Engine pinging

[dsobota]

I recently purchased a 2016 1200.  I am using either 91 or 93 octane and have been experiencing pinging when I accelerate moderately.  If I do don't crank the throttle too much it doesn't.  Is this normal for a new bike?  I have about 300 miles on the bike. Thanks.


David

[David.]

The recommended fuel grade is 95 RON (UK) or 89 AKI (US) octane.

[beemerboy9]

I recently purchased a 2016 1200.  I am using either 91 or 93 octane and have been experiencing pinging when I accelerate moderately.  If I do don't crank the throttle too much it doesn't.  Is this normal for a new bike?  I have about 300 miles on the bike. Thanks.


David

Be careful when reading the replies of non-US members as US and non US octane ratings are different. 95 octane is regular fuel in the UK not the "best" fuel. You should be fine on 91 octane (US) though I will probably be using "premium" (your 93 in US, i.e. the best available at most gas stations where I live).


What bike did you have before the RT? What gear are you in when performing this acceleration and what rpms are you using? The 2016 RT is designed to run very lean for emissions reasons and this, coupled with a lighter flywheel, means that it does lug the same way as the previous model of RT from low revs.

[dsobota]

this is my first btw.  Switched from a 2012 Victory Cross Country.  I shift into 2nd at around 17-18 mph, 3rd at 27-28.  I really don't notice the pinging after that.

[guest2360]

If you have a new bike you must also have the new US handbook.  What does that tell you to use. Pinging is not normal though.

[David.]

Both the US & UK Rider's Manuals recommend the same fuel grade, either 95 RON or 89 AKI.

The photo above is from a UK Manual where 95 RON is listed first, the US Manual lists 89 AKI first.

. US pumps are labeled in AKI
. Regular is 87 AKI
. Midgrade is 89 AKI
. Premium is 91 to 94
. Outside the US, the pumps are labeled in RON

Does Europe Have Higher Octane Gas? RON vs MON vs AKI, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf-OYXlhJis

[David.]

I am using either 91 or 93 octane and have been experiencing pinging when I accelerate moderately. If I do don't crank the throttle too much it doesn't. Is this normal for a new bike? I have about 300 miles on the bike.

Using 91 or 93 AKI Octane is higher than the recommended 89 AKI, therefore, I wouldn't expect the Engine to be "Pinging or Knocking".
(This is usually the case when a fuel of too low an Octane rating is used.)

I shift into 2nd at around 17-18 mph, 3rd at 27-28. I really don't notice the pinging after that.

Is it possible that the Engine is being "Laboured" slightly.

[step2534]

I agree with DaygloDavid, give it a bit more stick, its labouring a bit for a new tight engine, you wont break owt , in fact it will do it good.

[dsobota]

Thanks, I'll try that.

[hefyjefy2]

There are posts on various forums about this, I have had my R1200RT since 2014, driven it across the US and back now done nearly 18,000 miles and yes at times it does sound like its pinking.  I purchased the extended warranty so fingers crossed if it burns a hole in piston it had better do it before the warranty expires.  - I don't think it will - but it DOES at times sound a bit like its pinking but maybe not quite metallic enough to be "proper" detonation. I never accelerate hard in a high gear...
Geoff

[guest2360]

I'm confused again.  The question was about a new 2016 bike.  You say you have had yours since 2014 and have extended warranty.  So you bike cannot be an LC as none of them are yet out of warranty.

[David.]

I have had my R1200RT since 2014, now done nearly 18,000 miles. I purchased the extended warranty.

Do BMW's in the US have a 3 years or 36,000 miles Warranty.

[guest3074]

Do BMW's in the US have a 3 years or 36,000 miles Warranty.

2014 bikes http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/_common/pdf/2014_BMW_MC_Warranty.pdf Page 13, 3yrs and 36,000 miles

[hefyjefy2]

I'm confused again. The question was about a new 2016 bike. You say you have had yours since 2014 and have extended warranty. So you bike cannot be an LC as none of them are yet out of warranty.

Its a 2014 R1200RT liquid cooled (one of the delayed deliveries due to the rear suspension) and no its not out of warranty, don't know how long the standard warranty lasts but I have 5 years, if it blows up before Sept 2019 I will let you know...

[guest2360]

5 years full warranty.  All right for some.  It won't blow up.