Hi All

So I went for a ride earlier after fitting my LED headlights and I noticed something strange on the way back.

When I'm sitting upright and going in a straight line I feel no abnormal vibrations but as soon as I start leaning over (going into a bend) I get this weird grinding like vibration through the footpegs (and no I'm nowhere near dragging them on the road ). It's most notable when off the throttle but it's also there when on.

Is this normal or should I be worried?

Thanks,
R


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In short, be worried. A grinding noise is not normal. I wouldn't ride that bike until you figure out what is going on and fix it.


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Just did a quick check, grabbing the back wheel at opposite ends and wiggling it does nothing, except when grabbing it at 12 and 6 (top and bottom). Then I can feel a slight tick. I rotated the wheel a few times to see if the position ever changes but it stays at 12 and 6.

What could this mean? My shaft experience is limited to a R1100S (which was real sloppy) and a GTR1400 (which used magic to transfer the power to the rear wheel), so not entirely sure what to make of this.


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Tell us a bit about the bike’s mechanical / service history. What you describe certainly does not sound natural and should be properly checked out before more damage is done.

It's a 2018 model with only 24k kms on the clock and full service history at the local BMW dealership. I picked it up from a Suzuki dealership though after going to have a look at a 2019 GSXS.


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Hurt

(03-21-2021, 07:11 AM)rules Wrote: Just did a quick check, grabbing the back wheel at opposite ends and wiggling it does nothing, except when grabbing it at 12 and 6 (top and bottom). Then I can feel a slight tick. I rotated the wheel a few times to see if the position ever changes but it stays at 12 and 6.

What could this mean? My shaft experience is limited to a R1100S (which was real sloppy) and a GTR1400 (which used magic to transfer the power to the rear wheel), so not entirely sure what to make of this.


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Huh. If the engineering on the swingarm wasn't so solid, I might say, start there. If you're still under warranty, I'd say start at the dealership.

Is it still under warranty? If not I would still bring it to the dealer to have them check it out.

No BMW warranty but I did sign up for one of those 3rd party warranty (2 year) things when I bought it, but seeing as that was only 5 days ago I'll ask the dealer to have a look at it

It's not really profound (I'm overly observant of such things) and sort of thought it might just be a dodgy wheel bearing but with no noticible "whine" and the fact that there is only "play" in one area/plane makes me doubt this.

Well I'll pop in after the long weekend and see what they say.

Thanks.


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(03-21-2021, 11:43 AM)rules Wrote: Well I'll pop in after the long weekend and see what they say.

I think that is best. Please update the thread on the outcome. It is only when we share the knowledge is a forum like this worthwhile.

(03-21-2021, 11:43 AM)rules Wrote: No BMW warranty but I did sign up for one of those 3rd party warranty (2 year) things when I bought it, but seeing as that was only 5 days ago I'll ask the dealer to have a look at it

It's not really profound (I'm overly observant of such things) and sort of thought it might just be a dodgy wheel bearing but with no noticible "whine" and the fact that there is only "play" in one area/plane makes me doubt this.

Well I'll pop in after the long weekend and see what they say.

Thanks.


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Only you can know for sure how bad this is, but from what you have said I think it is worth having the shop pick up the bike and not risk riding it.

M

So I had the dealer look at it and having heard what the problem is I was reminded why you always start with the simple things first and then work it from there.

They had a look at the shaft drive and after not finding anything strange they decided to try and fit another tyre to see if that is the issue and well long story short, it was.

I'll admit the tyre was a little square already but I've never felt these vibrations on any of my previous motorcycles but that might also be due to the fact that I don't like Angel GTs all that much and tend to get rid of them soon after purchasing a "new" motorcycle.

PS. They fit a Diablo Rosso Corsa (newish 2nd hand), which I'll be throwing away soon. It might not "vibrate" but it starts slipping as soon as it hears about moisture on the road.

Se la vie

R

(03-27-2021, 01:10 AM)rules Wrote: They had a look at the shaft drive and after not finding anything strange they decided to try and fit another tyre to see if that is the issue and well long story short, it was.

... I don't like Angel GTs all that much and tend to get rid of them soon after purchasing a "new" motorcycle.

PS. They fit a Diablo Rosso Corsa (newish 2nd hand), which I'll be throwing away soon. It might not "vibrate" but it starts slipping as soon as it hears about moisture on the road.

Thanks for updating the thread, and glad to hear that it is resolved. Tire vibration did not even enter my mind.

Are Pirelli Angel GTs factory fitted on RSs in your neck of the woods, or were they put on afterwards? And their fitted replacement was another Pirelli tire ... sounds like the dealer may be pushing Pirelli tires..? I have Diablo Rosso Corsa tires on my S1000R and while I cannot definitively say that they are slippery in wet conditions, I do know that they are more "slippy" when not yet warmed up than my preferred Michelin or Dunlop tires. I very much doubt that I will be replacing them with another set when this set is done. And they are not cheap either.

I have no clue, could be that the previous owner simply disliked the original and changed it out for a GT (I've seen stranger things).

If I get my way I'm going for Dunlop Road Smart 3. Had them on my GTR1400 for a shirt while before trading to the RS and I really liked them.


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(03-27-2021, 06:11 AM)rules Wrote: If I get my way I'm going for Dunlop Road Smart 3. Had them on my GTR1400 for a shirt while before trading to the RS and I really liked them.

Yes, the RS3s are a great tire and popular with members on this forum. I find them to be a great balance between performance, wear, and price.

(03-27-2021, 01:10 AM)rules Wrote: They had a look at the shaft drive and after not finding anything strange they decided to try and fit another tyre to see if that is the issue and well long story short, it was.

Good news. Sometimes a financial efficiency in working with guys who do this for a living, especially if they can provide quality used replacements on the spot. ( I have some fond memories built on Pirelli Diablos)

So the minor play in the longtitudinal plane of the rear wheel was considered normal play in the swingarm?

Glad nothing serious was the cause.

I'd have to assume so, for now at least I'll give them the benifit of the doubt as they seem like genuine people.


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A worn tire causing a grinding sensation through the footpegs is a new one for me also...glad this was an easy fix!