R 1200 gs engine noise

[Mac79]

I just bought my first BMW. It's a 2008 with 30,000 miles. Couple of questions. I have a rattle at idle that goes away when I engage the clutch, im thinking it's normal I hope. Also when I start it up it doesn't want to shift into first gear right away. It flashes neutral on the display. After hitting the shift lever a few times it will finally go into gear. I don't know if I'm not waiting long enough for the ECM to boot up? I didn't buy the extended warranty hope I didn't make a big mistake. I really love how this bike handles and feels. Very nice machine. Thank you for the help.

Mike

[marc]

Regarding shifting into first... with the the automotive style clutch of a BMW the transmission input comes to a complete stop when the clutch is engaged pretty quickly. Once the gears in the transmission stop rotation the chances are that the shift dogs will not line up perfectly for a shift from neutral to first. There are two techniques that you can use to get the proper alignment. These techniques will become second nature in no time at all.

Technique 1: lightly pre-load the shift lever and then make the shift occur simultaneously with pulling in the clutch. Two steps -- clutch in then foot down -- is too slow. You want both steps to occur at about the same time. Using this technique for all gear changes will usually result in smoother shifts.

Technique 2: If you missed getting the bike into gear when disengaging the clutch you've got another chance while disengaging the clutch. Keep light pressure on the shifter as you slowly release the clutch lever. The transmission will slip into gear.

[Mac79]

Thanks I will give it a try. How about the rattle when I'm at idle completely goes away when I engage the clutch

[marc]

Not sure, but I'd bet it is from some where in the transmission. When you engage the clutch the gears and shafts in the transmission stop turning. Might just be gear slop from a bike that isn't under load. Or it might be something else.

Hint: wear earplugs. Put them in before you start your bike. Your bike will run better that way. At least it seems to work that way on my bike.

[Mac79]

Lol. I will listen to my iPod. I wondered if it had something to do with the dry clutch. I thought those were common to make noise.

And thanks for the tip I tried shifting down into first while pulling in the clutch same time . Worked great every time

[Mac79]

I took the bike into BMW today. They said it was a spring wearing out on the input shaft. I bought the bike on Saturday. Sounds like there going to cover the cost. At least I hope they do. I told them to put a new clutch in it being they are going to have it all apart.

[Mac79]

Just to let everyone know. It ended up being the input shaft. I had them throw a new clutch plate in it being they were going to have it apart. they covered all the cost. I'm wondering if I didn't screw up not getting a warranty

[Scotty]

A warranty is always a gamble, it's like you're saying, "I'll betcha this bike is gonna break, bad and soon". Sounds like your dealer took care of you. So, bullet dodged. Mine came with a warranty, purchased by the seller, so far no need of it. knock on wood. I'm glad to hear it worked out for you.