vibration when turning & oil colour

[Marco]

Hi all,

Pick up my GS 12 on March 18; this is my first experience with a boxer and therefore want your opinion about this:

- last sunday I only did 45 miles on highway and then many miles on roads with lots of turns; on these roads, when preparing to turn (before the corner with or without braking ) to the right or left I could feel a slight vibration in the handlebars; than when actually in the corner this vibration disappears; I believe that it comes from the front tyre (Tourrance) but never had such vibration before; I will check the tyre pressure and cannot imagine that after so few miles on highways the tyre is already square;

- I checked the oil level; seems ok but oil colour is dark brown, almost black; believe this is Ok but want your opinion as oil for a boxer engine is essential (for all engines actually !); I probabluy should change immediately this dirty oil;

- someone knows the procedure to change oil ?

thanks for your assistance;

cheers and sorry for my poor english writing

 

[Dave Price]

Are you over revving the engine on the approach to the bends? The 12GS is quite torquey and doesn't require the same approach as a high revving 4 cylinder sports bike.
It's highly unlikely to be tyre wear, just get used to the different nature of the engine and suspension.
Your english is fine.

 

[Tobers]

Tourances have quite a "blocky" tread pattern, especially on the rear tyre.

When I changed to Tourances on my 1200, I could definitely feel this during cornering on v.smooth roads (a rarity in the UK I know).

If you have knobbly off-road tyres fitted, the effect is even more pronounced.

 

[Marco]

Thanks Dave and Tobers,

Actually I can feel this vibration not only before corners but also on straights when balancing the handlebars from right to left and left to right;

Tobers, is this vibration disappearing with the tyre wearing or should I get used to it ?

Thanks

 

[Tobers]

I only feel it when leant over in a corner.

I remember there were a few threads about vibrations from front tourances due to the tyre itself being faulty.

See here

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

My experiance is no vibes that would tie in with your description - I'm running Dunlops.

At 600 miles the oil is gold / light brown and I've not (yet) used a drop.

HTH
Andres

 

[chasr]

Marco,

Don't change the oil
Don't be concerned about vibration
Don't worry about anything

Do, however, be careful on those new tyres until you have done 150 km

Give yourself time to get used to the bike. At least wait until after the 500 mile (800 km?) service

Wellcome

chasr

 

[Rich]

I must say I havent noticed any additional vibes to the ones you normally get with a twin, and certainly not pronounced. But again Im on Dunlops.

I certainly wouldnt describe my oil as golden brown, more a dark treacle colour if anything, so dark brown. It went this coulour quite quickly, and in 650 Ive used about 250ml. So I wouldnt be changing it. In fact Im not due my first service for a couple of weeks and my dealer has told me to just carry on using, keeping an eye on the level and doesnt seem concerned I will be well over 800 or 900 by the time its changed.

 

[Dave Price]

Marco,
Suggest you ride through Gent a few times, so that you re-evaluate what vibration through the bars really feels like.

On a more serious note, try taking the front suspension preload down to the softest setting, and see if that makes a difference. I found the standard settings a little too hard for the suspension to cope properly.