Page 1 of 1
2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 3:22 pm
by AlecMyrddyn
So, my mirrors are pretty much useless between 4,000 and 4,500 RPM when on the highway. At slower speeds, the effect isn't as noticable unless I'm hard on the throttle. I suspect it has to do with the amount of throttle needed to maintain 70-75 on the highway.
2011 R1200R, 6,100 miles (almost 2,000 of them mine this year since buying it).
I just checked my valves, all were in the middle of their gap specifications.
Same issue before and after a throttle body sync with a Twin Max.
Pretty much the same after installing heavy Throttlemeister bar ends as well, maybe slightly better, but not much.
Any other suggestions?
I'm happy with the appearance and location of the mirrors, but would considering replacing them or getting extenders if they would give me a clear view behind me. My 2011 has teardrop shaped mirrors that I believe are stock. Marked e13 0498 on the plastic on the inside edge.
In an older thread, I read the suggestion of sticking wheel weights on the front of the mirror, and if that worked, taking the glass out and sticking them inside. How does one get the glass out if this works? I've also read about a lot of people going to the F800GS mirrors.
I'm not sure about the quality of the my sync job. Before the sync, at 4k RPM @ highest sensitivity on the Twin Max, the needle was centered on the 1. After, centered on 0. It seemed like the imbalance changed at different RPMs though. 2K RPM, Left 1; 3K RPM 0; 4K RPM Right 1 for example... Is this indicative of a possible vacuum leak somewhere that could be the cause of my problem?
As of yet, I haven't dropped the bike at a dealer for any kind of service, and would prefer to fix it myself and handle the fluid changes at home.
Thanks!
-Alec
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:30 pm
by Snapping Twig
Wonderlich sells a set of mirror extenders that fit into the original mounting holes and moves the mirrors up, forward and out.
Interesting side effect, they stop the vibration.
I bought a set and much to my delight found the vibration issue solved.
My mirrors were all but useless at all RPM's. They got OK @ 5k, but not really acceptable.
Now they're great.

Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:05 pm
by Matt
I have a 2008 R12R and suffered with vibrations in the mirrors and checking valve clearance and TB sync did not resolve the problem. After reading a post on here regarding rocker arm end float tolerances being linked to vibes etc I checked the end float on mine and they were a bit sloppy. First adjusted the rocker arm end float into tolerance, then the valves again and finally the TB sync, problem solved. Hopefully someone will reply to suggest if this applies to the later engine you have.
One other suggestions is to check the front wheel balance.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 7:35 am
by AlecMyrddyn
Snapping Twig wrote:Wonderlich sells a set of mirror extenders that fit into the original mounting holes and moves the mirrors up, forward and out.
Interesting side effect, they stop the vibration.
I bought a set and much to my delight found the vibration issue solved.
My mirrors were all but useless at all RPM's. They got OK @ 5k, but not really acceptable.
Now they're great.

Well Snapping Twig, you are a great Wunderlich salesman... You should see if they'll give you a commission!
I ordered a pair of the mirror extenders and they arrived last night. True to your experience, my mirrors are now clear at all RPMs!
And the view from the new position is much better as well, so it seems like a win-win!
Thanks!
-Alec
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:34 pm
by ammolab
You guys convinced me to buy a Booster Plug...It was truly a good deal.
Now it is Mirror extenders....so good that yes, I have to bite.
Oh, and I already have a Mud Slinger, so I will add no regrets there either.
Great Site guys. Thanks
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 8:12 pm
by AlecMyrddyn
ammolab,
I know what you mean!
I've so far resisted the siren call of the Booster Plug, but who knows... If it can smooth out low RPM on/off throttle, it would definitely be worth it. Otherwise, my bike seems to run fine.
I too have succumbed to the Mudsling, plus an Ilium Works side stand enlarger from A&S BMW. I keep reading about good things to get here... It's an addiction!
Ride Safe.
-Alec
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:36 am
by Acpantera
Curing my fuzzy mirror view that I have been living with for 38000 miles would be great! I hope you wouldn't mind confirming the part # ? 8160446-447 ? Thanks.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:40 am
by Snapping Twig
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:05 am
by Acpantera
I'm buy'n it! Thanks.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 11:37 am
by Bamblys
Would z-technic mirror extenders do the same thing? Wunderlich would take about a week to get here, I'd need something for tuesday at the latest. My dealer has z-technic in stock.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:43 pm
by websterize
AlecMyrddyn wrote:... I've also read about a lot of people going to the F800GS mirrors.
I have the 800GS mirrors and haven't noticed problematic vibration. Aprilia makes the mirrors -- they're called Tuonos, are identical to the 800GS mirrors and if you buy them at a non-BMW shop, a lot cheaper.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 6:00 pm
by roger l
So to the people who have purchased the mirror extensions do they work to eliminate the mirror vibration?
Thanks
Roger L
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 6:05 pm
by Snapping Twig
Mine did.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 8:58 pm
by sdavidp
For me also, and mirrors are in a much better position.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:33 am
by Catchina
roger l wrote:So to the people who have purchased the mirror extensions do they work to eliminate the mirror vibration?
Thanks
Roger L
Yes, it worked for me.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:06 pm
by roger l
Thanks for the information. I might need to pick up a set.
Roger L
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:30 pm
by BLAIR1200R
So, my mirrors are pretty much useless between 4,000 and 4,500 RPM when on the highway.
That's right around the RPMs that I normally ride at during my 35 minute commute (each way). My mirror vibration doesn't seem to be that bad. I too have the GS mirrors, so maybe that's the difference.
Having spent the $ on the mirrors, I doubt that I'll buy the extenders, but it's tempting to gain the extra view around the shoulder armor, plus, if it reduced the vibration even more...it's a thought.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 12:03 pm
by Shakey
Snapping Twig wrote:Wonderlich sells a set of mirror extenders that fit into the original mounting holes and moves the mirrors up, forward and out.
Interesting side effect, they stop the vibration.
I bought a set and much to my delight found the vibration issue solved.
My mirrors were all but useless at all RPM's. They got OK @ 5k, but not really acceptable.
Now they're great.

Thanks for this tip. I installed the extenders and they improved the situation greatly but didn't cure it totally. I've now realised that the mirror glass is actually a loose fit in the plastic groove so now I'm either going to mastic the mirros in or just buy something a bit better made.
Re: 2011 - Mirror Vibration from 4,000-4,500 RPM
Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 5:14 am
by SDMAX
Mirrors have had a lot of discussion on the forum. I bought the Italian mirrors to save bucks over the F800 mirrors, then had to get adapters for different bolt thread issue. Then bought mirror extenders. Then thought all that looked stupid and ordered the F800 mirrors; then realized that amount of money on top of other money was stupid and sent the F800 mirrors back.
So....now my mirrors are extended and up and out....and it may look dumb but I can really see. At least do the extenders...first ticket you save when you spot the cop blasting onto the slab to come up into your blind spot will more than pay for the extenders. ....well you know the slab we all sometimes ride to get to the good stuff.