'Tinkling' noise at cold start up - advice please.

[casperfelix]

After having my 03 1150GS serviced (24k); I noticed that when I started up from cold a very light tinkling type noise came from the offside engine region upon light acceleration. Within a very short time (300 yards down the road) it goes and it doesn't return until next cold start. Performance is fine & there appear no other linked symptoms or effects to the noise. Any ideas what this is?

PS My nearest dealer (where I had it serviced) is about 50 miles away, so I'm hesitant to ride all the way there to be told "what noise, I can't hear any noise".

 

[Womble]

Mototechniks over in Stowupland might be able to help. They've got a reasonable knowledge of BMWs, and they did a big stripdown on my neighbour's K series a while ago.

...unless they did the 24k service and you're wary about taking it back?

Anyway, I'm only up the road from you, so let me know if you want any moral support or a second pair of ears and I can pop over.

 

[casperfelix]

Thanks TobermoryWonble. Actually it was Cannon who did the service. I have to get an MOT soon and usually get that done at Mototechniks who are about a mile away from me - will ask them to listen when I'm there.
However looking at various other similar threads i.e. http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121181&highlight=noise+start
I'm pretty convinced it's the cam chain tensioner or oil grade that's been used.
Nice to know you're local and may take you up on your offer of lending an ear if it persists.

 

[Womble]

The oil grade and the cam chain tensioner do sound like good candidates. It's strange that it's the right-hand-side that's tinkling though as it's usually the left-hand one that makes a noise.

Any idea what oil Cannons used when they did the service?

 

[casperfelix]

The oil grade and the cam chain tensioner do sound like good candidates. It's strange that it's the right-hand-side that's tinkling though as it's usually the left-hand one that makes a noise.

Any idea what oil Cannons used when they did the service?

The discussion in the link I posted talks about the off side making the noise - which is consistent with my bike. As to the oil Cannons used; I think it was Castrol GTX - but don't know which grade.

 

[Decster]

Wonder could it be something as simple as the bike left on the side stand and leaning to the left and then when started the noise is due to a lack of oil as it is being pumped to t'other side, which is why the noise is only on cold start ups?

Recommended oil grade is 15w50, the GTX is 20w50

 

[sani]

Put the Bike on the center stand
Pule the chock liver up
Hold the clutch in
Push the start button and late the engine to get hot for a bit
Push the chock liver down and late the bike cam to normal
When it shows few bars on the oil cloak that is good and all the noise it will despair
Practices this for the rest of the time every morning every day and you will not going to have any noise.

Drive Safe

 

[ciderman gs]

could it be good old fashioned 'pinking' as it only happen's when it is cold

 

[slalom]

could it be good old fashioned 'pinking' as it only happen's when it is cold

Pinking only occurs under heavy load when fuel/air mix/ignition timing are not correct.
I think the noise is nothing to worry about if it goes in 300 yds.

regards

Slalom