K11 Owners Group

[Brad]

I work in the motor trade and sometimes a customer will come in and say their car is making a strange noise. You ask them to describe it and you often hear things like "Well its a kind of whooshing, whistling knock that seems to come from under the car" Not very explicit.
Sadly, the boot is on the other foot now because my K1100 (1994, 62000miles and good service history) makes an annoying noise.
I heard it before I bought it and took it on a test drive, but dismissed it as it just sounded like a lower fairing panel vibrating/chattering on the over run and to a lesser extent when pulling. It is not coming from the fairing.
Its ok when cold but gets worse when warmed up, and can be heard when stationary and rev'd above 2000.
On the centre stand, running in gear but with clutch disengaged and brake on (ie. gearbox not turning,) you can still hear it.
My local bike shop who say they look after loads of K's told me there is nothing to worry about but I thought I would throw it open to the forum.
The exhaust headers are tight, but could it be a baffle in the silencer? In all other respects it runs well, seems quiet, smooth and doesn't appear to use oil
Anyone come across anything (vague?) like this
_________________
Brad
K1100RS. 1994
Suzuki VX800, 1991
AJS 16MS, 350cc 1958.
Used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure

[Flying Duck]

Is it coming from the right side of the back of the engine? -> Alternator rubber cushings.

Is it coming the the front of the engine? -> Loose/worn timing gear/bad timing chain tensioner.

Is it coming from down by the exhaust? -> Loose heat shield.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
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91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
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14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
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[Brad]

Thanks for the suggestions Flying Duck.
Its definately not the heat shield but I will get my stethascope on the engine to investigate your other two possibilities and check out the manual to see whats involved.
_________________
Brad
K1100RS. 1994
Suzuki VX800, 1991
AJS 16MS, 350cc 1958.
Used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure

[AndrewD]

I'd agree on the chain, Rob.C had a similar issue that was fine until he opened it up getting on the M4 and the camshaft rotated on the pulley Incidentally Rob.C had a nasty noise earlier that WAS the heat shield, it sounded terminal but was only a bit of tin!


To be honest your better off taking a recording and letting people hear it (I can host it if your stuck).

What oil are you running? If its thin it might explain the noise while good performance.......
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AndrewD

1994 K1100RS in Black
www.Gabfesterst.com for all BMW riders

[Brad]

Hi AndrewD

Thanks for your comments. I don't think the noise is coming from the front of the engine but should be clearer on that when I have been able to get the fairing lowers off and probed around with my stethascope. As for engine oil, I checked out the options given in the handbook and on the basis of the number of miles its done I went for a 15W/50.
Your suggestion to record the noise set me thinking but I'm not sure how to go about it.
_________________
Brad
K1100RS. 1994
Suzuki VX800, 1991
AJS 16MS, 350cc 1958.
Used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure

[Flying Duck]

[Brad]

Hi Flying Duck

Yes I have a Canon Ixus, but I've only ever used it for stills. If I can find it, I,ll get the manual out and have a read up.
_________________
Brad
K1100RS. 1994
Suzuki VX800, 1991
AJS 16MS, 350cc 1958.
Used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure

[jarnbak]

Try to se if the no 4 exhaust pipe has a crack where it meet the can.
Regards Palle.

[Brad]

Thanks Palle
I will have a look
_________________
Brad
K1100RS. 1994
Suzuki VX800, 1991
AJS 16MS, 350cc 1958.
Used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure