Noisy Fuel Injectors?: K 1200 LT

[Dogg]

Just bought a 2003, K 1200 LT (2000 miles).

No experience with BMW's!

Is it normal when standing on the Clutch-side of bike (with engine running at a slow idle) to hear the "clicking" of what I assume is the Fuel Injection nozzle(s)? Sound seems to eminate from the fresh air inlet in the plastic side panel.

The sound is exactly like that of the Throttle Body injectors on my 1991 Chevy pick-up!

Rev the engine up to 2000 RPM, sound is gone or muffled by exhaust tones.

Bike runs fine, just curious about the noise and would really appreciate some feedback.

[jdiaz]

My K1200LT makes a LOT of noise at idle. I don't believe any of it is fuel injector tho.....its a combination of many plastic panels and exhaust header pipes which need to be re-torqued occasionally.

[Ironhorsecowboy]

I will agree with jdiaz about the plastic and other loose components. If you haven't already noticed you will have a very noticable "BMW buzz" occur at the 4300-4700 rpm range of the engine. This can be very annoying and will definately cause many fasteners to work themselves loose. Get yourself some fancy little torx screwdrivers now if you don't already have some. Unfortunately my riding speed is nearly always in this rpm range which equates to about 80-90 mph on the guess-o-meter. Also your speedometer is if like mine off by about 8-12 mph. Get a buddy to help you check how fast you are really going then keep that in mind when riding at posted speeds. Yes, these beemers are different, they make noises that you won't hear on other brands.

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by Dogg
Just bought a 2003, K 1200 LT (2000 miles).

No experience with BMW's!

Is it normal when standing on the Clutch-side of bike (with engine running at a slow idle) to hear the "clicking" of what I assume is the Fuel Injection nozzle(s)? Sound seems to eminate from the fresh air inlet in the plastic side panel.

The sound is exactly like that of the Throttle Body injectors on my 1991 Chevy pick-up!

Rev the engine up to 2000 RPM, sound is gone or muffled by exhaust tones.

Bike runs fine, just curious about the noise and would really appreciate some feedback.

Not only normal - but a GOOD THING.

Healthy clean injectors are a bit "noisy", and since they aren't as well noise muffled as on a fuel-injected car - you can hear them more on a K bike.

Dirty or partly plugged injectors tend to be quiet - which is a bad thing.

Best,

[Dogg]

Thanks to those that have responded...

My dealer said the same thing. Audible injectors are normal...

I've never owned a fuel injected bike before and wanted to make certain...!!

Thanx

P.S. What an awesome ride! I have always owned 1 or 2 cylinder bikes: dirt, enduro, V-twin cruisers, etc. The K 1200 Light Truck is really a special experience... My Wife and I started long range touring a couple of years ago, we can't wait to go coast-coast next fall on the BMW!! We are planning a trip of approx. 10K miles...