New to GS1200

[Ram]

Hi, just bought a 2004 GS1200 to get me around the countryside in Devon/Cornwall. I have come from a sports bike background, so there are a few things i wanted to check after my inaugural rides on the bike... which at speed was a joy to ride around.

The engine makes a bit of a rattly sound at low revs (Below 1500rpm) when revving the bike from idle, its sort of rattles and then goes smooth. Sounds like a bottom end gone on a normal bike, or a loose bracket type noise...or possibly like a deisel engine for a split second. Is this normal, or do i need to check this out?

Ive heard these were lumpy, how lumpy at slow speeds is normal? Mine is quite jerky below 3000 revs around the villages when pottering along at 30 or slower, quite noticeably jerky at 2500rpm, which to me feels like its not running right. The Idle is also a bit lumpy and sporadically shakes the bike a bit.

It also has an aftermarket scorpian exhaust, and backfires and pops on the overrun, especially when going slower around towns.

Does this sound normal, or should i be getting the bike some attention. It was serviced in march. All these noises would normally have me tearing the bike down and servicing everything!

Thanks!

 

[fatnfast]

Depends how good the service was, but I would start with a valve check and throttle body balance. This is likely to sort out your issues. It will never be Jap sportsbike smooth though
Make sure the oil level is good as well - some can use a bit.

 

[younger06]

The pop/bang is worrying at first but you will learn to like it (hopefully)

 

[Slipperyeel]

Could it also be the LH can chain tensioner? I don't know if the early 12s had the upgraded version as standard?


Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

 

[Bones]

Ear plugs are a must else they sound like a box of spanners in a washing machine. Every time I GO OUT I AM AMAZED I ARRIVE AND GET BACK (caps lock off, soz). Been the same for 9 years now. Feels and sounds better with fresh oil and then cane the tits off it for a few hours.

 

[transalper44]

Visit Hilltop and have it remapped, more BHP and smoother running around towns.

 

[Rusty Bolts]

Welcome Ram to the site.
The bike is a bit agricultural but as they say ear plugs do fix a number of potential mechanical noises. The lumpy running around town does suggest that a service would not go amiss. A valve clearance and end-float check as well as a throttle body balance usually sorts out most lumpy running issues. Sticking the right oil in it helps as well. Without starting yet another Oil discussion I have found that down here during the summer my 07 1200GS is a bit more rattly with 10/40 in it. Stick some nice 20/50 in and it is quieter.
Not sure where in Devon you are but I have a ramp and the tools to the above and happy to show you if you are not that way inclined.

 

[comberjohn]

Only had my GS six months myself and, like most BMW's, they take time to grow on you.
Ear plugs help but your description is worrying. Get it checked over by someone who knows them or take up rusty bolts offer.
Mines a TC and had 13k miles on it in March. Just turned 22k yesterday. That's how much I love it.
Mine was unhappy below 3k and felt a bit lumpy at low revs, but it's great now!
Get it Hilltopped or pick up a Power Commander. Got mine for £150 new on eBay.
It's plug and play and now I have a bike that pulls smoothly and strongly from just over 2k rpm.
Think it's quieter and fuel consumption has improved by a couple of mpg.

 

[SteveM]

Welcome Ram. To me a lot of your queries sound like those that anyone coming from a Japanese sports bike background would have. These things do tend to rattle and vibrate a bit and make some odd noises compared to Jap 4 engines but it's often nothing to worry about. Perhaps take up Rusty Bolts kind offer and let him take a look and have a listen to things. SteveM

 

[Rockred]

I think earplugs for all the Boxers, right up to the and including the W.C.

 

[jags]

has anybody used the booster plug as sold by motoworks?
apologies for the hijack.

 

[kwallace21]

Lots of strange rattles and noises and lumpy at low speed? Sounds about right to me.
Hilltop remap helped the low speed running no end and smoothed the engine out too. valve clearance check and TB balance and your sorted. I always wear earplugs!

 

[SteveM]

has anybody used the booster plug as sold by motoworks?
apologies for the hijack.

Yes I believe somebody did once.
Some info HERE

 

[bikemad]

That (ripoff) booster plug thing is just a resistor based device,same as others available at a fraction of the price or buy a pence resistor & solder in yourself,Iv had the latter it stopped low rev stutter for £20 works ok.

Sadly quite a few bikes not just BMW are affected they run lean due to emissions laws always stutters at low revs,either get a power commander I cannot recommend enough my last bike had one or remap sorted

As for rattles could be worn throttle bodies ? I wouldn't worry though,without ear plugs they all sound like that yet people do 1000s of miles no probs

 

[Ram]

I am near Bideford, in Devon, some two hours from Newton Abbot! Thanks very much for the offer. I am pretty decent with a spanner, had bikes and have serviced them myself all my life, even rebuilt a few. I am coming from a Vtwin background, and Jap4, but the lumpy running has me thinking about spending a couple of hours on a service. The 20/50 oil, that's not a standard type oil, where is the best place to get that? Where do you all get your service items, like filters etc?

What is this Hilltop remap?

 

[AlexG]

I picked up some 20/50 from Ireland's in Barnstaple earlier this year.

I found that one of the cheap booster plug things stopped low speed hesitation and made round town riding far more relaxing.

 

[jags]

Yes I believe somebody did once.
Some info HERE

oh dear, should have done a search first.

 

[sparky56]

As you have a dry clutch you can use car oil.

My GS is running on this:- http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68913-millers-oils-classic-sport-20w-50-semi-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx

Seems to like it.

As well as valve clearance, end float and throttle balance, I'd change the spark plugs as well unless you know
how many miles they have done.

 

[UpgradeAl]

Apart from the erudite posts you have seen above, please realise that this engine will sound like a bag of spanners if you run it under 3,000 revs (unless you are being really good and slow in town!!). Whatever speed you are doing above that, use the rev counter and run it between 4000 and 7000 - that's where it is happy - you just have to get used to the sound of it, 'cos it sounds like it's complaining at first. It's not - it loves it.

 

[younger06]

It actually sounds OK around 7k and above!!