Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

never heard of such, suggets you ask dealer to look at it sooner rather than wait.

 

good luck

The engine design as such will give you a busy type of vibration (opposed twin cylinder) For the record I am on my 7th GS, 1 off 650. and they all vibrated. My current one a 2008 1200's vibrates at 4000 rpm and if held at a steady throttle that vibration disappears after a short while, maybe 1 or 2 minuts.

My experience is that after about 20K the bike is well run in and then she goes really well. Good luck and may your mirrors never touch the ground.

The vibration you experiencing is not unique.I have just ridden my 2010 30yr Adv in and did my first long trip.I got pins and needles in my hands within 30 kays.It was the first time I cruised at 5500 to 6500rpm.Even my nose started itching.After browsing a few forums like Advrider I saw this was a common problem.My hands only recovered after 4 days.I'm not a new Gs rider,I've owned 3Hp2's and 2 Adventures.All of them had some vibration but not at a constant resonance that causes my hands to tingle.Please log this fault with your dealer because it is the only way BMW will respond to the problem.Vibration of this sort is very bad for your body as anyone that has read a chainsaw manual knows that you should stop immediately when your hands go numb.Class action medical suit waiting to happen!

The new RT has rubber mounted handlebars.Why would BMW suddenly fit rubber mounts if the previous model got by without them?I'm a mechanical engineer specializing in vibration and engine monitoring.This is not a tyre/surface or virgin rider problem.The harmonics of the boxer motor changed with the new valve train.In the short term I'm going to get BMW to fit the Rt yoke with rubber mounts to limit the felt vibration.I would have to check if the offsets and sizing is the same.This however is not a fix,it just will make it bearable.

Interesting phenomenon!

I have had 2 of the 2010 upgrade models. The latest one I rode on the Wild Coast Tour.

I certainly have had no "unusual" vibrations but then I doubt that I cruise at between 5500 & 6500 RPM.

Having said this on a rush back from a Recce on the previous 2010 model where I was traveling at...........let me be diplomatic...... well over where I should legally have been, I found it incredibly smooth at high speed over a long distance.

We have 2 2010gs ADV's in the family.The one smoother than the other.After some  research it looks like a combination of valve clearance,throttle body sync and fuel quality.All guesses of course.I'm going to fit vibration monitoring equipment on both and an 2008 Adv. I'll post the resulting graph on the forum.

There has been some discussion on certain fuels giving less vibration than others. I am also aware that the boxers do run lean for a variety of reasons.  This can be one of the areas to be explored. Is there a boxer motor out there (not in an aircraft) fitted with a Power-commander, if so I and many others would love to read your findings. A friend fitterd a P-C to his 990 Adventure with stunning results, less vibration and more power. 

Hi,

I'm a GSA novice, my current 2010 model one is my first, and I too suffered the pins and needles syndrome for the first few 1000 km's. I had the same problem with my 800 after I first got it, but it went away after I realised I was exercising "death-grip" ... I naturally assumed that I was nervous after moving to the 2010 GSA so thought nothing more of it. But it is disconcerting to hear that other, more experienced riders also suffer from this.

On more recent trips I've found that I have the pins & needles/numbness initially, but that it subsides after an hour or so.

I was told by Goose that there is no BMW-authorised Power Commander for use in South Africa - they have only authorised it for use in the USA. You would therefore void your warranty if you fitted one! Likewise, you void the warranty if you use the incorrect octane fuel or add octane-boosters.

Goose is busy wrestling with BMW about the lean air-fuel issue - let's all hope he gets results and BMW allows SA boxers to be programmed to run richer! Note that his main gripe is with the 2009 model engine, though apparently the 2010 engine also runs too lean below about 4000rpm, according to their dyno results.

Seems that the vibration problem is noticed here in the UK as well - just as I'm about to put a £3000deposit on a 30th Anniversary GSA....

 

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2468810#post2468810

Own a 30year GS and I too experience the dreaded pronounced vibrations between 4000-5000 RPM, Just when you're expecting that sweet spot at around 130KM/H then this racket appears. I do hope the dealer will be able to sort this. I have also noticed that my entire exhaust system, other than the end can, has discolored to quite a pronounced gold colour, now I know they discolor but always around the header exiting the heads and usually it gold/blue, however on my new gs just the entire pipe gold, I wonder if it's fueling  is as  it should be.By blipping the throttle I am also , at times, able to induce a very loud engine knock, anyone else experiencing this?

I see on ADV Rider some of the owners of the dohc GS are also complaining about this, so its not just "our low grade fuel" that's causing this... Hope they find a fix as my new bike experience is a little ruined.      

TBK, you are echoing all my symptoms (and sentiments)! My bike has now done 2500km’s, and is not getting any better. In fact, I think it is getting worse. I also noted that it is worse when the bike is warm. I.e. In the mornings to work the vibration is not as bad for the 1^st 20km’s or so.

 

I did complain about this at my 1000km service, but was told nothing is wrong. Last Saturday I lodged an official compliant about the vibration through my local dealer in PTA. I have not yet had any feedback from BMW, but will give them another couple of days to respond before I follow up. Was told I am the 1^st complainant in PTA. I think it is important that those not happy with the vibration lodge it officially with BMW.

Count me in.  I'm experiencing the same vibs with my 2010 R1200GS.  The run up to the Wild Coast and back in August had my hands buzzzzing.  The exhaust discolouration on my bike also leads me to think that the exhaust gas temparatures are elevated above those experienced before, possibly indicating a lean mixture?  The only solution has been to use my K1200S instead, four cylinders are just so much smoother :-)

 

Looks like that's a standard answer mate. This problem is huge with a lot of the UK chaps complaining about the same problem.

It is however VERY important to lodge the issue with BMW and ensure it's on the service record. However you will wait (as we have and still are) for resolution for a long time...........

not sure what you guys are complaining about... my 2009 ADV is as smooth as anything...

Maybe the good Aussie air or fuel or perhaps the places I take her is why I don't notice any vibrations 

http://www.bikepics.com/members/pantsula/09r1200gsadv/

 

Good luck! I will keep an eye on this thread for an outcome.

 

Katoong, glad that you are happy with your machine. This discussion is particular to the vibration experienced on the DOHC 2010 models. 

Ah right :-) thanks for the info!

good luck, hopefully it gets sorted out.

Cheers

Ah right :-) thanks for the info!

good luck, hopefully it gets sorted out.

Cheers

Thirteen of us left Bloem and Kimberley to George and back to Gariep covering 2400km of dirt and tar roads.I rode 5 2010 and 2 2008 Gs's back to back.The vibration is not caused by fuel.We used 93 and 95 unleaded and all the bikes were run on the same fuel.Three of the 5 2010's had the dreaded hand numbing vibration.It's not the tyres,Tkc,Anakee and Tourances were fitted.All three that had the vibration had diferent tyres.I can see why some new owners say that the 2010 has less vibration than the previous model.After riding the older model I found the vibration in the handlebars to be at a lower frequency.The 2010 vibration could feel smoother because of the finer or higher frequency,but it is exactly this higher frequency that causes the numbing of the hands.It can only be down to internal balancing of the motor.I've ridden an HP2 4500km's in 10 days and never experienced any numbness in my hands.It does not even have a balance shaft and should theoretically have worse vibration.Its been a week since riding and my hands still tingle.As I have said before,log an official complaint with a reference number so we can get this sorted.

I rode another 2010 gs and another 08 gs back to back with mine. The tests were done at low to high speed and I must say that my bike is distinctly more "vibier" than both the other two bikes, the other riders confirmed my comments.

So for good measure I will lodge an official complaint and see what it brings.

As Andy pointed out in the second posting on this thread, if you think you have a problem take your bike back to your dealer, talk to the service manager, explain your perceived problem and let them decide on a plan of action, if any.

Posting here may be of interest to other 2010 GS1200 riders but only your dealers can investigate the issues that some of you claim to have and if problems are confirmed, remedy them.

I can't comment on dealerships outside of CT but the CT area dealers generally have a good reputation of going the extra mile to sort out issues.

Interesting.

On a recent trip, a guy was using his father's new 1200GS. Both he and someone else who rode the bike complained of bad vibrations.

Yesterday Mr. Rob Holder (GM, BMW Motorcycles SA) of BMW phoned me in person. He assured me that they will perform a comprehensive diagnostic on my bike. I must compliment him for getting involved in person. I will keep you posted. No date set for the diagnostic yet.

Great news!

A call from Rob Holder the Head Honcho of BMW SA. That is great customer service!

Spoken to soon about great customer service, as the bike in question was found to have nothing wrong with it! 

My experience of vibrations on the other hand has been acknowledged and explained with "that is how the new engines are"

I do not accept this as some bikes suffer from this problem and others not. I have actually experienced two DOHC bikes with distinctly different vibration levels.

Guys, guys guys. If you by a GS (Geländesport = rough terrain) motorbike, you should not complain about some vibrations. The bikes are for the tough guys (like Geoff) that want to ride. Buy a Harley if you don't want vibrations. A friend of mine has got one and he says that after 30 minutes on the Harley you don't feel anything any more. You can even sit on an ant hill without feeling the ants.

 

 

I beg to differ here. Do yourself a favour and do some research on the UKGSer.com site - most of the new 2010 model owners complain about the vibrations.

A question that needs to be answered as well as pointing to the problem... is why the new RT has suddenly had the handlebar mounts replaced with rubber ones...?

Quoted from Webbikeworld's Review

".... the handlebar is now also mounted on rubber bearings to cancel out vibrations"

I am so glad to hear that I am not alone about the 2010, simply I am sick of the GS, it is such a disappointment.  Phone calls and emails get you nowhere. I got 3 issues, oil usage, detonation and vibration. I got 11000km on the clock and my oil usage is 300ml per 1000km. that is within spec as live with it, is the answer.  Detonation, it is our bad fuel, so if you don’t like it, add an additive is the solution. Vibration, I can’t do more than 90min and I am finished. My hands, feet and backside is dead. That normally suits me fine, because by then I am out of fuel. On me way to BMW now, they are going for fit a softer seat, which they say will help. They are trying things now as I am insisting on my money back, will let you know the result.

I am on my 3rd 2010 Adventure and have had no such problems and love the bikes.

You are new to our Forum Etienne so we do not know where you are from but I would love to ride one of these bikes with the so called "vibration" to see what you guys are complaining about.

I reiterate what I said in one of the previous posting on this thread  :-

"Posting here may be of interest to other 2010 GS1200 riders but only your dealers can investigate the issues that some of you claim to have and if problems are confirmed, remedy them.

I can't comment on dealerships outside of CT but the CT area dealers generally have a good reputation of going the extra mile to sort out issues".

Forget e mails, go and see the dealer principle and discuss your issues with them.

Thanks for your response, out of your group, I am the only one with a GS, all the others have ADV 2009 and earlier, and none have my problems. Well I just got back from BMW and they fitted an ADV seat, so I give it a try.  The things a said previously were the answers from a director of Motorrad SA.

I doubt the seat will help.

If your backside is anything like mine it still gets eina after most long rides.

Where are you based Eteinne?

My mate who complained about the vibration says it's not the bike itself vibrating, but its the ergonomics, the way the wind comes in around the windscreen... when I took his bike for a spin I can't say I noticed it. But a 3rd person did.

This was on the GS not the Adventure.

I bought a 2007 GSA with KTC noblies, but replaced them with Metzler dual purpose road tyres. Big difference. Coming from a sports bike I struggle to get use to the constant vibration on the BMW. I was told that the bike acts normal (by Atlantic after asking their advice), and that this is normal for these bikes. I cannot believe that all the vibrations experienced by everyone on the forum can be normal. Surely, being a German bike with their craze for perfection, these bikes are not ment to vibrate this bad? With the noblies it is much worse! Even took the rims to be checked and wheels rebalanced - no improvement. What to do?

Leon

Bryanston, Jhb

I started this thread. Just brief feedback. After the call from Rob Holder I took my bike to the Midrand team to have it cheked out. Again, 'nothing wrong'. My GS has done 4,100 km, and I can honestly say my bike is a HUGE disappointment. From 4500 rpm it tries to shake my feet off the pegs. My only option is (I think) to get rid of it. My 1st and last GS, thats for sure. Shattered dream!

I am sorry if I come across dispondend, but I gave up!

Centurion 

 

BarSnake and Grip Puppies

 

HI Geoff,

The so called vibrations are very real, I have owned two previous generation 1200GS and only the DOHC engine vibrates as it has been described by more than just an isolated few. I have tried testing back to back to check vibration levels with similar DOHC engines and have found that not all are as bad as mine.

This forum is a discussion platform where owners should be able to compare notes, good and bad.

I stay in the peninsula and have been to see my dealer principal regarding this matter, his advise was that I should  lodge an official complaint, which I did. The e-mail back from him suggested that he was in contact with BMW technical department, who simply stated that "the new DOHC engine does vibrate more( goose's post about the rubber mountings to the handlebars seems to be validated ), this is without any technical scrutiny of my bike.

Just a little peeved at the moment.

 

On the Wild dog forum this issue of high levels of vibrations  at around 4000RPM on the 2010 GS'e and pre-ignition in general is also discussed. Apparently also on UK Gser's and ADV riders(spelling?)

I also personally attended the recent dyno testing (arranged by Goose) in S/West and have wittnessed the later model 1200 's to run way too "lean".

My 2004 model 1200 seems to be fine - borderline that is!

I am very much interested in the outcome.  

I am afraid that this is going to sound silly. However, let me take the plunge...

I have a 2005 model 1200GS with no vibration problems. After recently attending Atlantic Motorrad's training session on suspension set-up, I started to experiment with suspension settings on the bike. Amongst others, I adjusted the damping on the rear shock absorber to a softer/slower setting. Ride and roadholding have improved. However, I now have a vibration on the bike (not dramatic) which hasn't been there before.

Could this be my imagination or could suspension settings be part of the problem on the 2010 model 1200GS under discussion in this thread?

As I said, this does sound silly....

Hi Johan,

Thanks for offering your thoughts on this, more than BMW has been prepared to do!

The vibrations that we have been referring to is a mechanical vibration emitted from the engine at rpm's above 4K, this is what all that have experienced it report. So the suspension settings would not be the problem here.

One has just to search on ADV rider and uk gser and it becomes clear that there are issues with the new engine. It would appear, from what I have read on these forums, that the cam sensor has been identified as the most likely cause of these vibrations.

 

 

I know some of you are up-country, but this might be useful info. BMW Atlantic Motorrad in Cape Town have acquired a new computer/device that will allow them to fine-tune the balancing of the 2010 motors. They're just waiting for a specialist to come "activate" the machine. which is expected to happen in about a week's time.

I can assure you my GSA will be right at the front of the queue! I'm coming up to 10,000km and the vibrations have only been getting worse, to the point where I don't enjoy riding the bike much.

Props to Atlantic for taking action! Let's hope we'll all soon be purring along smoothly...

Thanks Boesman. Believe me, if I know it will cure my vibration i'll bring the bike down without thinking twice. Please keep us posted.

On Saturday I arranged for a BMW Service Manager at a different dealership to test ride by bike. The difference is that this time the bike was warm (when the vibration is at its worst when above 4500rpm) when he tested it. He could not believe that I managed 5000km with it the way it is, and said he would not last 50km's on it. They booked the bike in. Breakthrough ... it is the first time that a BMW agent recognised that there is a problem. 

I spoke to him late today, but no cure yet.  

I have had feedback from the dealer, same dealer that previously reported that BMW technical suggested that “that’s the way the new engines are”. BMW SA is installing new engine management/ diagnostic software at the dealership on Nov 17^th, after which the dealership will require a week to ensure their technical people are up to speed. They will then use my bike as a first off trial to try and sort the excessive vibrations. BMW SA claims that the new software will be the answer to all our issues, I sure hope this is the case so that I can enjoy my bike

I will watch this space with a hawk's eye. I am in Hermanus from 17 Dec. If you get satisfactory results, I will make an appointment and trailer my bike down. 

PS: My bike is still at the dealer. Awaiting feedback.

 

Hi there from the UK,

I've been suffering with the dreaded vibration with my 2010 GSA. It's been back to the dealer a few times, they agree there is undue vibration and BMW have been out to look at it as well and agree there is vibration but it's within specification. 

Have any of you guys heard anything more from BMW?

 

 

No cure or progress this side. Incidentally had my bike at the dealer again today, but still the same. I exhausted possible cures. BMW's official response is that the 2010 is a 'vibrier' motor. I suppose that is the price for slightly more punch. I am in personal contact with 2 others here that have similar issues. A few additional observations: The vibration gets worse when the bike is hot, and on hot days. It is at is smoothest on cold mornings for the first 30km's from cold. Also, by comparing my mirrors the vibration is worse on the right side. All I am hoping for now is that BMW concludes from the complaints that there are in fact a problem with some 2010's and that it is not only a few over critical owners, finds a cure, and does a recall.

My bike has the same problem. It's fine when cold, though a bit of vibration at standstill but when the engine is hot and air temp hot as well bike vibrates badly. Most noticeable over 4000 rpm. I'm getting frustrated at the lack of support from BMW. Interestingly the same problem has been experienced by owners in Germany and apparently bikes have been replaced.

I can't comment on the overseas problem however in Cape Town one (or maybe all) of the dealers now has a computer that allows them to tune these motors manually..........................With apparent good results??

The one that I know of is Atlantic Motorrad, Hamman and Donford possibly also have them???

I am not aware of any such systems in Gauteng. Will phone Atlantic to enquire if they perhaps know of any up here.

Just to share my issues, my bike was the first to benefit from the upgraded diagnostic software installed at Atlantic which, I am told, allows BMW SA computer system to access to each bike which is connected to the system. It does NOT allow the dealer to make bike specific electronic adjustments. Only BMW SA standard electronic profiles gets loaded to the bikes.

My bike "benefited" form having the valve clearances reset and did make a difference to the extent that I was prepared to live with the characteristic of  the DOHC engine, however the pinking under load and intermittent knocking when blipping the throttle has not been resolved from day 1 when I took delivery of the bike. I have come to realize that the dealers are not able to rectify these faults confirmed by another dealer's workshop manager comments that " they all pink" and the only way to fix this was to add octane booster, which voids the warranty...

Have a look at the posts below from only one other forum and then decide if you upgrade to the new "superior" DOHC " engine, I have asked Atlantic to facilitate ridding me of this bike by whatever means they are able.... I will be looking for a 2009 model with low km's or even have a look at another manufacturers offering.

 

1. http://www.autoevolution.com/img/forumbg1.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #999999; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; padding: 7px; margin: 0px;">
   14.03.2010 | 12:44 GMT

   i know for a fact that some 2010 r1200GS have in fact engine problems; strong vibration during acceleration... The dealers simply don't know how to tackle the problem...

2. http://www.autoevolution.com/img/forumbg1.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #999999; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; padding: 7px; margin: 0px;">Jose :
   09.04.2010 | 23:33 GMT

   In Portugal I found the same problem in two diferent 1200 GS!!!

3. http://www.autoevolution.com/img/forumbg1.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #999999; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; padding: 7px; margin: 0px;">Alvaro :
   15.07.2010 | 02:19 GMT

   I have an Adventure 2010, I had the 2008 model and changed for this "technologically superior" model. It's a shame; I miss my 2008 a lot (this bike was perfect). The vibration is incredibly strong at 4,400 rpms, in each gear. In six gear about 120 kmh the engine runs at 4400 rpms, I feel the vibration more in my feet and in the hands. I took the bike three times to the BMW distributor and they just do not know what is it, where it becomes from and how to solve the problem. Actually it is for sale now. Thanks from Mexico. BMW do not enjoy the way!!!

4. http://www.autoevolution.com/img/forumbg1.jpg); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: #999999; background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; padding: 7px; margin: 0px;">Mark :
   01.11.2010 | 02:03 GMT

   2010 GS ADV....Real bad vibration from 3200 RPM to to 3700 RPM, worst at 34 to 35... Fuel Strip problems, ready for another fuel strip after just 1 tank of fuel. Had a 2007 GS, should have kept, ran like a dream. Probably will sell it and buy ANOTHER BRAND after owning 4 new Beemers. $22 K and I end up with this POS. Had it 3 months and it hasn't been completely right for even one day... Miss my 07, I'm done with BMW....

 

 

They all have the upgraded software system, however they cannot adjust "the motors manually" only the preset electronic profiles as developed by BMW Germany can be loaded to the bikes the dealers can only do mechanical adjustments which is of no use to this particular problem.