Vibration at 5000 rpm - 2014 GS TE

[DING-DONG]

No, they didn't synchronise the throttle bodies. I mentioned this, but was informed this was on the "earlier models" not mine.

If thats the reply they gave you and you would rather keep the bike take it to another dealer and ask them to do a throttle body sync as a precaution because any bike with butterfly's in the throttle bodies have to be synchronised, so what there telling you is not quite correct.

 

[Billy Big Roy]

OK, just sent this. I've changed the names and missed out the dealership name as it would be totally unfair at this stage to name and shame after the effort the staff put in on Saturday to try and fix the fault.

I feel the email is firm, bit fair. Yes?

Hi "Frank",

Hope you had a good weekend. I thought I would give you an update after my visit to the dealership on Saturday, and after my trip to Coventry today to visit my brother.

As you will no doubt be aware, a few “options” were tried on Saturday. Removing the engine crash bars, changing the wheels and tyres and a factory reset.

As I fed back to the tech, the tyres did make a sight difference to the vibration below 3500 rpm ( there never was an issue at that range, it just made the bike feel smoother), and it moved the rev range where the vibration starts to come in from 4500 to 4800, but it was still there at 5000 rpm +

After the reset, "Bob" took the bike out to test it, and on his return claimed the vibration had gone. Great! I thought. I got suited up and ready to go home after the best part of 3 hours sat around at the dealership.

Imagine my total and utter disappointment on the ride home when the vibration was still there. Absolutely no change what so ever.

I took the bike to Coventry today in the hope “something” may of changed. Again, absolutely no change at all. The vibration makes the bike virtually unridable as a commuter. I would go as far as saying it leaves me in pain and discomfort after riding the bike for more than 15 minutes.

Whilst I am new to the BMW R1200 GS, what I can say without any doubt that NONE of the four other R1200 GS I test rode displayed this level of vibration, or left me feeling in considerable discomfort.

If you recall, I was after a S1000R as a commuter. I changed to the GS after being so impressed with the demo bikes I rode. If ANY of the bikes had displayed the level of vibration mine has, I would not of purchased one.

On the day I came to look at the GS I purchased after leaving a deposit, I tried the S1000R, and I tried "Jim's" demo bike. Again, I was so impressed with "Jim's" bike, I made the decision to buy a GS.

If you recall on my test ride on both bikes, I went up the M40 to junction 5, then came back. This gave me ample opportunity to identify ANY excessive vibration on the demo bike. It showed no signs of the level of vibration my bike has.

I am really grateful for all the effort the “guys” put in on Saturday to try and resolve the issue, but sadly they have not been able to fix the fault.

Words can not express my disappointment after spending well in excess of £10,000 on the bike, then another £2500 on accessories for it. I’m totally gutted. I start my new job tomorrow, the job I purchased this bike to commute on, and I’m now having to use my wife's car as the bike is unridable.

That now means she will have to rely on public transport with our 4 children, including our 16 month old daughter as I have no choice but to take her car to get to work in Hemel Hempstead. This at a time she needed the car due to Christmas preparations.

In light of the vibration issue, and the failed attempt to fix it, I would like to return the bike for a refund, or replacement. I would consider another BMW R1200 GS TE after an extended test ride on the replacement bike to ensure it does not have the same issue as the current bike.

As of today, the 7th December 2014, I have stopped using the bike, and it has been put away whilst I await a date to return the bike to "the dealership".

I start a new job tomorrow, so I’m unsure when I will be able to speak to you tomorrow. Please email me, or if I see a missed call, I will call you once I’m free.

I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope we can resolve this matter in a smooth timely fashion.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

OK, just sent this. I've changed the names and missed out the dealership name as it would be totally unfair at this stage to name and shame after the effort the staff put in on Saturday to try and fix the fault.

I feel the email is firm, bit fair. Yes?

Hi "Frank",

Hope you had a good weekend. I thought I would give you an update after my visit to the dealership on Saturday, and after my trip to Coventry today to visit my brother.

As you will no doubt be aware, a few “options” were tried on Saturday. Removing the engine crash bars, changing the wheels and tyres and a factory reset.

As I fed back to the tech, the tyres did make a sight difference to the vibration below 3500 rpm ( there never was an issue at that range, it just made the bike feel smoother), and it moved the rev range where the vibration starts to come in from 4500 to 4800, but it was still there at 5000 rpm +

After the reset, "Bob" took the bike out to test it, and on his return claimed the vibration had gone. Great! I thought. I got suited up and ready to go home after the best part of 3 hours sat around at the dealership.

Imagine my total and utter disappointment on the ride home when the vibration was still there. Absolutely no change what so ever.

I took the bike to Coventry today in the hope “something” may of changed. Again, absolutely no change at all. The vibration makes the bike virtually unridable as a commuter. I would go as far as saying it leaves me in pain and discomfort after riding the bike for more than 15 minutes.

Whilst I am new to the BMW R1200 GS, what I can say without any doubt that NONE of the four other R1200 GS I test rode displayed this level of vibration, or left me feeling in considerable discomfort.

If you recall, I was after a S1000R as a commuter. I changed to the GS after being so impressed with the demo bikes I rode. If ANY of the bikes had displayed the level of vibration mine has, I would not of purchased one.

On the day I came to look at the GS I purchased after leaving a deposit, I tried the S1000R, and I tried "Jim's" demo bike. Again, I was so impressed with "Jim's" bike, I made the decision to buy a GS.

If you recall on my test ride on both bikes, I went up the M40 to junction 5, then came back. This gave me ample opportunity to identify ANY excessive vibration on the demo bike. It showed no signs of the level of vibration my bike has.

I am really grateful for all the effort the “guys” put in on Saturday to try and resolve the issue, but sadly they have not been able to fix the fault.

Words can not express my disappointment after spending well in excess of £10,000 on the bike, then another £2500 on accessories for it. I’m totally gutted. I start my new job tomorrow, the job I purchased this bike to commute on, and I’m now having to use my wife's car as the bike is unridable.

That now means she will have to rely on public transport with our 4 children, including our 16 month old daughter as I have no choice but to take her car to get to work in Hemel Hempstead. This at a time she needed the car due to Christmas preparations.

In light of the vibration issue, and the failed attempt to fix it, I would like to return the bike for a refund, or replacement. I would consider another BMW R1200 GS TE after an extended test ride on the replacement bike to ensure it does not have the same issue as the current bike.

As of today, the 7th December 2014, I have stopped using the bike, and it has been put away whilst I await a date to return the bike to "the dealership".

I start a new job tomorrow, so I’m unsure when I will be able to speak to you tomorrow. Please email me, or if I see a missed call, I will call you once I’m free.

I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope we can resolve this matter in a smooth timely fashion.

Regards,
Chris

Sounds like you need to talk to Frank. . WTF. . Do you like a lot of butter on your toast?!

 

[WindyChuffer]

Doesnt sound right. Have you had the wheels off and the balancing checked?

 

[Billy Big Roy]

Sounds like you need to talk to Frank. . WTF. . Do you like a lot of butter on your toast?!

yes I do.

From experience, more is more when you have to show you have been reasonable, fair and patient. Should I have to go to Court, I have a paper trail showing just that.

I must admit, it is rather long winded, but I wanted to cover as much of the progress and situation as I could, hence the content. I wanted the dealer to know that I do actually like the bike, and I'm not trying to give it back as I have changed my mind.

Hang on, I think my toast is ready...

 

[Billy Big Roy]

Doesnt sound right. Have you had the wheels off and the balancing checked?

No, not yet. They fitted front and rear wheels from another bike for me to try, but it made no different to the vibration.

 

[Schtum]

No, not yet. They fitted front and rear wheels from another bike for me to try, but it made no different to the vibration.

If the vibration is determined by engine revs rather than road speed, swapping wheels really was never going to make much difference. There is a tendency for engine vibration at your quoted revs anyway because the fuelling is reduced at that point in order to get the engine to comply with emissions regulations. The previous model, the twin cam was actually quite a lot worse in that respect. I suspect that in the case of your bike that's exacerbated by the throttle bodies being out of balance. I'd be surprised if syncing the throttles didn't make a significant difference.

 

[pistole]

I understand that there is no such thing as "throttle synchronisation" with the watercooled engines (as opposed to the throttle-cable operated twins before).

what there is is a sort of throttle-reset where the parameters of the throttle grip are reset vis a vis the two servo operated butterflies in the throttle bodies.

maybe its just semantics , but it was done with my bike to sort out a closed throttle engine dying problem, early on into ownership.

 

[Nutty]

The email looks good Chris. It won't get as far as court, as the dealer will get this sorted out for you quickly, and to your satisfaction. They don't have any choice.

 

[johnfoxllb]

Was it ex demo or had someone else rejected it after 900 ish miles

One wonders how many lemons are now in the dealer network given the reports of bikes being rejected, having engines and gearboxes replaced etc.

 

[Matty589]

Having had a fair few bikes with mirrors that give you a headache because they shake so much (Suzuki GSX1250 or BMW F800ST for example) the mirrors on my GS are clear at any speed and engine rpm so something must seriously be wrong. You're right to reject it.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Handle bar end weights?

 

[BrokenPaw]

Hi,
I have a 2015 build GSA, just had it's 600 mile service.
No vibrations anywhere; frame, pegs, bars, mirrors, all smooth. First GS I have had with vibration free mirrors.
In fact, the engine feels more like a multi than a flat twin.
Just an aside; maybe lots of changes have been made to the gearbox and drivetrain, but the gearbox is all I could wish for as well.

Good luck Chris. Hope all works out for you.

 

[mechman]

You're right

I understand that there is no such thing as "throttle synchronisation" with the watercooled engines (as opposed to the throttle-cable operated twins before).

what there is is a sort of throttle-reset where the parameters of the throttle grip are reset vis a vis the two servo operated butterflies in the throttle bodies.

maybe its just semantics , but it was done with my bike to sort out a closed throttle engine dying problem, early on into ownership.

You're right new GS LC has throttle actuation by servo motors (fly by wire) so the only way these can be synchronised is by electronic recognition.

 

[JTee]

Its been 2 days since your email Chris.

Any news??

 

[flying circus]

Hi all, I picked up a June 2014 GS TE just over a week ago with 948 miles on it. I didn't test ride my bike as it was in the showroom, so test rode 3 other GS TE's just to make sure I was making the right choice as I had wanted a S1000R as a daily commuter. 2 were from the same dealer, the 3rd from another.

I picked the GS over the R as it seemed a great all round bike and perfect for my daily 126 mile commute, and I was very impressed with the demo bikes.

On riding home from the dealers, I noticed the bike would vibrate badly at 5000 rpm, with the vibration starting to come in at 4500 rpm. Its so bad you can feel it through the seat and frame. I thought this may be because I had some accessories I had purchased in the top box.

By the time I had ridden the 44 miles home, I couldn't feel the finger tips in my left hand, and my backside was numb, almost to the point I was in pain.

I removed the panniers the following day, then didn't use the bike for a few days. I went to visit my parents, but they only live a few miles away from me. The bike did feel better, but I didn't managed to get it up to speed on that journey due to traffic and the weather.

Two days later, I made the dummy run to my office in Hemel Hempstead. 126 mile round trip. The bike vibrated so much, at 75 - 80 mph you couldn't see out of the rear mirrors they vibrated that bad. The seat and frame felt like I was having a mild electric shock put through my body. It would be impossible to ride the bike daily, covering those miles with the level of vibration.

I took the bike back to the dealers and was told "thats what a GS rides like". I asked why the demo didn't ride like that then, or the other bikes I had rode, but got no real explanation. I pointed out that I did not feel BMW would design a "world touring" bike that costs over £14k to ride the way mine does. Again, no real explanation.

I felt totally fobbed off, so booked the bike in to my local dealer. I drop it off later so it be looked at tomorrow.

Since I booked the bike in to another dealer, the suppling dealer asked me to take the bike to them yesterday to be looked at, so I spend nearly 3 hours there yesterday.

We tried a number of things, first thing was to remove the engine protection bars as this I was told my impacted on the harmonics of the frame. They did this, I then took it out on the road. No change at all, so they were put back on.

Next was to fit wheels and tyres from another bike on to mine. These were fitted with Conti tyres. I must admit, these did help, but only slightly. Below 3500 rpm, it felt smoother, and it moved the point the vibration comes in up by 300 rpm to 4800 rpm. It didn't totally cure it though.

Next was to complete a full bike reset, setting all the parameters back to factory. The saleman then took the bike out, and came back saying the vibration had gone! I was chuffed to bits, so suited up, thank them for all there effort and support and left for the ride home.

The vibration is still there. No change what so ever...Nothing. Totally gutted and disappointed.

I totally understand the bike has a BIG flat twin, and these aren't the smoothest of motors. I didn't purchase a Ducati as it wasn't for me.

NONE of the 3 demo bikes I rode vibrated like mine. If they had, I wouldn't of purchased a GS, I would of gone for the R, my original choice.

I'm not sure what to do? Reject the bike? Change the tyres?

The dealer is trying to resolve the issue, but if I'm honest, I do still feel like I'm not being taken seriously.

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

sorry about my previous reply which I somehow lost, I have followed this thread with interest and hope my view/experience may help last year I was riding a 13plate dohc r1200r I lovely bike and prior to this I covered 23k on a 08 1200gs. due to money coming my way I thought a new bike would be nice and decided on a k1300s (anniversary/red/akra) with the deal all but done I knew that I did not have the riding skills to do such a bike justice. I looked around and said oh I'll have another GS the new watercooled one, job done.
as I was about to leave I said "do you know I have never ridden the new one" salesman said no problem these one outside take it for spin.
well while it did not vibrate like a kango hammer it was still horrible tingling vibes all through the frame, bars and footrests I returned the bike and said I think there may be an issue with that bike the salesman said no its fine I have been riding it all week, to this I replied well I do not think its the bike for me cancel the deal.
I rode home on my fantastic smooth r1200r thinking I had just had a very lucky escape, later that night I phoned a friend who had a 14 plate 1200gs (is rt was in dock for r/shock) and told him the sorry tale I also asked if I could have a quick ride on is.
well it was almost as bad same vibes and not at all pleasant compared to my r1200r or previous GS..............
I know from personal experience that it can take a while for a rider to fall for the charms of GS indeed when I collected my previous one after 3 years on a wonderful f800s I just thought OMG/WTF have I done this bike should be ridden by a circus clown!! but after a month or so I started to "get it" and what a wonderful time we had.
with this in mind I phoned the dealer and brought the bike and guess what we are getting along well together the vibes are still there and I wish sometimes they were not but every other aspect of the bike is fantastic I love it more every day/mile.
did the nec last week looked at everthing sat on all sorts went back to beemer stand and knew that for me at least I own the best bike in the world and would not swop it for any other.
so maybe this is not the right bike for you, or perhaps like me you just need a few miles on it before you gel.
hope this helps, and you reach a happy conclusion

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Not sure why the bike is unrideable if the vibes dont kick in until 4800 rpm, im sure i can comfortably ride round well under that.

Twins can take a bit of adjusting to.

 

[Billy Big Roy]

Not sure why the bike is unrideable if the vibes dont kick in until 4800 rpm, im sure i can comfortably ride round well under that.

Twins can take a bit of adjusting to.

The vibration kicked in at 4800 with the wheels and tyres fitted from another bike. With my set up, they kick in at 4500, and by kick in, I mean KICK IN as in the bike has an awful vibration going through everything. The bike starts to vibrate from lower down, but becomes excessive at 4500+

I planned the commute 126 miles a day on it, and the vibration makes that an impossible comfortable commute.

 

[Billy Big Roy]

A BIG thank you for all the feed back and advice. I going to the dealers this Wednesday. I was supposed to go yesterday, but ended up at the vets most of the day with our dog, but thats another story..

I have a number of options, and I must say, the dealer has been great. My options are:

Return the bike to be looked at by BMW and be given a loan bike until its fixed.
Return the bike and put the purchase price towards a new GS or GSA. The new bike would be discounted as a good will gesture.
Return the bike and swap it for another 2014 GS TE.
Return the bike, get a refund and order a new S1000RR.
Return the bike for a full refund.

So as you can see, they are being more than supportive. Its really reassuring they are totally supporting me, and not just fobbing me off.

 

[DING-DONG]

Several great options, looks as tho you have brought from a good dealer.