Spoke Adjustment BMW GS GSA, Adventure bike spoked rim adjustment & Tension, how to fit a new spoke

[@Tiger1050Tom]

who even knew what a grub screw was.... Thank you so much!

[@justthewayitis]

Your welcome 🙏

[@trwoodard]

Thank you, Carl! Haven’t seen anyone else post a video about this, which is such important maintenance for spoked wheels.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello, thank you 🙏 Just trying to help owners Regards Carl

[@pauloricardocoan]

Hi Carl I’m very impressed with your videos, thanks to effort to make them available to all of us. Cheers Paulo Coan

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paulo, thank you 🙏 You are very welcome Best wishes Carl

[@MultiOutdoorman]

First time I've been made aware of spokes, did time trick in my GS, found the odd dull note so I'll sort mine now Cheers..... i just shared your vid with our

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Outdoorman, welcome to the channel, glad to hear you found the spokes episode useful and THANK YOU for sharing the video with your bike club, that’s really kind of you. The channel is slowly growing and more subscribers will eventually lead to the big manufacturers allowing me to do proper week long reviews of their bikes. BMW have been great supporting the channel with their technical office for the Dynamic ESA series so I hope other manufacturers will eventually do the same. Wishing you a lovely Sunday Kindest regards Carl

[@Galineu]

Very good job Carl. Thank you very much from Brazil.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏. Hello to Brazil 🇧🇷

[@rottieman347]

Brilliant, I'll be checking mine tomorrow, particularly the grub screws. Thank you

[@justthewayitis]

Your welcome 🙏

[@ericbusa]

WELL ……. I’ve had GSA/ GS’s since 2007 and thought I knew it all, But NO. Thank you 🙏 i’ve always checked my spokes for a nice ringtone over the years and no problem, but never knew there was a little grub screw in there. Thanks again 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hello, we all learn, I’m always learning new things ✌️we’re never to old. Smile Thank you for sharing Carl

[@correykeen2956]

Thanks Carl for this. With my screwed up hearing I think I'll have the dealer take care of anything I find from inspecting the spokes.

[@justthewayitis]

lol… honesty is the best policy Smiles… Carl

[@OratilweMalibe]

Thank you so much Carl for sharing such a critical information

[@justthewayitis]

You are very welcome 👍

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

I wish I was your neighbor Carl! Great video again!

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 👍 Have a great Sunday, Carl

[@tsport6368]

Thanks Carl, new to spoked wheels (on a Motorcycle anyway) so this is very helpful. I used to visit a cycle shop where a guy tuned spoked wheels for race bikes. Always looked like a black art watching him work but this makes basic maintenance seem reasonably simple.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tsport, the professional wheel builders are quite amazing to watch and incredibly quick and accurate. What I’ve covered in the video is fairly basic but enough for owners to help them check the spokes wheels. And perform basic adjustment if the wheel is not in a poor condition. Their are several really good off-road adventure equipment suppliers that can build incredibly strong wheels if we do spend lots of time away from the tarmac. Have a great weekend Carl

[@ROuzil]

@@justthewayitiswhat about replacing rusty nipples is that easy just old out and new in?

[@justthewayitis]

@ROuzil yes you can replace any of the three parts, although if you’re just replacing the grub screws make sure that you inspect the threads inside.

[@ROuzil]

@@justthewayitis thanks mate you’re great. Greetz from holland

[@justthewayitis]

@ROuzil you’re very welcome good luck with your project 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@collinsbrianm]

Just what I needed for the rear wheel on my 2018 BMW R1200GS. Thank you!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Brian, good morning Glad you enjoyed the episode Regards Carl

[@Elysian_Angel_]

Very useful video and excellently explained! Thank you!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Jessica, thank you 🙏 Kindest regards Carl

[@enricodicampli7242]

Thank you for your time for making this video 🫂🤙🏻😎

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Enrico, you are welcome 🙏 and I’m pleased you enjoyed it. Best regards Carl

[@nikoscosmos]

Carl, This reminds me of when I played the glockenspiel at infants school. I was tone deaf then as now! I notice that the TüV inspector checks all spokes whereas the MoT chap doesn't . All the best from sodden southern Hesse,

[@justthewayitis]

Good evening Nick 🙋🏻‍♂️that’s very interesting about the difference between MOT und TÜV testing. Thank you for sharing. I guess this means more checks at home if your in the UK. We have had lots of rain just up the road too….☹️ Carl

[@ralfm.8505]

Hi Carl thank you for that video. Your explanstions are very good. 🙂

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Ralf, thankyou, hopefully when you check yours everything will be fine. Best wishes Carl

[@Hallseventy1]

Very helpful video Carl. I like very much as you explain all the topics covered. Easy, clear but never superficial. Go ahead please👏

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Alessandro, thankyou....have a great weekend. Carl

[@markc1967]

Excellent video Carl, with some invaluable advice 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you ✌️

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! I enjoy these very much. Well done. Best!

[@justthewayitis]

Thank-you

[@Eat_Ride_Sleep]

What a great video, kudos. Very helpful and well explained.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Mike good afternoon, thank you 🙏 Best wishes Carl

[@terryosullivan7650]

Thanks Carl. I checked the tension of the spokes on my GS after watching your vlog of the Toarance Next 2 tyres (which I had fitted a couple of thousand miles ago as it happens and do like them a lot). One thing I hadn't picked up on were the grub screws so next time the bike comes out I'll do just that. All the best buddy 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Terry, yes they are extremely small and easy to miss (as I initially did) hence a video letting owners know what to check, and yes the tyres are great 👍 Best wishes Carl

[@won01419]

Thank you for all you do. Very very informative. 😊

[@justthewayitis]

Your very welcome.... Thank you, Carl

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Hi Carl great video, I think you can get an app for your mobile phone which will tell you the pitch and tone of sounds. That might help when applying tension to the spokes

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Inspector, that sounds like a great idea 💡, thank you 🙏

[@dptubexx]

Helpful! Just be careful not to take the wheel out of round (wobble) in an effort to get the tension on each spoke to “sound” pitch-perfect…

[@justthewayitis]

Yes indeed

[@Andy-ft6yg]

Excellent advice as per normal

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andy, Thank-you

[@JohnBurnet1]

Great I have a slightly bent spoke when I rolled it forward when still chained up, so now I can change it after checking the rest.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi John, that's a great idea. Carl

[@philippelabelle9988]

Thanks so much! Very much appreciated! Phil😊

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Philip, your very welcome 🙏

[@Simon-fm8yc]

I dont have a GSA but am seriously considering one as my next bike, after spring tour and in time for my big summer tour. I'm liking the 40l tank, torque and technology of them. Stumbled across your channel and this is helping me decide. Great instructional videos and very well explained and demonstrated. I'm subscribed and will share with my GS riding mates.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Simon, thank you for subscribing and sharing with your friends, it really helps the channel grow and keep me motivated. When you do make your final decision on your next bike.... Let me know Kindest regards Carl

[@franckmalers2299]

30L tank, but it's the best bike I ever had. Worth every €€€

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Franck, totally agree 🤞

[@Simon-fm8yc]

@@justthewayitis typo & know it's 30l. I have put a deposit down on a Trophy & should have it shortly.

[@justthewayitis]

Well report back once it’s arrived and share what you think 🤔 Carl

[@jpaul4595]

Excellent Video, Thank you much Carl.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul, thank you 👌glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewforbes9269]

When adjusting spokes I find it easiest to hold the wheel with my knees and while adjusting the spoke with one hand, tapping the spoke with a screwdriver in the other hand. This way, you can hear the tone change while adjusting. It might sound a bit like patting your head and rubbing your belly but try it! It's quite easy and saves the faff of flipping the wheel over to check the tension. If you have a bench vice, even easier!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Andrew, thank you for sharing this tip, I and other owners appreciate it 🙏🙋🏻‍♂️ Best wishes Carl

[@alvarosolis7837]

Excellent video! I can feel my fro t tire vi rates a little bit. It might be the spokes needs adjustment.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Alvaro and welcome to the channel, I hope you successfully check and adjust your spokes. Carl

[@maurowind7617]

Thank you very much! good job! 👍

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you ✌️

[@MelvinMelv10]

Checked my spokes today on my 2023 1250GS and all spokes front and rear has same tension :).

[@justthewayitis]

That's perfect news !!! Have a good weekend Melvin

[@marcfalardeau6058]

Hi Carl, although I have mags on my GS 1250, this presentation was very precise & interesting! Thanks! Marc, Quebec, Canada. 😉🏍

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Marc, thank you ! Best Wishes Carl

[@jonasfogelberg9300]

Great Video Carl! I really like “scientific“ approach you have. Could you do a video on how do maintenance on the annoying exhaust butterfly valve? It seems to be something that’s been an issue forever. I got it on my fairly new -21!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Jonas good afternoon thank you for feedback, I’ll add that to my list of topics to cover. Mine was built in 21 and so far no issues. Can you describe the problem you experience? Carl

[@jonasfogelberg9300]

@@justthewayitis Well the “warning-take me to the dealer” light came on. The dealer fixed it but it seems to be a questionable construction. The valve needs to be lubricated in some way or it will seize at some inappropriate time. And you cannot simply lubricate it with WD-40 or something similar,because of the heat. I’m not sure what the butterfly valve actually does. That’s where I thought your investigative skills would help 😀!

[@justthewayitis]

Hi thank you If you would like to know what it does and why it’s there have a look on my Ducati multistrada series where I talk about the issue and one possible solution which I did on that bike. But I will have a look at the bmw problem and report back Carl

[@zulluchief]

Hello, great video! is the procedure the same on oil and cam head gs?

[@justthewayitis]

Hello I would check your manual to be 100%, but I would imagine the test process in terms of sound test is the same. The adjustment might be the same or similar. Best wishes Carl

[@adventurebeforedementia2090]

Carl. Great video as ever! As a 2019 GSA Rallye owner I find your channel extremely interesting.I’ll certainly be performing a spoke check before my European tour in Sept. One question: As an ex cyclist I can recall having to perform a similar task on my racing bike after finding a few pot holes kindly left for me by Birmingham and Solihull councils in the late ‘70’s! On a cycle rim it was relatively simple to get the rim out of “true” when tightening spokes. Would I be right in assuming that it’s far more difficult to do this on a motorcycle rim? Is it worth spinning the wheel once done just to check it’s still running true?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi and welcome to the channel. Yes is the simple answer, if you can setup the wheels to spin freely and then check to see if the rim is running true, this is the best way. Normally it’s just the odd spike that’s out and needs resetting, as shown in the video. And I remember the roads in Birmingham very well 🫣 Wishing you lots of fun in September on your tour. Carl

[@pumiklos]

If you want to tighten even more precisely the same all the spokes, then instead for listening for high or low pitch tones, use for ex. an application on your mobile phone, ex. SPECTROID, which records the spokes sounds, via phone's microphone, and shows on the phone screen the frequency in hertz. So, you can adjust all the spokes for the desired level in hertz, so the tension of all spokes will be near equal.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Miklòs, thank you for sharing this important information about setting the tension more accurately. Much appreciated. I will give a try next time. Kindest regards Carl

[@eduardootero8560]

Very good.

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 👍

[@Invis_Space]

New subscriber 👋🏻 I’ve watched so many of your videos. Thank you! I’m a R1250GS owner. I ride fast and sporty. I’ve just recently sold my S1000R. So I’m hoping to squeeze a little more out of my GS. So my question is related to the spoked wheels. I see Metzeler make the M9RR’s in the right size for the GS spoked wheels. Do you know if it’s possible to mount these? 🙈

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Invis and thank you for subscribing to the channel 👍, yes that’s exactly what the 19” version of the M9 RR was designed for, railing through your favourite corners and having lots of fun. I was going to fit them but decided to keep some off-road capabilities for now. Maybe that will be the next tyre. If you fit they please come back and let me know what you think of them…. Have a great Sunday Carl

[@Invis_Space]

@@justthewayitis ah that’s great news! Ok I’ll give them a go and let you know 😁 curious how much it’ll change the handling dynamics of the bike. thanks for the reply Carl 🙏🏻 wish you a great Sunday too!

[@Sweep29]

Great video Carl. Very informative. Can the same process be used while the wheel is on the bike or it it just easier to do with the wheel removed?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Sweep, yes you can do this with the wheels on the bike, I just find it easier with the wheels off. Both approaches are fine. Thank you for your feedback 🙏 Enjoy your Sunday evening, Carl

[@nigehaworth]

Superb as usual Carl. So you don’t recommend loctite on the grub screws?

[@justthewayitis]

Absolutely not, your never get them out again.... Thank-you Nigel, regards Carl

[@timtouchstone6139]

Hi…i have a 2022 R1250GS…spokes are all the same length front and rear wheels, about 190 mm long…i was told by a BMW certified mechanic that max tension is 2.5N/m, then another BMW mechanic told me a higher value. Is 2.5 N/m correct?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Tim, same here, I’ve been given different values too. But 2.5 ish is absolutely fine. That’s barely finger tight ! Carl

[@lodewyksteyn1369]

Why would you not first tighten the under-tensioned spoke as it sits opposite to the over tensioned spoke and may relieve some of the over tension when tightened. After all, a spoke is more likely to loosen by itself than tighten by itself given the presence of the grub screw locking down the adjuster.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi good morning, which ever way you start you’ll need to go back and forth rechecking, it really depends on the amount of spokes that are loose. There is nothing wrong with doing it the way you have suggested 👍 Have a great weekend Carl

[@franckmalers2299]

THANK YOU

[@justthewayitis]

🙏 your welcome Carl

[@francoispremont7850]

Hello, thank you for this information about the spokes of the BMW GS wheels. Could you go a little further by explaining how to change a rim for example. While this is relatively easy with a bicycle or motocross wheel, with BMW's tangential spokes it seems almost impossible. There must be a method? Dealerships only replace the wheel, they do not repair them.

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Francois, welcome to the channel. Trueing up an adventure bike wheel is much more difficult than working on mountain bike wheels for example. It requires special tools and equipment to do it correctly and experience, which is beyond what I personally would attempt in my workshop. On motor cross bike rims where the spokes are mounted in the Center of the rim they use a special torque wrench to set the base setting and then adjust by ear/sound for the final stage. If you have to do this I would suggest a specialist off road adventure wheel supplier who would probably rebuild your rim using better higher quality spokes. Best wishes Carl

[@francoispremont7850]

Thanks

[@justthewayitis]

🤞

[@igorkolaric7690]

Carl hi, I bought a 1250gs and am having various annoying noises when driving at low speed, I have had 2 previous models air cooled and these annoying noises were not present. Maybe you know the solution. Thank you, I.K.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Igor Without being there to listen to the noise’s it’s very hard to advise you. The first thing to think of is tyres especially at low speed it’s very common, then perhaps you can visit your local dealership and ask them about the noise’s you can here. Carl

[@sunnycloudy1337]

4 or 5 newton meters seems like quite alot for that small grub screw, might be the wrong info you gave there Carl, but otherwise great video! I can now go and check the spokes and adjust them myself, thanks!

[@justthewayitis]

Your welcome, I checked two different bmw manuals one said 3 one said 4 , so I’m not 100% sure. Like you say it’s not a lot more than finger tightness

[@sunnycloudy1337]

@@justthewayitis The specs for the screws arent in my owners manual. All it says is that if the spokes sound different when you hit them you have to go to a specialized workshop. I only have the owners manual, not the service manual though.

[@Gigitt]

Torque specification for GSA spoke rims are 1st tighten T40 nipple to 3Nm, then nipple final torque is 4Nm, 2mm Hex grub screw is tightened to 2Nm to lock the nipple in place. This 2 step tightening seems to be if you are lacing a new wheel rim with spokes - as obviously you cannot just got to final torque you must work you way around the spokes 1st. Note if you are re-tightening all the spokes it is best to go around 2-3 times setting torque values upto 4Nm in a few steps - this is because when you tighten a spoke it affects tension in spokes close by and opposite - as you don't want to unintentionally over tighten another spoke. Now this only sets the spoke if every thing is round and true. If you have any buckle in the rim then you will find this will make the wheel wobble and have run out or run not true - this then requires different torque values on nipples to set the wheel true again and is out of scope for this information. A spoke wheel specialist can true a spoke wheel as they have magical spokey senses :)

[@sunnycloudy1337]

@@Gigitt solid info, thanks a lot!

[@justthewayitis]

Ditto… thank you for the details that really helps, best wishes Carl

[@RicardoJunior-be1sl]

Hellou friends....VRRY GOD.... no spek inglês.......EXISTE CUSRSO PRA ALINHAR ESSAS RODAS....GRATIDÃO

[@justthewayitis]

Hello Ricardo, Que bom que você gostou do vídeo, obrigado por deixar um comentário. Muitas felicidades Carl

[@_k0rbs]

Hello ! Thank you for the video, very informative ! Just a quick question here, would that work in a similar way for the tubeless wheels on the latest Africa Twin Adventure Sports ? The only difference that I see is that there is no grub screw on those, but other than that, it should be maintained according to your guidelines ?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi there and welcome to the channel. If you go to the Africatwinforum.com and search for (spoke tension) there is lots of guidance for these wheels which are different to the GS. The basic setting is done at 5Nm then a balance needs to be found (sound as shown) but having not worked on these wheels myself the forum seems to have great advice Carl

[@_k0rbs]

@@justthewayitis Thank you, I'll look into it !

[@justthewayitis]

Your very welcome and good luck with your adjustment 👍 Carl

[@austinmatthews347]

Have you had the rear strut fault yet pal i had it yesterday morning i was just setting off from inzell bavaria in the pouring rain when bam there it was. I called breakdown but they put phone down so i chanced it and at next break the trinagle had gone next issue same day was fault on sos system again that went away i am on rotterdam ferry now back to bliey . My xr had sos fault once as well

[@justthewayitis]

Hi, i don't have SOS on mine so cant comment, but have had zero issues with rear shock and lots of time out on tour in the rain, perhaps I'm lucky. Safe journey home Austin...in sounds like water has got into a sensor somewhere on your bike.

[@austinmatthews347]

@@justthewayitis no its not that my bike was only in the rain about 1 min when it happened also a youtuber had same issue in dry in scotland. The reasons to part with the bm are mounting. Also after running on autobahn for an hour to my ears the engine has a high pitched rattle think its normal i will ask vertu about all these issues. A german biker said at a fuel station in germany bmw is known as bring motor to works in other words always breaking

[@justthewayitis]

So is it Triumph for you soon or back to Honda ?

[@austinmatthews347]

@@justthewayitis no not changing yet i will roll with this for a min of 1 year my insurance was a small fortune. I wont do triumph not a fan honda naa toi sterile no soul kawasaki could interest but not a tall bike more likely h2 sx i have just bought a sorry looking 2004 z750 as a project so that will keep me busy

[@justthewayitis]

Well have fun with your project

[@TallyHoTech]

Do you like the shaft?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi hello not sure I understand your question? Do you mean shaft drive of the BMW Carl

[@TallyHoTech]

@@justthewayitis Carl? I'm not sure what shaft your talking about but I wish you and Carl some happy experiences. It is Pride month after all. I meant the GS Bike as you had a chain MultiStrada?

[@justthewayitis]

Ah ok, I prefer the shaft drive in terms of low maintenance especially on tour, but prefer the chain on the multistrada in terms of feel while riding Carl

[@TallyHoTech]

@@justthewayitis Thanks for your reply. Did you keep your Multi? The Tiger 1200 shaft feels a lot better than the GS one.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Multi has gone to a new home ☹️

[@gc9n]

if this small hex is missing the spoke needs re adjustment?????

[@justthewayitis]

Hi George, if it’s missing the tension probably needs to checked and a new grub screw ordered from your dealership 👍

[@johnsharp6618]

Is this the same for the 1100gs ?

[@justthewayitis]

Hi John, the spokes are different and hard to remove, I think they are pressed in during manufacturing, but the adjustment is similar they have a small grub screw inside that needs to be losend first. I’ve not worked on one for many years but if my memory serves me right, I think that’s correct

[@johnsharp6618]

@@justthewayitis thanks for the advice, i have heard they can be a pig to true up , so preventative messures are a must in my mind.

[@justthewayitis]

Hi John, no problem and good luck with your maintenance 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@justthewayitis]

Just bare in mind if your wheels have lots of loose and tight spokes it’s probably time to true the rim to the hub which is a bigger project for a professional, it can be done at home but you need more equipment and ideally the tyre removed. Carl

[@pault4513]

Got a good maintenance subject for you “gsa battery charging “ When i bought my new 23 gsa the dealer put a conventional charge harness on the battery ok well wait a minute look at your owners hand book on battery charging its a more in depth subject then plug in a charger and forget it if you dont have a bmw battery charger

[@justthewayitis]

Hi Paul that’s a great idea 💡 Thank you Carl

[@angelwink]

😁

[@justthewayitis]

👍

[@jav1706]

Grub screw torque = 2 nm

[@justthewayitis]

Thank you 🙏

[@j.bin_genex1927]

I dont like spoke wheel May the forged endro wheel good

[@justthewayitis]

Yes the new forged wheel option on the R1300GS is very good 👍

[@fetB]

how many times do you have to repeat the same thing over and over. We get it, different picth different sound.

[@justthewayitis]

Thanks for your feedback Carl

[@Greggspies]

Don't buy a GS with spokes, they're a pig to clean and come loose

[@justthewayitis]

Yes they are a pain to clean 👍