sven
Registered user
That’s exactly what mine sounds like at those revs
R1250GS Rattling noise
- Thread starter scarab1987
- Start date
- My 2014 GSA was ok
- My 2017 GSA was ok
- My 2020 GSA was horrendous! It sounded like several sets of spanners going around in dry cement mixer. Not that I’ve ever heard several sets of spanners going around in a cement mixer… but I can imagine.
- My 2024 GSA is a peach - it purrs! The smoothest and quietest one so far
My guess is improved air/fuel maps on the later bikes? My 2019 GSA also sounds like a bag of spanners.What goes on inside their factory?
- My 2020 GSA was horrendous! It sounded like several sets of spanners going around in dry cement mixer. Not that I’ve ever heard several sets of spanners going around in a cement mixer… but I can imagine.
- My 2024 GSA is a peach - it purrs! The smoothest and quietest one so far
I can't see them retooling to make newer engine components like a re-profiling of the cams etc.
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Was out on Sunday, my 1250R (2019) only has 3200 miles on it and noticed what sounded to me like pinking when bike on load at around 2-3000 rpm. Lasts for a few seconds, and sounds sort of like some pennies being rattled in a bottle ? Doesn't seem to affect how the bike goes though, just the noise.
Mine is out of warranty and wondering whether to get the BMW Insured Warranty if this is a big money job.
Mine is out of warranty and wondering whether to get the BMW Insured Warranty if this is a big money job.
My previous did that, but the one I have now is a different animal. The knock-on effect is, because there’s no cringey sound, it makes riding easier and more of a pleasure, as you don’t have that mechanical sympathy feeling of not wanting to open the throttle. Now I can open the throttle and all is good
bosnjo
Registered user
My 2021 1250 was not doing it until it was one year old, then it started. BMW said it was just its characteristic, not a fault.
It's getting worse now when it's out of warranty.
Going to test-ride new Suzuki GX in a weak or two...
It's getting worse now when it's out of warranty.
Going to test-ride new Suzuki GX in a weak or two...
I’ve been watching loads of 1250 videos for DIY cam timing, valve clearance and camshaft trigger setup especially ones by “Boxflyer” on YouTube. The valve clearances and especially the cam timing seems to go to shit within a few thousand miles from new and need adjusting/resetting to get the engines running spot on (including resetting about seven adaptive value settings once adjusted properly back to specification).
I’d wager I could invest a few hours attention to detail on my own 1250 and make it much better and quieter, if only I could get or make the required tooling.
Having the camshaft timing out, and thus the “trigger” could easily cause injection and ignition to be out, leading to knock/pinking and noisy running at certain rpm’s.
scarab1987
Registered user
I have tried everything that you said. Mine was slightly out of time and after retiming is better. Around 40-50% of sound is gone but still there.
Does that care and detail include getting the camshaft sensor trigger quadrant spot on, not just mechanically setting the cams?
How did you tension the cam chain when setting the cam timing as it can make a big difference?
The cam chain tensioning tool is the one I cannot buy or make.
scarab1987
Registered user
I have created the tool from an old tensioner, without it you cannot have a good result. Camshaft Reluctor need to be readjusted. Also I have calibrated every sensor at the engine with GS911.
I was thinking of doing the same with modifying my old 17mm tensioner but not sure how much manual tension to apply to the cam chain. Perhaps a long M8x1mm threaded bolt through the centre of the body with a brass headed tip to match the OE tensioner piston size?
I believe the official BMW tool has an inbuilt breakout torque setting. If only I could measure what that was, I’d be sorted and could make a tool to replicate it.
I guess I could measure engine oil pressure across the rpm range then apply that hydraulically to the spare tensioner with a druck and measure tensioner piston/spring travel/pressure if I made a jig. It’s a lot of work though if there is a quicker or easier way.
I believe the official BMW tool has an inbuilt breakout torque setting. If only I could measure what that was, I’d be sorted and could make a tool to replicate it.
I guess I could measure engine oil pressure across the rpm range then apply that hydraulically to the spare tensioner with a druck and measure tensioner piston/spring travel/pressure if I made a jig. It’s a lot of work though if there is a quicker or easier way.
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Can you provide any help with how to make the tool? I have an old tensioner I can modify.
I ordered the tool from BMW but they have refunded me instead of supplying the tool.
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GelandeStress
Registered user
Hi all,
My bike has been with BMW for two weeks to have the rattle investigated. They have told me they are stripping the engine, since this is the 5TH VISIT to a dealership this year with no diagnosis.
See my YouTube channel below for the rattle noise on my bike. I know some of you have the same noise, but there are also some of you with different complaints… this is a very specific metalic rattle that happens under heavy load or hard acceleration OR steady motorway speed 60-70mph.
BMW R1250GS rattle noise videos
If your noise is the same as my videos, then stay tuned as I will be posting an update once BMW diagnose my bike, hopefully.
My bike has been with BMW for two weeks to have the rattle investigated. They have told me they are stripping the engine, since this is the 5TH VISIT to a dealership this year with no diagnosis.
See my YouTube channel below for the rattle noise on my bike. I know some of you have the same noise, but there are also some of you with different complaints… this is a very specific metalic rattle that happens under heavy load or hard acceleration OR steady motorway speed 60-70mph.
BMW R1250GS rattle noise videos
If your noise is the same as my videos, then stay tuned as I will be posting an update once BMW diagnose my bike, hopefully.
scarab1987
Registered user
Waiting for their reply. But to be honest, I think that they will not give a clear answer.
Is the camchain tensioner on the 1250`s purely hydraulic?
Have you seen these, could they be used to replicate the factory camchain tension setting tool during servicing/setting?
Do you know if anyone on this site has the camshaft setting tools?
Any news yet?
GelandeStress
Registered user
I went to BMW and the whole bike has been disassembled. They are trying to find the problem one part at a time…
GelandeStress
Registered user
See post above. Are you experiencing the same rattle? This is not related to the cam chain tensioner rattle. That is a simple fix with a new tensioner.
I no longer have this problem (changed bike) but am watching this with great interest, as I was told mine was normal, so I’m curious to see what transpires and whether there’s a definitive conclusion. Good on those who have pursued this
The camchain tensioner is a combination of a strong spring plus a hydraulic piston.
I have seen the items and yes, they could be used to preset tension if I knew what that tension setting was. The official BMW camchain tensioning tool has a clicker mechanism to prevent overtightening of the camchain. Without it, it would be possible to overtighten and damage the camchain and/or guides. I had considered making myself a manual tensioner from an old one I have in my garage.
No idea if anybody has the camshaft setting tools, I was planning on putting together a set myself if possible for future use as my bike ages.
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