Rumble while feathering

[FF1078]

Hi everyone, I'm the recent new owner of a 2008 R1200GS with FBMWSH and 21000 recorded miles, while riding I seem to get almost a bit of a rumble while just feathering the throttle, not under acceleration on overrun, is this just normal from the backlash in the drivetrain? Thanks for any help

 

[(RIP) Johno23]

Could be FD bearing. If you ride up to 60 pull in clutch and freewheel if you can feel a "rumble"through the frame it could well be the FD bearing. Check the play on it.
With bike on centre stand hold wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to move the wheel. If you feel movement in it only 1mm is within tolerance. How many miles on the bike?

 

[mrjim130]

If you bought it from a BMW dealer take it back and get it checked, you should have warranty from who ever you purchased from for at least 12 weeks.
Look on the bright side, it coould well be nothing to worry about.

 

[FF1078]

Could be FD bearing. If you ride up to 60 pull in clutch and freewheel if you can feel a "rumble"through the frame it could well be the FD bearing. Check the play on it.
With bike on centre stand hold wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and try to move the wheel. If you feel movement in it only 1mm is within tolerance. How many miles on the bike?

Thanks I'll try that, is the FD(fianl drive) bearing the same as a wheel bearing? Bikes got 21000 miles on

 

[FF1078]

If you bought it from a BMW dealer take it back and get it checked, you should have warranty from who ever you purchased from for at least 12 weeks.
Look on the bright side, it coould well be nothing to worry about.

No it was a private sale.

 

[FF1078]

Does anyone know what sort of free play should be in the rear wheel when turning it, if mine is on the centre stand and in 1st gear there looks to be a good 4 inch when I trun the wheel, is this normal?

 

[Skipssong]

Does anyone know what sort of free play should be in the rear wheel when turning it, if mine is on the centre stand and in 1st gear there looks to be a good 4 inch when I trun the wheel, is this normal?

See Post 2

 

[Beemerman59]

Does anyone know what sort of free play should be in the rear wheel when turning it, if mine is on the centre stand and in 1st gear there looks to be a good 4 inch when I trun the wheel, is this normal?

The 1mm tolerance (when cold) refers to sideways movement so hold the wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock positions and move the wheel sideways. You can also spin the rear wheel whilst holding the palm of your hand on the top of the FD housing and see if you can feel any rumbling from inside - if you can its probably a crown wheel bearing thats gone awol.

The rumbling may well be something else other than the FD bearing - could be something as simple as tyres. When my crown wheel bearing went I couldn't feel anything when actually riding the bike.

 

[morty]

as said stick it on centrestand and try to rock the wheel along it's axis you shouldn't really feel much.If your not experienced get even a motor mechanic (no disrespect to motor mechanics intended) to do as it's all about experience and touch/feel, which is quite subjective,if you can distinguish & feel 1mm of free play on a wheel fitted to a bike then your a damn better engineer than me.
If it feels solid then motor on & enjoy.

 

[FF1078]

See Post 2

No that's not backlash, that's bearing play, backlash is spinning the wheel, it is the play in the transmission and drive train which is classed as backlash, I have about 4 inches which in degrees probably equates to 10-15deg.
Anyone know what it should be please?

 

[morty]

didn't read your question right,yep thats normal,mine does that,just a querk of the bike

 

[FF1078]

didn't read your question right,yep thats normal,mine does that,just a querk of the bike

Thanks Morty, I didn't know if that was too much. I'll check the bearing for play tonight. Cheers guys

 

[morty]

i would only worry if it sounds like a bag of spanners when you ride,compared to jap 4's they are a bit agricultural but a damn good bike.when i changed to gsa it took quite a while to get used to different sounds.
At 21k you shouldn't expect to many problems,if you want extra piece of mind buy extended warranty for £320 pa from bmw or another provider.less than a £ a day.if you do the mileage it could be worth it.a personal judgement,some folk put cash away & others buy warranty.you takes your chances.