Transmission vibration

[Sooty09]

Transmission vibration has plagued me on this GS1200 since new. It has taken all the gloss off the bike and made it just transportation. The vibration is similar to a tight spot in a chain and causes a surge type feeling on low throttle openings. Full power, heavy loads or riding hard and its gone. I have managed to tune it out for the majority of roads by adjusting the damping rates ( no ESC) only to feel it return on various road textures. Its at its worst while gently riding in the countryside enjoying the views, which to me is the whole purpose of motorcycling. In the last 42 years riding on various bikes only the previous R1200gs has produced a feeling like this.
I have enjoyed today riding an F800GS, 120 miles with no hint of the above vibration, the PEx for the 800 leaves a considerable loss for only 11,000 miles so the question is,
Can this vibration be tuned out?
Will a shock absorber like an Olin or similar reduce the vibration?
I like the 1200GS in many ways and the comfort, wind protection is superb. If I can cure this vibration its the better bike, but If I cannot enjoy riding it sadly the F800 is the way to go.

 

[Matty589]

Obvious question is: where are you feeling this vibration? Are you sure it's transmission and not a certain frequency causing vibration? All bikes have varying levels of vibration for me the F800 engine is so vibey I couldn't live with it. The GS I had was the same but the 2015 GSA is so much better at just the riding you mention. The only differences are the heavier flywheel and more weight. Both bikes have dynamic ESA, not sure if it helps.

 

[madmartin]

Is your bike fitted with engine bars. If so ..take em off and see how ya go.

 

[batman1]

+1 Engine bars

 

[Sooty09]

So far I have investigated the footrests, I noticed a lot of slack in the mounting bracket so after removing the pivot I managed to fit a washer to fill the gap. The vibration is less most of the time but occasionally more severe than previous.
I don't think BMW have a problem with tolerances on the rear bevel having seen videos of the quality control so the feel I'm getting is going to be harmonic vibration in the rear shock, drive shaft or cycle parts.
Next weekend Ill replace the rear pads and may take off the crash bars as suggested.