new R 1150 R clicking noise from cylinders

Post by **dwayne** » Thu May 18, 2006 7:41 am

Howdy, okay I am REALLY enjoying this bike, cannot believe how easy it is to put into corners. I do have one question of I'm sure of many to come:

What is that clicking sound? It's not always there, and it seems the faster I go, or if I am on the gas it seems to go away. Is this because the motor is breaking in and there is a lighter weight of oil in there (less then 400 Km's on the odometer). Anyone else have this, or know what I am talking about?

Post by **Boxer** » Thu May 18, 2006 8:00 am

Several things make the ticking noises. Some are normal and some may not be. If you're worried, take it to the dealer mechanic and have him take a listen to reassure you if it's a normal ticking sound.

The fuel injectors tick some. The valves will tick if they are slightly loose. Rocker arm will tick. Cam chain slap makes noises as well. The heads stick out there in the open air, giving your ears much more to hear than other engine configurations.

A new bike? Best thing is to let the dealer check it.

BoxerTwin · Post by **BoxerTwin** » Thu May 18, 2006 10:37 am

They all do that

(surprised no one has posted that one yet!)

Seriously, your BMW makes a lot of noises you wouldn't normally hear from any other bike. When in doubt, take it to the dealer; he should be able to tell you in the first minute if you have a problem.

Post by **dwayne** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:48 am

Thanks guys, I fired off an email to my favorite dealer to look into it. I thought this was normal as it was doing it right from the day I picked her up, last Saturday, and since the mechanic that put it together would have test rode it only a day or two before, I'm sure he would have noticed it as well. But, as you both said, better be safe then sorry. And I agree.

chris · Post by **chris** » Thu May 18, 2006 12:41 pm

Mine didn't click at first, then it clicked a little, now it clicks occasionally, just assumed it was rocker noise and checked the oil

.
Any more photos of the new toy Dwayne? Only seen it in the box!

Post by **Boxer** » Thu May 18, 2006 1:10 pm

Remove the clothespin holding the piece of cereal box cardboard that extends into the wheel "spoke" area.

Capt. Blackadder · Post by **Capt. Blackadder** » Thu May 18, 2006 2:23 pm

The injectors tick, the valves tick, the rocker arms tick, and the camchain sometimes flaps around a bit. You hear these little noises because they have a straight shot from the cylinders to your ears... unmuffled by a shielding tank or a water jacket. The motor is fine, it's just doing its thing. Just go ride!

Post by **dwayne** » Thu May 18, 2006 3:18 pm

chris wrote:Mine didn't click at first, then it clicked a little, now it clicks occasionally, just assumed it was rocker noise and checked the oil .
Any more photos of the new toy Dwayne? Only seen it in the box!

Hey Chris, ya as soon as I get home...after a take my niece to her moms I'll post some pics.

Enjoying the ride so far??

chris · Post by **chris** » Thu May 18, 2006 4:46 pm

dwayne wrote:
chris wrote:
Enjoying the ride so far??

Loving it!

dragonmojo · Post by **dragonmojo** » Thu May 18, 2006 7:00 pm

Well, you can always install louder pipes and wear earplugs.

I remember owning an R80RT in the early 80s (my 1st Beemer). Went on a long trip from Sacramento, CA to Phoenix, AZ with a passenger, and since we left late afternoon we had to find a campsite in the Sierras... in the dark! Rode around the campgrounds, and a voice calls out to us asking, "is that a BMW I hear?"

It was a rider, reserving space for friends who had not yet arrived (and didn't that night; they were running late and altered their plans). He extended his welcome for us to stay at his site.

Yup, those recognizable noises are part of the BMW twins' character.

Lost Rider · Post by **Lost Rider** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:35 pm

I have the same ticking sound coming from my engine.
I have a whopping 150 miles on her so far, and the ticking just started today.
Good to hear it's a normal, though I will ask the dealer about it next time I'm in.

Post by **dwayne** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:50 pm

ChiTown wrote:I have the same ticking sound coming from my engine.
I have a whopping 150 miles on her so far, and the ticking just started today.
Good to hear it's a normal, though I will ask the dealer about it next time I'm in.

When did you get your bike? I just can't stay off this thing. I've riddin and owned other bikes, all crusiers but this bike is an absolute pleasure to ride and through into the twisties. I just got back from another ride...I have 610 Km's on her so far, and I only had it for a week!!!

Lost Rider · Post by **Lost Rider** » Sun May 21, 2006 8:02 pm

dwayne wrote:
ChiTown wrote:I have the same ticking sound coming from my engine.
I have a whopping 150 miles on her so far, and the ticking just started today.
Good to hear it's a normal, though I will ask the dealer about it next time I'm in.
When did you get your bike? I just can't stay off this thing. I've riddin and owned other bikes, all crusiers but this bike is an absolute pleasure to ride and through into the twisties. I just got back from another ride...I have 610 Km's on her so far, and I only had it for a week!!!

I picked her up on Thursday, and couldn't agree with you more.
I've owned a few bike in the past also, but not like this!
I was autocross racing earlier today and it was fun, but all I could think about was getting out on my bike, I ended up leaving early to go ride.

Post by **dwayne** » Sun May 21, 2006 8:14 pm

chris wrote:
dwayne wrote:
chris wrote:
Enjoying the ride so far??
Loving it!

Excellent! I'd say lets meet for coffee (tea)...but...

drevil · Post by **drevil** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:00 pm

be warned, not only is the ticing normal, it get louder when it's really hot. like when you are stuck in traffic.

i did adjust my valves and it is a bit quieter, but the best solution has already been mentioned IMO. earplugs, or more specifically an ipod shuffle with in ear plug headphones!