R1150 GS ADV Rumbling sound

[Tosty]

I have just brought a 2004 1150 ADV 39000 miles when the bike is going there is a rumbling sound coming from the engine/gearbox it does not increase with speed etc but is there all the time. I have changed the tyres and it is still there. Any ideas. John

 

[illustratedman]

Noise

If the noise is coming from the engine/gearbox are why would changing the tyres make any difference? If the rumbling is coming from the bevel box area wearing tyres can sometimes be the culprit is that what you mean?

 

[Tosty]

Noise

I have a set of wheels so I put them on to make surei ts no poor tyres or wheels bearings at fault but the noise is still there and I am trying to find out if at that mileage is there any other area to look at first or any common fault other members have come accross. John

 

[Bryn]

Is it in 4th gear at around 30mph? More of a rumbling/cyclic vibration?

If that's the case don't worry about it... its a common thing

 

[Onwalkabout]

Mine does the same - 4th gear at about 30mph. If you have an after market can without a rubber damping grommet on the mount (like on the standard setup) it seems to transmit a little more into the frame and is a little more noticeable. Nothing to worry about.

 

[shready]

Final drive bearing perhaps? Especially if you feel it through the pegs.

 

[davegs]

rear bearing

Just put it on the centre stand and check for play inthe rear wheel, that will solve one possibility,
Dave gs.

 

[Tosty]

Noise

Thanks for your help, we have a 35mph speed limit so yes it is at low speed but will check rear end bearings. John

 

[david vaughan-birch]

I've had something similar lately-turned out to be slightly loose paralever bearings.

 

[Tosty]

R1150GS ADV Noise

Hi
Just to let you all know this was a fault with the final drive which according to local BMW agent is totally US so I need a new rear drive total cost £800.00. Does this sound right mileage is only 37,000.

 

[Stewart H]

I think BMW dealers replace the bevel boxes, ordinary mortals repair them for less than that.
Stewart

 

[sproggy]

Hi
Just to let you all know this was a fault with the final drive which according to local BMW agent is totally US so I need a new rear drive total cost £800.00. Does this sound right mileage is only 37,000.

If it's under warranty say "thank you, when can you fit the new one?". If it's not, say "thank you, I'll have a think about it" and get your final drive rebuilt for a fraction of the price.

Alternatively, buy a used one and fit/get that fitted - there's one on eBay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320424887286

but it's a non-abs one and I guess your ADV probably has ABS? Try Motorworks for a replacment - all their second hand bits have a 6 month warranty, although they'd want £252 ex VAT for one.