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[CAMARO]

I own a 2000 R1100Rt. I bought this bike used with 53,000 miles all service shows to be performed by our local dealer. My question is , after a ride when I park for just a short time with the bike on it's side stand 2 or 3 min. then restart I hear a knocking sound for just a couple of seconds. It almost sounds like a rod knock. Loud sometimes. Always louder after parking on the side stand. Not as bad if I use the center stand. Just got back from a 1000 mile 3 day trip and bike seems to perform perfect other than the problem I described. Thanks for any help.

[norton]

It's probably the Cam Tensioner if the sound is coming from the left side, it's not a big deal, and won't hurt anything. There is a new replacement for it that works much better.

[CAMARO]

I have read about the tensioners but still don't understand why when I park on the side stand it seems to make more noise then when parked on the center stand. Also I don't notice as much noise when the engine is started cold. I am new to BMW and don't want to worry about something that is normal. I would take it back to our dealer but since I bought this bike our dealer gave up his BMW franchise and the service dept. will no longer do any service or even talk to me about anything to do with BMW. I am now 200 miles from a dealer. Thanks!

[flars]

The BMW uses a hydraulic cam chain tensioner. When the bike is shut off, the oil gradually drains out of the left side tensioner because it is on the downhill side if on the sidestand. The tensioner will allow the cam chain to clatter for a few seconds upon startup until the oil refills the tensioner. If the noise REALLY bothers you, you can replace the tensioner with an updated version that will not drain down. As noted earlier, however, the noise is harmless unless there are other riders standing around who haven't heard it before. Then, you may have to withstand some ridicule and embarassment...
My bike has 130,000 miles on it - and it still clatters (sometimes) on startup.

[CAMARO]

Thanks for your reply. From what I am hearing this is a normal condition and I think I will leave well enough alone. Thanks again for you help.