2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1200R.

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
AlexGill
Basic User
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:43 am
Donating Member #: 1
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Post by AlexGill »

Hi all,

Hope this post finds all of you well.
This is actually my first of hopefully many posts on this forum - I'm new to the forum, but not to BMW!

Okay, so this is the problem I've noticed on my R1200R.
I've got a 2011 DOHC model with around 5500km's on the clock.
I've noticed now that the weather is getting colder in the mornings that when you start the bike, that theirs a strange noise coming from the LHS of the bike (sounds like its coming from the LHS cylinder head). Its hard to discribe the noise, but its almost like a screaching noise. It doesn't last too long. Also once you pull away and the motor is under load, the noise continues for a minute or so...
My bike is always parked on the center stand, so its not like its been standing over night on its side stand.

Could someone please tell me if they have the same problem or if they know what could be making the noise.

Cheers :D
Alex Gill
2011 BMW R1200R Classic
User avatar
Bob Ain't Stoppin'
Member
Posts: 285
Joined: Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:50 am

Re: 2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Post by Bob Ain't Stoppin' »

Any chance it's the alternator drive belt?
Houn
Lifer
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2009 2:46 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: San Diego, California

Re: 2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Post by Houn »

Actually, this sounds like the cam chain tensioner. It drains off its oil chamber when left to sit for a while and then chatters for about 8 seconds at startup (as it refills). It's something I've come to expect, and it's only after the chattering stops that I ride off. It's my normal wear-avoidance procedure...

Rick
Rick Calhoun
Zen Riding in SoCal
07 R1200R
95 R1100R
83 V45 (College)
deilenberger
Honorary Lifer
Posts: 4210
Joined: Thu May 03, 2007 9:21 pm
Donating Member #: 0
Location: New Jersey USA
Contact:

Re: 2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Post by deilenberger »

The noisy cam chain tensioner is usually the right side one on hexheads... (unlike oilheads that did it on the left side and the fix was to put a hexhead tensioner in..) I've been meaning to replace mine sometime and see if that stops it. It's much more prevalent when the bike is side-standed vs center-standed. Funny how BMW fixed the old bike with parts from the new bike, then the new bike has the same noise - but from the other cylinder. Engineers.. :badgrin:
Don Eilenberger - NJ Shore
2012 R1200R - I love this bike!
User avatar
AlexGill
Basic User
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:43 am
Donating Member #: 1
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Re: 2011 BMW R1200R Classic LHS startup noise

Post by AlexGill »

I took my bike into BMW yesterday afternoon.
I recorded the startup sound on my phone so I could let them listen to it.
The chap that helped me said he also thought it was the drive belt. He sprayed something into that black plastic cover situated behind the Telelever where the drive belt is situated. He said that should sort the problem.

I started the bike this morning hoping the problem would have been solved, but no such luck :x

I still believe the noise is coming from the LHS cylinder head.
Alex Gill
2011 BMW R1200R Classic
Post Reply