BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello all,

Just collected a used 2017 R1200RT LE with 13,000 miles showing- first bike of mine that’s not a supersports!

Such a surprisingly nimble bike for its size - however I’m getting an issue with pronounced vibration or oscillation from the front bars that only appear above 70mph.

I’ve had the bike fitted with new tyres, and balanced both - however the issue still remains.

One other issue is gearbox/clutch chatter when the bike is in neutral + clutch biting point is almost at the end of the clutch lever travel.

Wondering if any of you here that have more experience with this model could shed some light on the cause and fix of the two issues above?

Eternally grateful in advance!

Hi and welcome to the forum

with the vibration/wobble are you riding with the top box? if so try it without

clutch chatter is pretty normal

The clutch biting point is a common complaint see here viewtopic.php?t=6563

Hi - thanks for the response - no top box, just panniers.

Odd one

The only other real explanation would be head bearings but at such low mileage they should be fine

Also the steering damper would probably mask a head bearing issue

If you got it from a dealer I would be taking a trip back to them

Try loosening the axel clamps and quick release then bounce the front end with the front brake on, then tighten up again.
As you have had the front wheel of it could just need re-centering.

Thanks - issue was present before the tyres were changed and still present after new tyres fitted and wheels balanced.

Will have the head bearing looked at. Can it be checked like a normal bike by gripping the front brake and bouncing the front end watching out for play? No previous experience with a telelever equipped bike

I would get the front off the floor to check which is easy enough just get someone to sit on the rear when on the centre stand

Then hold the bottom of the forks to check

sakm wrote: ↑Sun Dec 18, 2022 5:09 pmThe steering damper would probably mask a head bearing issue.

Just a thought, is it possible that the steering damper itself may be part of the problem.

David. wrote: ↑Sun Dec 18, 2022 8:16 pm Could the steering damper itself possibly be causing the problem.

by not working properly it could be showing the problem!

Maybe we all have the issue but the damper stops it?

For me, it would be, work my way through from the tyre to the head bearings
Check the tyre, could be damaged
Check the balance weights, have you lost one?
Is the wheel round
Then forks, are they loose, this could be the bearings / ball joint in the 'A' Frame
Finally head bearings

Just some ideas:


May have some other info on his channel.

Wheel Spacer placed on wrong side (happened before)

Steering head bearings worn. (Google how to check)

Rim not true.

AcidMonkey wrote: ↑Sun Dec 18, 2022 4:09 pmI’m getting an issue with pronounced vibration or oscillation from the front bars that only appear above 70mph.

After reading about similar symptoms elsewhere, here's a suggestion which might not be as daft as it sounds.

When the vibration/oscillation occurs, try pulling in the clutch and closing the throttle. This may help to identify if the problem is with the rolling chassis or being induced by the engine.

Had to replace rubber bush on my steering damper, worth checking.

BoB21 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 20, 2022 5:23 amHad to replace rubber bush on my steering damper, worth checking.

viewtopic.php?t=5196&hilit=steering+damper

David. wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:53 pmAfter reading about similar symptoms elsewhere.

This is the thread on ukGSer I was reading, https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthrea ... ion-judder