BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I have a 03 beakster with around 11k on it so far. I’ve noticed a vibration that’s constant. It’s a high speed vibration though not very strong, makes the left mirror really vibrate makes it hard to use and after about 20 min's of riding my right hand goes numb (have to shake it out and get the blood flowing again). Not sure if its just the vibration you get with a 2 cylinder or if its needing some work.

any ideas guys?

What may help is proper valve adjustment and throttle body synchronizing. If you're a wrenchie, there are some very simple and informative info on the advrider site, wisdom section. Happy hunting

There will always be some sort of vibration; it's the nature of the boxer engine. Proper valve and TB adjustments can reduce it, but it will not go away. My vibration is at its worst around 4k rpms, so I just work around it. Others have bought a foam/neoprene grip covers that seem to absorb some of the vibration. Another problem may be that you're gripping too tight or that your riding posture is putting too much pressure on your hands.

Others will chime in with their solutions, but this what I've read on this topic.

ProductUser

MesquiteDave wrote:I have a 03 beakster with around 11k on it so far. I’ve noticed a vibration that’s constant. It’s a high speed vibration though not very strong, makes the left mirror really vibrate makes it hard to use and after about 20 min's of riding my right hand goes numb (have to shake it out and get the blood flowing again). Not sure if its just the vibration you get with a 2 cylinder or if its needing some work.

any ideas guys?

The left mirror will always vibe...TADT from what I'm told.
I don't think the Boxer will ever be as smooth as some other engines...just the nature of the beast. But I would say that if you are getting numbness in the hands, you should check valve/TB specs and see if that helps. Then check to see that you are not using a death grip on the bars....
In the ~15000mi I've done in the last year and change, I have never had numbness...but occasionally do have to 'shake out' the throttle hand on longer rides just to give it a rest....

Thanks for the replys guys, while I might not be the most handy guy around (you can check with my wife on that one ) I can generaly get around a peice of machiney with a good set of directions. If you guys might have a link to where the valve adjustment and throttle body synchronizing how to's that would be great.

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/

Enjoy

MesquiteDave wrote:Thanks for the replys guys, while I might now the most handy guy around (you can check with my wife on that one ) I can generaly get around a peice of machiney with a good set of directions. If you guys might have a link to where the valve adjustment and throttle body synchronizing how to's that would be great.

Just in case you didn't know....

Please be careuful not to run the engine without a couple of box fans, one blowing on each cylindar, to avoid overheating the engine.

ProductUser

Had the same vibration recently with my new (bought 6/06) 2003 1150R. When I bought it had 10K on it and a fresh tuneup. 13K now so I figured the valves were Ok and they didn't sound OOA.

Also recently purchased a Twinmax and gave it a try today, apparently the mechanic before me didn't tighted down the cable adjuster at the carb on one side, as it was loose.
A few turns and I'm back to purring again

That Twinmax is a cool tool

Yup, the TwinMax is the bomb, especially for on-road testing

Hey, it's a double thumper. I like the feel while at a stoplight. All bike, all thrills, no frills.

I think the vibration from an R/R is much less likely to cause hand numbness than the buzz of a K engine.


geo

geothepencil wrote:I think the vibration from an R/R is much less likely to cause hand numbness than the buzz of a K engine.


geo

Absolutely. Before purchasing the Roadster, I put a couple hundred K on big Suzuki fours. Wonderful bikes, but after a day on the road, my right hand was always a bad combination of tingling and numb. I'll take the thudding of a big twin any day over that high-pitched vibration of a four-cylinder.

Squeeze the heck out of your left grip and the vibrating / quivering in the mirror will subside. Now, rest your right had on the throttle and the right mirror will vibrate like hell. Could be the valves, could be a death grip.

I vote Valve adjustment and throttle body scynch. My r1100r purrs like a kitten.

BoiseBeemer wrote:

geothepencil wrote:I think the vibration from an R/R is much less likely to cause hand numbness than the buzz of a K engine.


geo

Absolutely. Before purchasing the Roadster, I put a couple hundred K on big Suzuki fours. Wonderful bikes, but after a day on the road, my right hand was always a bad combination of tingling and numb. I'll take the thudding of a big twin any day over that high-pitched vibration of a four-cylinder.

right on there. After 3 asian 4's, getting my right hand back has been a blessing. went riding with a HD guy all day who complained of hand numbess.

"What's that?"