Whining noise on TC GSA at specific speeds - any clues?

moon

moon

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I have just taken ownership of my third GS, this time it’s a 2010 TC GSA.

It’s wonderful and yet I have just noticed a vibration/noise which appears at 45 mph and disappears on reaching 60 mph. It sounds like wind going through a wind turbine. I am sure it wasn't there when I first got the bike just over a week ago.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Yes I wear ear plugs. Yes I know I should ride faster, but sometimes I cant.

I guess it must be either gearbox or FD? Tyres are tourance exp and are medium tread depth. Bike is at 14k miles with full SH. It is due the annual service in September. I believe they change the gearbox oil then.

I previously had a 2009 GSA and never had such a noise so it can’t be tyres or wheel noise since they are no different to the TC. I don’t think it’s the exhaust system either since the noise is speed dependent rather than rpm.

I think ( although i may be imagining it) it is slightly worse when I have a pillion.

I bought the bike from a BMW dealer so it still has the warranty. But if I have to take it back I would like to be educated as to whether this has happened to other bikes. I spoke to a fellow owner with a 2010 GS who had similar experience. He took to the dealer who said it was down to the tyres. I don’t think that’s the case though.

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions or shared experience

Mark
 
Probably tyres. Try de-clutching and let the revs drop to see what happens also flick it from side to side and if its tyres you will hear the noise change . I have Anakee 3 on at the moment and they give off a high pitched hum on some surfaces notably abroad where the roads are so much better surfaced than in our third world country.
 
Thanks rodsharp. I appreciate your reply :)

I don't think its tyres since the sound doesn't change according to revs and its the same whether on straights or cornering
 
Can you be more specific on location the noise is coming from? My alternator belt whines a bit and I only hear it at certain speeds, as below that its not going fast enough to make the whine and with higher engine speeds its drowned out by the exhaust noise.
 
Thanks beemerman.

It sounds like its coming from the drive shaft / rear wheel rather than from the alt belt.
 
Drilled discs make a nose when the brakes are used. Does the noise change if the brake pedal is pressed lightly?
 
My 2011 TC makes this noise but only in sixth gear. Mine is still low mileage and expect it to get less with greater mileage. I base this on having the same issue with an R1100RT years ago and it got better when I reached about eighteen thousand miles. I think top gear may be a different cut to rest.
 
Thanks for all your replies so far :thumb2

I will try out the brake thing this evening

As for 6th gear, I'm normally in 3rd at that speed so no it's not that

I think maybe I could get the FD oil or the gearbox oil changed. Or both. See if that changes anything

Off to ride now!
Mark
 
whining noise at specific speeds

Have a loud whining noise on my GS at specific speeds esp around 40 and 60 mph ~ occurs in 'any' gear also neutral (but then its shaft drive so drag always turns prop and gears). First noticed it when i had M Road Pilots and standard screen (noise may have been there before MRPs were fitted). Cannot work out where sound is coming from; not even sure if its wind (!) or mechanical resonance. Now have M Anakee3s, Givi screen / winglets, and rebuilt FD (latter done to fix play in rear wheel) and prob still there. Recently bike started to refuse to change gear so fearing the worst i popped into SED at Sleaford. Steve spotted the gear lever not self centering and reamed out the two plastic bushes on the gear lever shaft which sorted the gear change prob but as engine, transmission and wheel bearings were given clean bill of health the cause of the noise remains a mystery.

Bizarrely sit up on lower bit of petrol tank and volume of noise becomes manageable, riding normally with a pillion as ballast eliminates it! Noise disappears when bike cranked over say on a 40mph bend but then of course cornering would shield wind from entering some air gap etc.

Getting an LC is tempting; am in Croyde next week and bike needs MOT and 36k service so will see what Sherlocks can do. Any thoughts anybody ~ am now desperate!!!!
 
I'm almost certain I can hear a whining at similar speeds on my GSA.

I think it's my conscience saying "Shoulda bought a KTM, shoulda bought a Yamaha, shoulda bought a Honda....."
 
Bendytoy - yes I tried dragging the brake. No difference

Definitely its worse when swmbo is on the back. No rude comments please :augie

Am taking to dealers next Monday to have it looked at.
 
Mine makes a noise, which I think off as a "wringing sound" - bit like a large ball bearing cage runnning a bit dry ?? That kind of metallic rubbing sound !! Bit of a nuisance, but does not spoil this awesome machine !!
 
moon said:
Bendytoy - yes I tried dragging the brake. No difference

Definitely its worse when swmbo is on the back. No rude comments please :augie

Am taking to dealers next Monday to have it looked at.
Click to expand...

If it increases with load (weight), take a careful look around the back end, under the mudguard and on the wheel and tyre for any area that seems clean or shiny. It could be something rubbing on the tyre or something similar...

Mike :cool:
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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