BMW R1250GS Left Cylinder Noise Update

[@YosemiteFour]

A friend just bought a 2021 R1250R (May 2021) - same problem. He is 75, no internet, so I am checking for him. Thanks for posting this.

[@kurtlarsen5145]

mine makes the noise also , since i have not heard of any engine failure due to the noise , i m reluctant to have the dealer mess with my engine trying to solve a problem that is not one , it looks like they all makes it ... i m curious to know if the 2021 does it also

[@TheTigroso]

Did you resolve this issue? I can’t find second video.

[@kellywagner7622]

Just to share my experience in case it is helpful. 2019 R1250GS. Developed a ticking/knocking noise in the left cylinder with around 1,000 miles on the odometer. Only when the engine was hot and really only heard it at idle on mine. Took it into the shop and they checked a TON of stuff to diagnose it. Finally figured out it was the left cylinder cam chain tensioner not holding pressure when the engine was hot. They replaced it under warranty and I haven't had an issue since. It's a pretty noisy engine when warm but the left and right cylinders now sound the same on mine and it runs great so I'm assuming all is good. At 16,000 miles now. Not sure why BMW is having so many issues with the left cylinder on the 1250's but there do seem to be several guys having a similar problem. IMO, I've been around enough 1250's now that DON'T have have a noisy left cylinder, I simply can't accept that it's normal. I was very happy that my local dealer agreed that it was an unusual sound when I took it in and did the work to get it resolved.

[@陳民勝-z5z]

Can you give some detail of how they found it's was tensioner (hot) problem, I have same noise but I may need to check it myself. Thanks

[@kellywagner7622]

@@陳民勝-z5z From what they told me, they have a manual cam chain tensioner that they use for certain procedures. They had the bike hot and it was making the noise, they removed the stock tensioner and installed the manual tensioner and the noise went away. They put the stock tensioner back in and the noise returned. Hope this helps.

[@陳民勝-z5z]

@@kellywagner7622 thanks a lot, it is very helpful.

[@IanTed]

Kelly Wagner Benn having same issue on left cylinder on my 2019 GSA, my local dealer claims that it is a noisy pressure relief valve, ‘they all do that’. Not happy so I’m going to refer it to another dealer for a second opinion as a friend of mind had a similar issue that eventually resulted in engine replacement, it seems there may be a general issue but why is it only affecting the left cylinder🤨?

[@kellywagner7622]

@@IanTed Yeah, that sucks. I'm ok that the motor is a little noisy and can accept that it is just a trait of the BMW boxer engine but I really struggle accepting that it's ok for one cylinder to be noticeably louder than the other. Especially when most 1250's do not sound like that. Mine was fine for the first 2 or 3 thousand miles and I rode a 2019 R1250RT for a week in Norway last year that did not have a knocking left cylinder. After the dealer installed a new cam chain tensioner in the left cylinder, mine is fine now, but can't say that will be the solution for all the noisy left cylinders. There is definitely getting to be enough reports of this issue that eventually BMW needs to address it publicly. Next time I'm in at my dealer, I'm going to ask if they've had any other 1250's in with the same issue.

[@rinalds2m]

Hi, where did You get the seals around the screw? I need some too and fast.

[@johnambro7181]

Well now we know where the - adventure- in the bmw comes from? Why wasn't it listed as added feature in the brochure.

[@johnling2919]

my update, same bike (2020 GSA1250 3k miles) after taking it back to BMW Dundee for second time for this fault. After being initially mystified and changing the cam chain tensioner 'to see if it was that', they also discovered that there was some lateral play in the cam shaft that BMW held a zoom call on/verified this was the issue. Am now awaiting new l/h head replacement to be fitted... let's hope that fixes it.

[@danielwarner6155]

Was the lateral play in the cam shaft verified to be the problem when the new l/h head was replaced or are you still waiting for the replacement?

[@Westside7be]

Had those issues on my 2016 LC GS 1200. Horrible clunking noise when idling warm. BMW dealer trying to shove it under the mat all the time (had replacement of camshaft depression mechanism, that's all). I can see they did not solve junk valvetrain issues on the new boxer. Glad I sold my GS and bought that 1190 ktm. The horrible idle sound on such an expensive bike at no less then 5000 kms for me ruined all the pleasure of owning the bike, and it's good to have a fancy extended for years warranty from BMW, but if they deny any problem when you confront them with this, what's the point?

[@aleochete]

what about the camchain and the cam chain tensioner?

[@nikosstergiopoulos5008]

Hi i have the same problem on the left cylinder.It started from 5000 km.the problem it is not from cylinder heads! because I have changed them both at 9700km in guarantee,but the problem was stil there so then i changed the engine,now at 17000km the same problem seems to start again!!

[@infinion3]

we need some powerful people to start a class action suit against BMW for these. I firmly believe BMW knows about the issue but does not want to accept the issue due to the cost of having to replace /repair a ton of bikes with this issue. very common issue and should be addressed by BMW

[@SAMFICOM]

Correct

[@jamesbell5284]

Mine is a 2019 model with 4800 miles on it, its very well looked after and my dealer has submitted a video of engine noise to BMW so am awaiting the verdict. super quiet when cold but as temp raises past 72 degrees it starts to knock,Shes had oil changes at 600/1800/3000 and 4800 miles and is not abused. BMW say never heard of issue so just waiting to send them u tube links of all bikes on here.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

If I remember correctly, BMW engineers traced the issue to the left cylinder hydraulic cam chain tensioner (i.e., tolerances were out of spec). Apparently, in some 1250s it wasn't holding sufficient oil pressure at operating temperature to correctly tension the left cylinder cam chain. Under low engine load or at idle (when the engine is hot), you would hear "excessive" chain slap. The issue is minor, and won't cause any engine damage, although if you were to experience this issue, just get your local dealer to replace the left cylinder cam chain tensioner.

[@dalemoulton2273]

The giveaway for the problem is when you said it happens when you shut the throttle. More than likely it's going to be valves sticking in the valve guides.This is not the first time I have seen this happen, especially with the new engines and fine machining tolerances they use now. I have been told by a BMW Motorrad dealer service manager in Australia that these engines run very tight tolerances and are sensitive to oil type and grade. He recommended and they use Castrol Power 1 5W-40 4Tfor all factory services on this model. My bike is 2019 R1250 GSA with 14,280 trouble-free kilometers on it. It does not get babied or abused, but the engine is not worked under 3000rpm. I had the same issue with an early Honda Four. After much soul searching the head was removed and the valve guides reamed out slightly, and the problem went away.

[@firmbutton6485]

Within spec doesn’t mean it will be quiet at the outer edge of the spec. I’d replace the shims and make them tight side of spec.

[@siggi7777ify]

Hi friends also My BMW R1250GS started to hear a knocking sound from the left engine starting from 10,000 km It doesn't come out when it's cold, but when the engine heat rises, it starts t come out. I was surprised to learn that there are several BMW motorcycles with the same problem as mine. I will make a reservation with Motorrad In Korea. and I will update later on how to deal with this issue in Korea.

[@m.g4805]

저도 똑같네요...첫시동엔 조용한데...예열되고 완전히 열받으면 소리가 딱딱딱딱...센터접수 해봐야겠어요..전 1300km 20년식입니다..

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

Suggest having your left cam chain tensioner replaced. If it's leaking oil pressure at higher temps, then the chain will be improperly tensioned.

[@rkb3573]

Had the exact same left side ticking at operating temp at idle on 2020 gsa. Dealer changed 2 camshaft gears. For now both sides sound the same. 2600 miles. Unbelievable for a bike that costs this much. If it wasn't such a fantastic bike to ride I would consider other options.

[@manuelmatos7199]

Call me crazy, i don't like the engine turning on the left side stand...

[@SAMFICOM]

Your dealer is better than mine.

[@abritablondeabike]

Just done 5000ks on my brand new bike and left cylinder is making hell of noise. 😪

[@van0000]

Has anyone had a problem with a blocked engine so far, and how many miles are your motorcycles

[@sidcrowe7301]

Hi, I have the same grrr from the left cylinder when accelerating from low speed, and both cylinders are noisy when idling at running temperature. Tried a r1250rs before purchasing the GS and the engine was the same. Dealer said it was normal boxer noise? Interested in what you find with your engine.

[@jimcaola7405]

I had my R1250GS engine rebuilt by BMW at just over 3500 miles, they said they couldn’t find the cause of the noise so replaced every bearing in the engine! Just come back from a post rebuild 600 service and I have the exact same noise again. Took it to a friend who has an identical bike/mileage to compare and his is much quieter. I will have to go back again and will suggest the cam chain tensioner to see what they say.

[@renatoshehu7902]

Any update on that? cam chain tensioner would be my guess on that issue

[@SAMFICOM]

Best solution is to get 1200. Which i did. And nave zero problems. 16000km so far.

[@CGGS1981]

I have EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. Do the dealer covered the check ? In BMW Fort Lauderdale US they told me that valve adjustment is not part of the warranty and my motorcycle is only 6 months. 5.8k miles

[@SAMFICOM]

problem was not solved. bmw refused to repair claiming that the clanking in left cylinder is a normal for this engine which is total b.s. dealer bought this bike back for 13500 euro. i lost season. lost a lot of money. no more bmw for me. bmw just don't care at all.

[@wolfgangpfeiffer4647]

@SAMFICOM....Did you fix the problem with the noise? Please give me an answer

[@Maxseven777]

Same thing on my 2020 R1250R; It doesn't really bother me all that much, and doesn't seem to affect performance at all. If they issue a recall, I'll have it taken care of.

[@dockerandy]

I agree it sounds like the cam chain tensioner. prob not holding pressure when hot. needs changing. my gs is fine.. but my kawasaki makes the same noise and gets louder as the miles climb until the tensioner automatically clicks up a notch. i don't know if the bmw item is adjustable or automatically adjustable.. but it definetley sounds cam tensioner to me.

[@SAMFICOM]

Docker Andy it is not tensioner it is more likely broken or worn chain slider.

[@dimitargeorgiev6512]

I have the same problem. My dealer change left cylinder, but the noise is still the same 😒 l. Please let me know if you have any solution.

[@SanFranciscoRiderr]

sorry to hear about this, absolutely not fun after buying a high end motorcycle, i hope bmw resolves this for you

[@SAMFICOM]

They did not.

[@tycoontobias8741]

Any news on the cylinder head tick??

[@ogyedanjuma7413]

I’m sure an oil change will give you some clues as to what the issue may be. The evidence is always in the spent oil.

[@ladduro]

This guy says it is caused by the chain tensioner and he designed a mechanical one just to fix this sound www.southerncaliforniamotowerks.com/store/p78/R1250GS.html I am posting this here as well, maybe others are willing to try the tensioners

[@davidives7997]

I feel for you matey. Fellow r1200r rider. There are good bmw mechanics and there's less competent. Good luck.

[@TheFozzy222]

Hi, can you tell me what the problem was with the engine and was it fixed? Thank you.

[@SAMFICOM]

According to BMW this engine noise is normal. Bike is not fixed.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

I would have cam chain tensioners and engine oil replaced under warranty, as a first step. If that doesn't solve the problem, then there can be a deeper investigation. Start with the simple stuff first. Probably worth doing a visual inspection of the cam chain guides too.

[@firmbutton6485]

The other thing I’d check is plastiguage the çamshaft to check for play.

[@cassin11]

We have the same bike. I don't see the problem on mine at the moment. Please update if you find a solution. I noticed you have changed your wheel. Was there a problem on the spoked wheel?

[@SAMFICOM]

I have two sets - one for road one for offroad. There is a video on my channel about that.

[@cassin11]

@@SAMFICOM My engine is having the same noise now in the left cylinder. It has 7000 miles on it

[@johnling2919]

I have same problem. March 2020 1250GSA, started ticking (or I noticed it) at about 1k miles. Took it to dealer. Scratched their heads. Contacted manufacturer. Response was ‘it’s normal’. It doesn’t affect performance. It comes on as soon as engine warm. But I’ve never had a bike like it.. odd one. Am very glad it wasn’t just me!

[@SAMFICOM]

John Ling i will go to court and demand money back. Process already started. Lets help BMW to restore high quality standards.

[@johnling2919]

My update-contacted Bmw Dundee, sent them my own video, awaiting their next move! Will update when more happens. But even my wife said ‘that doesn’t sound right...’.

[@SAMFICOM]

@@johnling2919 Exactly. it seems like only BMW thinks it is normal noise. The rest of the world can clearly see the problem.

[@Nomad-Drifter]

Isn’t it solved with a longer tensioner?

[@SAMFICOM]

At that time longer chain was not available. Now it is and some say it works. For mine chain tension was not the main problem.

[@jpaul4595]

Did you get the ticking noise fixed?

[@SAMFICOM]

Check my later videos

[@hichamcharmouh4179]

I have the same problem now , whats the solution guys plz

[@alanlovett3327]

I have a 2019 1250 RS with 17,000km on it. I also have the loud ticking from the left cyclinder when the engine is hot. I also have a clattering sound when accelerating from lower revs. This all starting happening at around the 12,000km mark. Was fine when the bike was new. Actually had thought the sound upon acceleration sounded like a loose cam chain. Your dealer sounds like he has found the issue. My bike is due for it's 20,000km service shortly, will mention this too my dealer. Hopefully BMW is across this. The shiftcam engine does have a new cam chain set up. Maybe has an issue.

[@SAMFICOM]

I am getting ready for the court my dealership. They not solving problem. Bike at dealership for 4 months.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

If I remember correctly, BMW engineers traced the issue to the left cylinder hydraulic cam chain tensioner (i.e., tolerances were out of spec). Apparently, in some 1250s it wasn't holding sufficient oil pressure at operating temperature to correctly tension the left cylinder cam chain. Under low engine load or at idle (when the engine is hot), you would hear "excessive" chain slap. The issue is minor, and won't cause any engine damage, although if you were to experience this issue, just get your local dealer to replace the left cylinder cam chain tensioner.

[@darshansebastian]

So is tgis resolved yet?

[@mp1705]

Same issue in my R1250 GSA, 3k miles It starts about 80 celsius degreees on the screen, only on the left cylinder. Not bad working in general nor malfunction advice in TFT screen only this ugly sound.

[@reiduanreiduan1613]

Why BMW so many problem??

[@SAMFICOM]

Because incompetent management and engineers maybe? :)

[@MegaDzik_007]

Hi - this topic is very interesting also for me ... Any news ?

[@wolfgangpfeiffer4647]

@SAMFICOM.....I'll be taking my R1250R to my dealer next week. He's investigating the problem. Probably a problem with the valves

[@aleksandrnikolajenko2733]

Так Вам в сервисе нашли причину или пока нет?

[@bm7760]

I bought mine just yesterday from a dealer, used, with just 2,400k on the clock. On the way home I noticed the noise. The bike's quiet when cold and the noise is less evident under acceleration and deceleration. Just when cruising along I can hear it. I had a short test ride on this bike and also on a 1200 with about 11,000k on the clock. The 1200 sounded like a bag of spanners so the 1250 seemed the quieter option. Hopefully there will be a simple solution like a manual cam chain tensioner that can be installed. Would heavier oil help the hydraulic tensioner maintain tension?

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

I wouldn't change the factory specified oil viscosity until trying a new tensioner. They are relatively cheap and easy to fit.

[@mimilouc]

@@LonelyTreeSunset did you try new tensioner

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@mimilouc Not personally, but it is a known issue with some 1250s. It has solved the noise issue for some.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@mimilouc This was technical explanation: If I remember correctly, BMW engineers traced the issue to the left cylinder hydraulic cam chain tensioner (i.e., tolerances were out of spec). Apparently, in some 1250s it wasn't holding sufficient oil pressure at operating temperature to correctly tension the left cylinder cam chain. Under low engine load or at idle (when the engine is hot), you would hear "excessive" chain slap. The issue is minor, and won't cause any engine damage, although if you were to experience this issue, just get your local dealer to replace the left cylinder cam chain tensioner.

[@LonelyTreeSunset]

@@mimilouc Consider using a better quality engine oil too, the OEM stuff is over priced for what it is. Consider Motul 7100 5W40, or Ravenol Racing Motobike 4T 10w40. I'm using latter, and getting less engine noise and much smoother shifting.

[@v8chevyman]

With 103k km on my 2014 R1200RT, I was thinking I was looking forward to an upgrade to a 1250RT next. Now I'm not so sure..... Good luck and let us all know how you get on.

[@Greggspies]

I'm in the same boat only I have an R1200GSLC wouldn't want 1250 now it would be very annoying and your stuck with it

[@neilhitchman1128]

Same, had a 2014 R1200 GSA that ran smooth as can be, just traded for a R1250RT and strange rattle noise at low revs pulling away, like a small stone in a tin cup. Dealers again saying its normal, but if this is normal will be giving it back as drives me nuts.

[@geoffreyleach8719]

The new tick cam

[@SAMFICOM]

:)))) Good one!

[@geoffreyleach8719]

Mines the 1200 gsa 2018 14500 miles sweet as nut wtf has Bmw done

[@jayrajb]

After reading this I think I should just invest in a multistrada

[@SAMFICOM]

It has its own demons :)

[@jayrajb]

@@SAMFICOM Lol I still did buy the 2021 Rallye 1250 GS and did not face this issue. All good

[@EIVLN]

my 2016 r1200 had same issue …..bmw replaced LH cyl head

[@tycoontobias8741]

Hi Samficom, I had the same issues with my R1250GS Exclusive, 2019, 5000 miles. New cylinder head, new cams, new valves, valve clearance tried at different settings, and still ticking / clicking. Apparently now it's a characteristic of the engine as there is no loss in engine performance. One KZbin owner had a new engne fitted, then new engine started ticking at 400 miles. BMW engineer visited him at a dealership in UK and told hime it is now normal. Keep me updated, will love to know what the outcome is with yourself as I think BMW are baffled. Thanks.

[@fernandofernandes5270]

Hello Friend, I also noticed this noise in the left cylinder. My bike is 690 km long. I was at the dealership here in Brasilia, Brazil. They opened the head cover, made the measurements and everything was inside the newspaper. Metal-to-metal noise does not appear when the engine is cold. But after 5 km the noise returns strong. What was BMW's solution to this problem?

[@Biancocf]

Ainda tem a moto? A soluçao é bem simples

[@toketeng]

Do not idle the engine for longer time on side stand...always idle using center stand

[@SAMFICOM]

This goes staight into stupid section

[@johnanderson1841]

I have the same clicking on my 1250GSA 2020, not even 3000 miles old

[@stavrostheodoropoulos8617]

My dear friend greetings from Athens Greece. I have a 2017 R1200GSA and I have the same problem with the right cylinder. I went to the dealer and they replaced for me the middle shafts for the cams. The problem is still there. The damn engine sounds very bad when is hot. Thinking about the system, I don't think your problem is the valve guides. I would turn my attention more towards your hydraulic chain tensioners. Lots of times when the engine is hot they don't keep the pressure to the sliders. That may create a bigger problem by have the sliders, (being plastic) to become worn out and then it becomes more expensive. My bike is out of warranty so I have to pay for it. When I go for the 20.000 KM service I will be replacing the tensioners as well. I will advise on your channel when done. If you want send me a line on my e mail. I have already subscribed and notified personally. Good luck with your bike. Stavros

[@Karavtech]

Hello Stavro. Any update on this?

[@Greggspies]

Think ill stick with my 1200 for now

[@Mpal07]

2021 1250RT with 5k miles. Same problem on left cylinder. According to this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/jovTfZubj7GVjJY) it’s the left tensioner. Can anyone corroborate? Thanks

[@SAMFICOM]

Try new tensioner for left cylinder. For some it works.

[@Peter-ox7wh]

Companies want to develop and launch new bikes every 2 years, that's the problem. Yo don't have enough time to test, check and answer problems.

[@SAMFICOM]

They just do not care anymore. This is the main problem.

[@jetrex1986]

They all have the same problem ------- I have a r1250r.

[@Peeohtrek]

Man, this is an unfortunate mishap.

[@mantasm.8831]

I kurio miesto krastaauto varei? Man tie patys garsai, 4000km rida..

[@TheTripleDubya]

They all seem to make this noise, mine included.

[@SAMFICOM]

Time for bmw to admit ir and issue a recall.

[@SAMFICOM]

And no not all of them. I took demo bike for a ride and it had no noise.

[@IanTed]

TheTripleDubya aka Dubya 07 Same issue here but dealer not interested, referring for second opinion to another dealer here in UK.

[@tjoentjoen]

this is a 2017 GS1200 Rallye with about 36,600km on it anyone can tell me whats causing the noise, it sounds like my grandmother sewing machine took the bike to the dealer for warranty claim twice already is this normal engine for a GS? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqCalaiLrLSdm6c

[@SAMFICOM]

The cause of the noise are BMW engineers who have arms growing from their bottoms instead of shoulders.

[@tjoentjoen]

@@SAMFICOM hopefully the new 'improved' and longer tensioner really solve the problem

[@дмитрийвишняков-г6з]

А российская версия будет?

[@SAMFICOM]

так уже на канале лежит

[@gregmatty6393]

Does it sound like mine? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZaofa2GmL-dgqc&lc=UgyXqx-tqgmaSNKSmDp4AaABAg Just curious if the 1250 shift cam engine has the same issues. I'd post photos on KZbin but I don't know how.

[@SAMFICOM]

My was worse, but yes pattern is very similar.

[@peterdane9138]

BMW over priced, over hyped and with you.