BMW Motorcycles

[coolcat]

high chance sat night/sun morning when i pick up my new passport on sat morning... wanna join me?

I've fixed up on a trip to KL. Let's try to meet up for supper on a fuel run one day.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[kittosoft]

I've fixed up on a trip to KL. Let's try to meet up for supper on a fuel run one day.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

sure thing... pm u my contact already... no passport till sat morning

[spyder8850]

Currypuff... were you at JOM this morning? Just wondering whose bike was it...

 

Anyway, I saw an abandoned GS yesterday along SLE towards CTE... wonder why?

[currypuff]

My bike is still at a workshop, so unless the mechanic decided to take it for a 'test ride', that was not mine. Anyway, didn't even know what JOM is.

 

It had been a wonderful week. Really got to appreciate our efficient public transport. Traveling time to work almost tripled.

Learned to get in touch with my spiritual self while waiting for the bus.

Enjoyed the MRT's greatest hit, "Doors closing. Pi pi pi pi...".

Changed appointment making from "Sure, can meet you anywhere." to "Can you come to my place?"

 

Well, absence makes the heart grows fonder. So let's hope I will appreciate my bike more after this...

 

BTW, I think some of us would love the chance to meet one another and at the same time, go for a little spin up North. Care to organize one, kittosoft?

 

anyone got good recommand on front brake plate? on R1100R. thanks.

Brake plate? Do you mean brake pad? If yes, check out my post on the anti-rattle clips.

 

Dropped the GPR as part of a deal I had to make with someone la..

now with the spoke rims & staintune & a new (yet again) handlebar,...

OK, shall come clean on this one. Did a wheel swap with Mr blues, plus some goodies thrown in.

Previous owner will get mad if he knows about it. But hey, it's my bike now.

 

Spokes look gorgeous but is far from ideal on a workhorse bike, IMO. 3 spokes cast wheels look cheap but is tough and practical. One wipe with a sponge and it's clean. Spoke wheel polishing is a medieval torture device that requires Zen-like patience. Hats off to bikerblues for his restoration work.

Fuel economy also improved with the cast wheel. Supposedly turns better too.

Read from an overseas forum that BMW spokes are incredibly rugged and well-built but is almost impossible to realign (they call it 'truing') if the spokes becomes misaligned from hard knocks while off-roading. Even overseas dealers will advise replacement rather than repair. One guy took 3 days where on a 'normal' spoke wheel, he only takes 1 hr.

Kind of defeats the purpose of having spokes on the GS Adventure.

Oh yes. bikerblues, you may want to spray some WD-40 or other anti-rust compounds on the nooks and crannies of the wheels when you are not riding. Apparently, dirt trapped in these hard-to-reach areas could cause corrosion and weaken the wheel.

[bikerblues]

My bike is still at a workshop, so unless the mechanic decided to take it for a 'test ride', that was not mine. Anyway, didn't even know what JOM is.

 

It had been a wonderful week. Really got to appreciate our efficient public transport. Traveling time to work almost tripled.

Learned to get in touch with my spiritual self while waiting for the bus.

Enjoyed the MRT's greatest hit, "Doors closing. Pi pi pi pi...".

Changed appointment making from "Sure, can meet you anywhere." to "Can you come to my place?"

 

Well, absence makes the heart grows fonder. So let's hope I will appreciate my bike more after this...

 

BTW, I think some of us would love the chance to meet one another and at the same time, go for a little spin up North. Care to organize one, kittosoft?

 

 

Brake plate? Do you mean brake pad? If yes, check out my post on the anti-rattle clips.

 

 

OK, shall come clean on this one. Did a wheel swap with Mr blues, plus some goodies thrown in.

Previous owner will get mad if he knows about it. But hey, it's my bike now.

 

Spokes look gorgeous but is far from ideal on a workhorse bike, IMO. 3 spokes cast wheels look cheap but is tough and practical. One wipe with a sponge and it's clean. Spoke wheel polishing is a medieval torture device that requires Zen-like patience. Hats off to bikerblues for his restoration work.

Fuel economy also improved with the cast wheel. Supposedly turns better too.

Read from an overseas forum that BMW spokes are incredibly rugged and well-built but is almost impossible to realign (they call it 'truing') if the spokes becomes misaligned from hard knocks while off-roading. Even overseas dealers will advise replacement rather than repair. One guy took 3 days where on a 'normal' spoke wheel, he only takes 1 hr.

Kind of defeats the purpose of having spokes on the GS Adventure.

Oh yes. bikerblues, you may want to spray some WD-40 or other anti-rust compounds on the nooks and crannies of the wheels when you are not riding. Apparently, dirt trapped in these hard-to-reach areas could cause corrosion and weaken the wheel.

 

Hey Puff man!! I saw your bike at the shop...hmm very nice clean rims you have there...hahah

Yeah...my fuel consumption is up a little with your spokies on but I find the gearing more suited to my riding style...so its fine for me anyway with slight higher consumption..maybe pump shell fuel hahaha and since I dont commute with the bike its ok la..Anyway, its no GS so the rims should stay 'trued" for quite sometime la...take care and ride safe..maybe kopi this sunday since I am back in SG now..

[currypuff]

Oh, you went down to AutoPoint? Did something to your bike?

Am itching to get back on the saddle but shall not rush the shop.

Important that he does a thorough job in rewrapping and tidying up all the wires. Must be a really tedious job.

Wish I am as mechanically inclined as Coolcat who does his own maintenance.

See you Sunday if my bike is ready by then. Hey, Mamat. If you can join us, bikerblues has a friend (another R1100R rider) who has Wilbers front and rear. Maybe you would like to chat with him if you are thinking of this upgrade?

[Blackie21]

Hey, Mamat. If you can join us, bikerblues has a friend (another R1100R rider) who has Wilbers front and rear. Maybe you would like to chat with him if you are thinking of this upgrade?

 

imho, go for the wilbers, great value for money these days as i think "the other brand" are getting a little shoddy for the monies you pay. I had them on my old bike and it was fantastic but i think the build quality for todays mid range items that we use are not as great as before.

 

i have wilbers on both my machines and NEVER had to touch them since they were fitted. Make sure you provide proper details to M-tech when you order as the factory customises the spring rates, preload and rebound damping for you (i didn't get the ones with compression damping adjustability as i do not think i need them). the compoments of the wilbers shocks are also milled as compared to some cast/forge parts that are used by the rivals (i read somewhere but could be wrong).

 

I do not represent wilbers or have any ties with them, I am just 1 happy customer. i will definately use them again if they keep up the build quality.

[coolcat]

This is a useful intro and guide to shocks for the BMW tele/para bikes:

 

Stroke of a feather

 

Who likes to ride a good clear line needs a great suspension system. Standard suspension elements work acceptable but especially the rear suspension often offers occasions for criticism: If you ride forcefully and/or prefer to ride with a lot of load you sometimes, when crossing big road bumps, can feel noticeable unrest in the stern which might enhance to an annoying stamping. This originates from really soft shock absorbers that even might compress to the block. In those cases the damper cannot absorb small unevenness so that the wheel transfers the uneasiness to the rear end which consequently starts to stamp. The cardan joint reactions of the GS even support this unwanted effect. There are however suspension elements on the market which can soothe the rubber cow. Who does not want to purchase new shock absorbers for his bike, might modify the standard models.

 

For this report, PS tested a total of eight suspension systems. For that, our testers raced the “Nordschleife” (north-slope of the famous German Nürburgring) and later on continued on a really awfully furrowed road nearby. To come to the point: Each one of the tested shock absorbers functioned better that the standard-part. Without exception those damping systems dispose of hydraulic preload adjustment by a manual crank. Apart form the standard shock absorber those features cost extra charge, but that is a rewarding expenditure, because the rider therewith can change the preload easily at any time to match different states of burden of the bike. Another useful feature is unfortunately only provided by the standard shock and damper of Hyperpro, namely splash-guard. All other candidates work in front of an unprotected back wheel so that dirt and mud might damage the precious suspension systems.

 

One accessory you can clearly do without is the height adjustment of the shocks’ lug. Changing the level of the BMW is unnecessary because the big-enduro (Großenduro) offers enough ground clearance and is well balanced. But since some manufacturers offer height regulation serially in those cases the shock absorbers should be adjusted exactly to standard length. If they are longer the swing will be uncomfortably steep or the front is jutting out too much what might cause, in extreme cases, damage to the rear wheel drive. To lower the GS for shorter riders, most fabricators offer lowering kits- together with the shortened shocks the seating height can therewith be decreased for as much as 20 to 80 Millimetres. PS offers setup-tips in every text box. If it says “static negative-suspension-travel” we are talking about the distance between a “completely rebounded” shock and the shock absorber when it is burdened with the motorcycles’ own weight only. For the rear wheel you can determine this measure by marking a spot on the rear wheel drive casing and another one directly on the frame-stern. At first, measure the distance when the shock is completely rebounded (put the bike up on the main stand). After that you set the GS back on its wheels and measure the distance again, using the same marks as before. The difference is the static negative-suspension-travel. For the front part, this procedure is unnecessary because all accessories are optimally preloaded ex-factory. To tune the damping after PS-defaults you have to close all adjustment screws completely before opening them to the recommended value. We also wrote in the information boxes whether or not a vehicle has to be presented to an assessing organization (Dekra, GTÜ, TÜV) for acceptance after mounting the suspension parts. Normally the tester of the assessing organisation only rechecks the professional installation. An entry in the vehicles’ document or paper is not necessary; it is enough to show him the respective document.

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/bmw_serie.jpg

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/oehlins.jpg

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/wilbers.jpg

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/wilbers_testsieger.jpg

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/wp.jpg

 

http://www.motorcycle-suspension.com/images/wilbers_suspension_test_winner/wp3.jpg

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[bikerblues]

Oh, you went down to AutoPoint? Did something to your bike?

Am itching to get back on the saddle but shall not rush the shop.

Important that he does a thorough job in rewrapping and tidying up all the wires. Must be a really tedious job.

Wish I am as mechanically inclined as Coolcat who does his own maintenance.

See you Sunday if my bike is ready by then. Hey, Mamat. If you can join us, bikerblues has a friend (another R1100R rider) who has Wilbers front and rear. Maybe you would like to chat with him if you are thinking of this upgrade?

 

Hey CreamPuff

No la...was there cos had my car in for wash and polish so kaypoh walk around the bike shops and saw your bike..haha..see you sunday...push the guy to hv your bike out by then la..

cheers

[deeGan]

Hmm autopoint heheh

[Phang]

Throttle grips of a thrifty owner

 

I have save enough money from skipping my breakfasts for many weeks to replace the rotting throttle grip.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN6278.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN6279.jpg

 

I didn’t change the left grip. There are 2 screws underneath the grip 180 degree apart. Removing the screws allow me to rotate the left grip by 180 degree so that the fresh/unused part of the grip will face up.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN6282.jpg

[kittosoft]

Need some URGENT advice

 

anyone knows what is wrong when your 15A fuse(for the front/rear lights, signals,) keep blowing? I am near the borders of thailand and cambodia... can't really get any professional help. Check the wiring for the lights and they are all wrapped up nicely, no loose connections or exposed wires.

 

blew 2 times from singapore to surin already....

 

thanks

[coolcat]

Need some URGENT advice

 

anyone knows what is wrong when your 15A fuse(for the front/rear lights, signals,) keep blowing? I am near the borders of thailand and cambodia... can't really get any professional help. Check the wiring for the lights and they are all wrapped up nicely, no loose connections or exposed wires.

 

blew 2 times from singapore to surin already....

 

thanks

 

Reckon there's a short or defective device somewhere. Likely a worn or loose wire because you do not get an immediate blown fuse. No easy way but to inspect the wire harness. Turn the handlebar to full lock bothways and see if the wiring drawn up by the motion show any exposed or damaged wire. There may be a wire worn by friction. Make sure that the connections to the battery is tight, especially the negative one. Also check the bulb holders for the lights, see if melted etc. Worst case just ride (albeit without signal lights etc), your main fuse is not affected so bike can still run.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

Edited December 9, 2009 by coolcat

[coolcat]

Throttle grips of a thrifty owner

 

I have save enough money from skipping my breakfasts for many weeks to replace the rotting throttle grip.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN6278.jpg

 

Phang, can I make a modest contribution to your bike fund?

 

I think you derive some sick pleasure from riding with these grips Previous owner would be touched.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

[GuiNNeSS]

Need some URGENT advice

 

anyone knows what is wrong when your 15A fuse(for the front/rear lights, signals,) keep blowing? I am near the borders of thailand and cambodia... can't really get any professional help. Check the wiring for the lights and they are all wrapped up nicely, no loose connections or exposed wires.

 

blew 2 times from singapore to surin already....

 

thanks

 

You have to open up the wire bundle and check if there is any chaffing/exposed wires.

[kittosoft]

Reckon there's a short or defective device somewhere. Likely a worn or loose wire because you do not get an immediate blown fuse. No easy way but to inspect the wire harness. Turn the handlebar to full lock bothways and see if the wiring drawn up by the motion show any exposed or damaged wire. There may be a wire worn by friction. Make sure that the connections to the battery is tight, especially the negative one. Also check the bulb holders for the lights, see if melted etc. Worst case just ride (albeit without signal lights etc), your main fuse is not affected so bike can still run.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

Thats what i am thinking... worst case senerio is to ride in the daytime. try the full lock with the handle bar... playing with the wires while the bike is switch on... nothing yet...

 

You have to open up the wire bundle and check if there is any chaffing/exposed wires.

 

thanks you guys....

 

[f650gs]

Throttle grips of a thrifty owner

 

I have save enough money from skipping my breakfasts for many weeks to replace the rotting throttle grip.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Phang/DSCN6278.jpg

 

Phang, can I make a modest contribution to your bike fund?

 

I think you derive some sick pleasure from riding with these grips Previous owner would be touched.

 

Cheers

 

Cat

 

 

Hi Pang,

 

I have a used grip which is in a much much better condition of the one in the pic can pass to you foc if you want. just let me know

[Phang]

Honestly, I like the old rotting grip. It sticks to the glove so well to the extent that I need to “peel” my hand off the grip every time I de-mount from the bike.

 

The only problem is the rubber residual on my glove staining everything that I touched, especially the throttle grip of my other bikes

 

Thanks f650gs, I still have a new grip in my tool box.

 

Cat, can you sponsor me a pair of Wilbers or Ohlins?

[currypuff]

Phang gives new meaning to being 'attached' to his bike.

The 180 degree rotation thing is a great idea.

A little like changing your underwear inside out to reduce washing.

 

I own a Zumo, but my bike is not an adventure or GS. M-Technic uses an alternative RAM mount to mount mine close to the ignition key insert. Not ideal as it is a little low for my eyes to read without lowering my head. But this is due more to the design of a naked bike rather than the fault of the mount.

Lots of GS riders go to M-Tech to fix their Zumo so I'm sure they can find a solution that suits you.

 

I am trying to think of a way to make a shield over the top of the Zumo. Despite what the advert says, I find it hard to read in bright daylight, such as what we have here.

The curvy design makes it hard to attach a shield. Hope to explore this with other Zumo owners.

 

My bike is still at the workshop though…

[currypuff]

Cat, can you sponsor me a pair of Wilbers or Ohlins?

 

Me too!

Actually, I will be happy with just Hagon.

[Phang]

Riding the roadster with new throttle grip was an awful experience today. The first 5km I thought my clutch was slipping. After some close observation, it turned out that my right hand was actually slipping on the grip when I throttle the bike.

 

I am so accustomed to the sticky old grip until I didn’t grip the new one hard enough. The layer of wax on the new grip also made it slippery.

[ioncia]

dat's the 75th edition in black with white pinstriping, reminiscent of the 50's or classic boxers.IMO this is the only model dat goes well/looks right with spoke rims. there was 1 on sale this yr.guy had to go outstation.

 

Hi all, i'm new to riding in general. Jus took over the 75th Anniversary edition with white pinstripes last June. am excited to hear from other seasoned BMW owners esp R1100R owners. Hope to meet-up.

[coolcat]

Welcome, ionica.

 

Sometimes we do have an impromptu meet-up. You've got a nice bike there. Pics?

 

Cheers

 

Cat

[ioncia]

It's a workhorse alrite ;p

[deeGan]

Hi guys i really like the roadster or rockster version .. like the ergo shape of it !! Ride well guys although i ride a GS ..