Transmission problem

[Arrow]

2008 R1200GS, 12,000 miles and still under warranty.

Currently under investigation by local dealer for chattering transmission around 2,500 - 3,200 revs, feels like little hammers tapping under the foot pegs (not the normal engine pulses) plus ticking sound coming from R/H/S clutch area, sounds like metal on metal as the flywheel/clutch spins round and sound is constant with or without the clutch engaged. Have checked drive shaft by measuring the wheel movement against my brother-in-law's 2007 GS and it is the same as his.

Dealer hasn't come across this on any 2008 models or any other model this new. They are currently researching the problem whilst in the meantime I am still using the bike every day for work. (See what develops.)

Anyone got any thoughts or experience of such problems?

Thanks.

 

[sherpatensing]

They are currently researching the problem whilst in the meantime I am still using the bike every day for work. (See what develops.)

Anyone got any thoughts or experience of such problems?

Thanks.

I would ask the dealer to investigate the problem with your bike whilst they loan you a bike for your daily commute. This could potentially be a safety issue. Also it would encourage them to get it fixed more promptly.

 

[Arrow]

I can't fault the dealer because I only reported it to them two days ago and they said at the time I could have a loan bike if I was too unhappy with it whilst they looked into it. The problem is this is a first for them and by the low response to my query both here and the BMW club site, a great many others also; until they know what to look for they can't really do much else until something develops. In the meantime they are contacting various sources including BMW for more info to see if there is a cause or reason for the sound.

Should it develop further I can assure you I will be back to the dealer well before it presents a danger.

 

[Arrow]

Ticking sound

Update on the ticking sound.

Took bike back to dealer to be checked and saw similar model just serviced and about to be ridden off. Listened to his engine and guess what - the same sound. Perhaps it's something I will have to get used to.

As for the transmission "knocking" sensation: Took the hugger off which I was told was causing the problem. Although on rough roads the heavy "knocks" have disappeared I still get a rough patch around about 2.5k - 3k revs - again perhaps this is normal and something I will have to live with.

Could be the K1200GTSE I had spoilt me too much. Time will as they say tell.

 

[Pukmeister]

My bike often sounds like a bag of nails especially when cold, but idles and pulls smoothly due to regular maintenance eg tappets and throttle synch and the gears shift smoothly and with no false neutrals of missed shifts. If you are used to a smooth 4cyl bike they take some getting used to, I mistakenly thought my bike was a lemon when I first rode it as I was used to jap stuff.

Part of the character of a big twin with shaft drive and a lot of transmission slack as standard is the knocking/clunking you describe, especially on part throttle as the total drivetrain shuttles back and forth. If you make it happen by gently feathering the throttle at medium speed/revs whilst riding, you feel the little knocks of the gear backlash through the foot pegs as the rear wheel slows down.