R1150RT Cam Chain Noise

[Doom]

OK, I am a BMW newbie and I know this question has be addressed in other threads and even an article in the Dec. 99 BMWON that discussed this topic. I have an 04 RT that makes some chain noise when slowing down to a stop when the engine is hot. The noise is chain noise and comes and goes. At normal speeds (>3000 RPM the engine is quiet). Is this a common situation on the oilhead or is it something that I should be concerned about? :dunno

[dano]

I have an '03 RT......black of course......the fastest color. :thumb

On start ups and slowing down to stops......lots of cam chain noise. It's all pretty much normal......or as BMW says......"they all do that"! :D

Matter-of-fact.....the oil head engine is rather noisy.....period.

I have an older gentleman for a neighbor. When he first came over to take a look at my brand-new RT, I started it up for him, and he said......"it sounds just like my 16 yr. old Craftsman garden tractor".

Had to admit....he was right. :cry

[CJM]

Over the years I have looked at and wanted numerous BMW's, but my one BIG problem with the airheads was that terrible valve noise. My 04 R1150RT is rather quiet when compared to that.

MTBATP

[cgdR]

Doom, if you have identified the noise as cam chain slap, you're in good shape. As you may have read elsewhere, there is a redesigned left cam chain tensioner that will solve that problem. Ask for a replacement under warranty. The enhanced tensioner has been available for a long time, but until recently the vast majority of the dealerships were unaware of the solution. However, BMW has just stopped selling standard tensioners, so that should have forced the techs to find out about the new part. Note that thicker oil and a tuneup have also been known to cure the slapping noise.

You may like to see the following illustrated DIY guide:
Tensioner Replacement Photo Journal (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69360)

If you want more information about the tensioner and what is causing the noise, here is a long post I wrote about a year ago on my "mechanical experiments":
Post: Left Cam Tensioner Noise (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=441773&Forum=All_Forums&Words=tensioner&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=441439&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=1&newerval=1&newertype=y&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post441773)

For reference, the new part number is 11 31 2 325 563.

Carlos D.

[Doom]

Thanks for the info. Now to convience the dealer that this is a warrenty issue. I guess the real key is it something that isn't a problem but just isn't quite right.

By the way Dano, mine is silver so it's slower but cleaner. Ok, maybe not cleaner but washed less often. :thumb

[dano]

Thanks for the info. Now to convience the dealer that this is a warrenty issue. I guess the real key is it something that isn't a problem but just isn't quite right.

By the way Dano, mine is silver so it's slower but cleaner. Ok, maybe not cleaner but washed less often. :thumb


Good luck with the dealer. Have them listen to it, just to make sure that it is what it is.

And.....BMW doesn't call it Tuxedo Black for nuthin.......... :D

[CJM]

Showed this thread to The Princess and she said the only reason I thought ya'll were being a little too anal was because of 40 years of riding cast iron, solid lifter, 4-cam, straight-cut gear XLCH's that have "diminished" my hearing.

Say again, please? :wave

MTBATP

[Doom]

Showed this thread to The Princess and she said the only reason I thought ya'll were being a little too anal was because of 40 years of riding cast iron, solid lifter, 4-cam, straight-cut gear XLCH's that have "diminished" my hearing.

Say again, please? :wave

MTBATP

OK, Mike, you lost me on that one. :banghead

[Ozonkiller]

Can anybody tell me how much this updated tensioner costs?

[RTdavey]

Doom -
I think the point by MTB is, after riding a Hardley Ableson for years, and listening to that noisy crap, complaining about a little chain noise is kinda "whining".
Oh yeah, and his hearing 'aint too good either!!!

[GSfornow]

:dunno My last bike was a '91 Harley FXRP, now I have a '99 GS and if you want to compare odd sounds eminating from the bike the GS wins hands down. The GS has more thunks and bumps than anything I have ever ridden! Exhaust note on the Harley is the owners choice, they don't have to be earsplitting loud. I'm told you just get used to the BMW sounds (noise?).