05 R1200GS Vibration?

[gs1200pi]

I have a 05 R1200 GS with 10k miles on it. The bike accelerates and rides very smooth until 4K RPM. Then there is a very noticeable vibration. The bike does it while on the stand and though all gears. The vibration frequency increases as the RPM's increase. The vibration is enough it make the hands numb and the ride very uncomfortable. Any ideas??

[ghostridery2k]

check ignition coils and reed up on this post>>>2004 1150 RT - High speed hesitation...any insight?<<<< from 12/17
good luck,martin

[woodgrain]

When did the R1200GS become an airhead, strictly speaking?

Woodgrain

[PGlaves]

I have a 05 R1200 GS with 10k miles on it. The bike accelerates and rides very smooth until 4K RPM. Then there is a very noticeable vibration. The bike does it while on the stand and though all gears. The vibration frequency increases as the RPM's increase. The vibration is enough it make the hands numb and the ride very uncomfortable. Any ideas??

Vibration of this type is caused by one or the other (or both) of two causes: mechanical imbalance and combustion imbalance. Since you have eliminated the drivetrain as a possible source you have the possibility of either rotary imbalance or reciprocating imbalance as the mechanical causes.

First test. On centerstand - rev engine till the vibration is evident and pull the clutch. Rev the engine with the clutch pulled, the bike in gear, and the brake on. If the vibration persists it is in the engine. If it diminishes at least some of it is coming from the clutch housing, pressure plate, and clutch cover that are not spinning.

If it is isolated to the engine, then mechanical imbalance could be rotary (imbalance in the crank) but is more likely to be reciprocating (imbalance in rods and pistons). If one piston crown has a heavy buildup of carbon and the other doesn't this can cause these symptoms.

If it is combustion imbalance it really means it is a state of tune issue. Valve adjustment, throttle body syncronization, clean fuel injectors, and even coil wires and coils are candidates. So is carbon build up in the combustion chamber causing compression on one side to be higher than on the other.

I would try to isolate it to the engine or clutch assembly first, and then systematically look at the engine state of tune if that is indicated.

My hunch is that it is in the clutch assembly.

[DarrylRi]

When did the R1200GS become an airhead, strictly speaking?

Woodgrain

Moved it to the Hexheads forum. It'll probably see more traffic this way!

[BMWRich58]

Addressed for some time now at ADV rider and UKGSer.

Below a discussion from UKGSer.com.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112710&highlight=engine+vibration

[KGT1200]

Vibration of this type is caused by one or the other (or both) of two causes: mechanical imbalance and combustion imbalance. Since you have eliminated the drivetrain as a possible source you have the possibility of either rotary imbalance or reciprocating imbalance as the mechanical causes.

First test. On centerstand - rev engine till the vibration is evident and pull the clutch. Rev the engine with the clutch pulled, the bike in gear, and the brake on. If the vibration persists it is in the engine. If it diminishes at least some of it is coming from the clutch housing, pressure plate, and clutch cover that are not spinning.

If it is isolated to the engine, then mechanical imbalance could be rotary (imbalance in the crank) but is more likely to be reciprocating (imbalance in rods and pistons). If one piston crown has a heavy buildup of carbon and the other doesn't this can cause these symptoms.

If it is combustion imbalance it really means it is a state of tune issue. Valve adjustment, throttle body syncronization, clean fuel injectors, and even coil wires and coils are candidates. So is carbon build up in the combustion chamber causing compression on one side to be higher than on the other.

I would try to isolate it to the engine or clutch assembly first, and then systematically look at the engine state of tune if that is indicated.

My hunch is that it is in the clutch assembly.


Thanks Paul, for ANOTHER great post for anybody who wants to know more about their GS!

For the record, I have 25K on my 05, and have NO vibration problems what so ever.