calculated that i made 34 MPG in a combination of highway and town work.... is that normal??!

Thats on the low side.I get 45+ from mine.
When were the servicing basics last done?.
Does yours still have the cat?.
When i put a "Y" piece on it made a big difference to the fuel consumption
(improved) and the torque.Try a search on here.

 

[dondrup]

No service history on the bike. A bit mysterious... But it passed MOT a few days ago and a basic oil change and pads were done . At 37680 miles could a major service be due? Does one have to do the valve clearences etc...
I have been wondering about the Y... Thanks for the input....will check it out.

 

[Colban]

No service history on the bike. A bit mysterious... But it passed MOT a few days ago and a basic oil change and pads were done . At 37680 miles could a major service be due? Does one have to do the valve clearences etc...
I have been wondering about the Y... Thanks for the input....will check it out.

At 37K miles there is a bit to do.
Plugs change,valve clearances,TB balance,TPS voltage check (especially so given fuel consumption),air cleaner change,alternator drive belt change,gearbox/final drive oil change and,since there is no history,fuel filter.
Recommend a search of the forum for the procedures/hints and tips and acquiring a service manual.

 

[tufty1909]

just finished my first tank and calculated that i made 34 MPG in a combination of highway and town work.... is that normal??!

That is not good, I expect 40-45 mpg if short journeys and hard riding. 52 mpg riding long distance at between 70-90 mph.

 

[dondrup]

I have noted the service checks and will pass them on to the dealer.... Always makes me nervous not to have a fully functional machine..! I can't determine if it's normal....espcially when I am learning about it...
Thanks again..... I am listning out to the other GSs on the street to find out what is normal.... leaning out... Sorry for the undue attention dudes.....And i have found that the rear tire was under pressure....34 psi slow leak??!