a loud tapping noise when first started ` R1200

[chevyfleetside]

I have a loud tapping noise from the right side head when I first start the bike up. It won't do it after first start up unless it sits for a while. Do others hear this noise also? This is a r1200 engine. The bike has almost 5000 miles on it. I am going to ask the dealer about this but wanted some input from here also. I also think the left fork tube seal is leaking, but I have 3 years for that..

[AZRTRDR]

All 3 of my R12's have done that.

[carquestman1]

My R1100 also does this. I assumed it was the design of the flat twin with oil draining out of the heads after setting awhile.

[chevyfleetside]

I am thinking it is just oil pressure building up. The oil might run out of that side when on the side stand. I think I will put it on the center stand and see if it still dose it.. I had a 99 R1100S and I think it used to do it also. I can't remember though. Had 42,000 miles on it when I sold it. I kinda wish I still had it. Oh well.. My body won't let me ride that style bike anymore..

[blob]

Now thats really interesting... My 2005 made a 'tapping' noise on start up that very quickly disappeared with the engine running; I was running 10-40 oil. My dealer suggested that I should change to 20-50 as this was the oil recommended by BMW, which I duly did. On start up the short term 'tapping' noise has vanished to be replaced by a rather sustained 'knocking' noise. Is this just a coincidence? The noise does eventually disappear and I have held the engine under load (1st gear engaged, brake held on)and the noise does not appear to be load related eg big end or crank bearing failure. The bike has done 7500 miles and has been maintained correctly.

 

Any ideas - could it be the cam chain tensioner mechanism?

[Swag]

My 07 RT does the the same thing. I tried putting in on the center stand and it didn't make a different. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

[blkvelvt]

My R1200 does the same thing at initial start up. Keep in mind this is an aircooled engine and it does not have the water jacket to absorb and mask mechanical sounds. Air coolers (air/oil) will transmit a bit more noise.

[Ken H.]

It is the left-hand camshaft chain tensioner not yet fully pumped up to take the slack out of the chain. It is common (and harmless) in the boxer motor since at least 1996.

 

That being said, if it bugs someone enough, there is an updated tensioner that will if not cure, at least greatly reduce it. A dealer may not do it under warranty however as the noise is considered normal.

[FrankBrown]

My '05 1200RT has never done that and I have over 82,000 miles on it.

[blob]

Ken H.

 

Can you expand on the revised cam chain tensioner details and how easy this is to install? Having studied the engine schematics it appears to be a simple extract and insert job...

[TowJam]

It is the left-hand camshaft chain tensioner not yet fully pumped up to take the slack out of the chain. It is common (and harmless) in the boxer motor since at least 1996.

 

That being said, if it bugs someone enough, there is an updated tensioner that will if not cure, at least greatly reduce it. A dealer may not do it under warranty however as the noise is considered normal.

Assuming the '07s already have this updated tensioner, I don't know how significant a difference it makes. My ST (02/07 build date) has a very pronounced knock at start up but once the engine is fully warmed up, it's quite as a mouse. If I remember correctly, both of my GSs and RT did the same thing so I've never been terribly concerned.

 

On the other hand, I had an '04 K1200RS with the "flying brick" engine. If you left it parked on its sidestand for any length of time, it would smoke like a mosquito fogger when you first started it.

[Ken H.]

Ken H.

 

Can you expand on the revised cam chain tensioner details and how easy this is to install? Having studied the engine schematics it appears to be a simple extract and insert job...

Yes, it is pretty straight forward. The part numbers are:

 

11 31 7 656 922

11 31 7 688 629

07 11 9 963 308

[blob]

Many thanks, Ken.

 

If the cost isn't too prohibitive I think I'll give it a go!

 

Thanks again.

[Fabbrisd]

The updated cam tensioner was installed in all RT's after early-early '05, and replacing any old style cam tensioner's was a BMW warranty thing, replacement with the updated tension is covered, they can tell by VIN#, there were very few RT's like this.

 

Unfortunately, I have seen some RT's, with updated cam tensioner's that to me are running too tight.. the symptoms are a tapping or "clanking" which will be noticeable (as compared to other RT's) from the 1500-3500 rpm range (again, as compared to other RT's).

 

I suspect the for those bikes the tensioner diameter is on the high side of diameter spec, and that the guide/hole is running on the inside spec...hence I suspect a "too tight" problem.

 

Unfortunatelyt, BMW does not consider this a warranty issue - hence the dealer advice "drive it and it will get better as the bike breaks in".

 

I have not done the cam tensioner work, early GS'rs did, so their tear down instructions, and how they work it to make the tensioner and the hole a bit smoother and looser, they used emery paper or the like tomight be there elsewhere on the web.

 

Good luck Macca !

 

However, BMW

[chevyfleetside]

Assuming the '07s already have this updated tensioner, I don't know how significant a difference it makes. My ST (02/07 build date) has a very pronounced knock at start up but once the engine is fully warmed up, it's quite as a mouse. If I remember correctly, both of my GSs and RT did the same thing so I've never been terribly concerned.

 

On the other hand, I had an '04 K1200RS with the "flying brick" engine. If you left it parked on its sidestand for any length of time, it would smoke like a mosquito fogger when you first started it.

Mine is an 07 GS. Dont know the build date though.. I got it March 30th..