Greetings, first post , big problems.

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1100R.

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Chaz
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Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Hi all,
My first time here, so I hope it's going to be a good one.
I have just acquired a 1995 R1100R beasty that has had a bit of a fall. In the process it has sustained a couple of trashed rocker boxes, a bent back wheel, a bent handle bar and a crack in the gearbox casing, going from the large allen keyed nut at the swingarm pivot, about 3 or 4 inches forward.
I believe it may be OK and possible to have the back wheel fixed, but I am wondering if there is any knowledge on such a problem with the gearbox casing being repairable or not.
If it turns out to be a negative, can anyone point me to a place where I might get such a casing?
I'll be calling these guys on Monday to see what they think, but any thoughts and opinions would be gratefully accepted.
Cheers.
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

Seems as if you have deliberately bought a bike which has seen a major accident right? Welding a crack in the gearbox is not possible as the gearbox has to be removed, emptied, cleaned and so on. It is most probably cheaper to buy a used gearbox. A bike as you describe is good to sell in pieces but not to be rebuilt ...

Brgds
Oliver
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by boxermoose »

+1 on the gearbox

look for the M97 as the M94 your '95 will has are know for some issues
TANSTAAFL
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Thanks Oliver,
It has taken me a couple of days of really looking at the bike , but I have come to that conclusion as well.
I might have to put a million small parts up on Ebay.
I have found the left head has some damage to the rocker box mounts so I'd have to remove the head and either have it welded and retapped or replace it.
The back wheel is very bent and the front is less bent.
Who knows what else will turn up on the way?
The frame is most likely bent so it just isn't worth going through the exercise.
Cheers.
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

So why did you buy this bike? Did you get it for free? Or did you buy this thing without seeing it?

Welding the head is also a complicated thing as there is a high risk of warping. Repairing all you have listed (heads, frame, wheels, gearbox, etc) sounds like a waste of money as the cost for this would by far exceed the value of the bike.

Brgds
Oliver
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

I got it for nothing but I've been looking at prices for parts on Ebay in Germany and for 180 Euros I can get a head and for 600 Euros a gearbox.
I am still wondering if it might be worth the exercise.
I think to do the job properly I would need to take the motor out and send the frame to a good place to have it checked out and straightened if necessary.
If it costs less than $3000 Aud to fix would you think that was worth the trouble? I don't count my labour.
The bike has around 70,000 k's on it and has a good record of services.
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

It's looking good to keep going on this bike. For about $100aud I can get the head fixed. About 120 to fix the back wheel. The gearbox can be repaired for about $200 with me dismantling and reassembling it. The swingarm also has a crack. Probably another $100.
There are bits of the instrument panel that were broken, but I estimate less than $1000 to get this bike back on the road. Not counting my labour. If it went to a shop it would not be worth fixing for sure. They charge way too much for this kind of work. It is what we do for ourselves.
I may be wrong here, as there might be some unforseen damage that will make itself known after everything else is fixed. Ideas please!
I found the right side cylinder clicks strangely as it is turned over. Perhaps a chain tensioner is suspect, but that head will also come off to be checked.
I don't think that main frame will bend, being serious cast iron. Break, it would, but that would be catastrophic instead of my scenario which I would class as severe.
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

Hi Chaz,

from what you mention you'd probably have to take everything apart. Welding cylinder heads is very difficult and risky (warping). Gearbox has to be off the bike and completely emptied and cleaned (de-oiled). Then welding minor cracks maybe possible. If the a-arm is bent due to the impact the area where the a-arm is fixed to the bike may also be damaged. Check for that.

Anyway it is major work to get this baby back on the road. If you don't count your work and can get everything done by yourself it maybe worthwhile the trouble ...

Brgds
Oliver
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Oliver, the A arm I assume is the front suspension member. There appears to be no damage to that.
Yes I'm fully aware of the work involved. I have already separated the gearbox from the engine and just waiting for the workshop manual to arrive before I remove the innards. The same for the heads. Only one head is damaged, but the right head makes an unpleasant clicking sound as it is slowly turned over. Could be a chain tensioner out of place. Something that needs finding and fixing anyway.
I am happy about the main section of frame, it is so solid, and thick cast iron, I would be amazed if that was bent.
I found out what happened roughly. He got the wobbles up at around 130kph and fell off, luckily separate from the bike which continued down the road. I think I've found out why he got the wobbles because the headstock bearing needed tightening and the pivot point that is adjusted in the swingarm with a 12mm hex key, was loose, looked like it had been weeping oil for some time and there is a crack through that threaded hole which will also require welding. The back wheel had more than an inch of wobble because of this and I think it was probably like that before the accident, and was the major cause.
I can get another gearbox case for $550 but I'm on a pretty tight budget here, so I think I'll get the welding quote first.
Thanks for your input.
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Here are some photos:

The head:
Image

Upper left gearbox mount:
Image

Inner rear carc mount, looks like an old crack to me, probably caused him to get the wobbles up at 130k's:
Image

Major crack in right side of swingarm pivot point, extending slightly into the inner box area:
Image
SDMAX
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by SDMAX »

Dude. Take some more pictures; part it out; don't look back. If your time is worth anything don't put any more time into this bike. Get something a lot more "turn key" there are plenty of deals out there. Wrecked is wrecked. This bike is way more than wrecked, it's a total. You could never feel safe on this bike.

YMMV
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

From the photos it looks like a lot needs to be done/repaired. I doubt that you can get all these cracks and broken off pieces welded together again. Its your choice. Keep us updated about your progress.

Getting the gearbox overhauled is not a trivial thing and I suspect even the repair manual will not go into the details as it should. Depends on what make the gearbox is because the earlier ones had a high likelihood of failure at some stage (prior to MJ (model year) 97. From 97 onwards the gearbox was modified. Hence if you have a pre 97 gearbox (codes DAC / DAF / DAH / DAG DAJ / DAK / DAL / DAM and DAN) I would replace it anyway.

Gearbox codes from 97 onwards started with EAQ ...

Brgds
Oliver
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Boxerpunk
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Boxerpunk »

If your life really isn't complete without a R1100R, you might consider fixing this bike.
If your life really isn't complete without a R1100R, I would recommend trying to find a less damaged one
If you only want to fix it to sell it with profit; forget about it
The R1100R is not a very popular bike or collectors item
Greetz, Erwin

2003 Rockster Full Black
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Thanks guys,
I'll definitely part it. So the gearbox is not worth much from what you say, but there are plenty of other good parts. Not sure where to advertise these parts.
Any helpful hints? Most likely Ebay, but it's a bit painful. Also perhaps the ADV site. I've been looking on German Ebay and will probably use their prices as a guide and charge less accordingly.
Maybe a similar number in AUD to Euro. So round 20% less.

Off the top of my head, and I've forgotten a few things, here's a very rough list. Some things are probably too much[gearbox for instance] and others may not be enough. Not sure.

Gas Tank $500, final drive $500, front fork tubes$500,right head $180, front suspension arm$200,front shock/spring$200,rear shock/spring$200,abs sensor$50,switches $50,headlight$50,seat$300,front wheel$500, front brakes$200,rear brake$100,driveshaft$150, short motor$800, abs unit$100, computer$100,indicators$50,frame components$200,wiring loom$200,starter$60, alternator$60, assorted plastic bling$60,side covers$40each,gearbox innards$500,clutch$100,throttle bodies$60each,cables assorted$60,handlebar right side$80,twistgrip and brake master cylinder /lever$80 front mudguard$80, rear mudguard$80, fork brace$50, footpegs and assemblies$100,gearshift lever$50,footbrake lever and linkage$50

Cheers.
CRazyCam
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by CRazyCam »

Since it seems you are in Oz, you might try the various state based BMW Touring Clubs.

Certainly, the NSW one does do adverts for non-members.

regards,CrazyCam
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

In Germany used parts go for about 50% of the list prize (depending on the condition of the item). To find out the list prizes for any item check out this http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?lang=en

If I was you I'd try my luck with e-ba*

Brgds
Oliver
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

Thanks Oliver, I have had a very good look at the prices on that site. I have seen many items going much cheaper than that on German Ebay, I suppose because of the quality.
But it is good to know roughly the retail price when advertising. These bikes are truly worth their weight in gold if you had to pay the full prices. Most helpful.

Cheers.
omg1010
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by omg1010 »

That is the same problem with all manufacturers. if you attempt to put together a bike or a car from parts it'll cost 10 times a new bike.

Brgds
Oliver
CRazyCam
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by CRazyCam »

Hi Chaz.

I'm in the Sydney area.

What colour and condition is the petrol tank in?

If it is the red to match my bike, and in very good condition, I could spend $500 on it.

regards,CrazyCam
Chaz
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Re: Greetings, first post , big problems.

Post by Chaz »

It's red and in good condition but there are some scratches on it. It comes with all the insides and a good cap with a key. If you want to see a photo it's on ebay here, and if you pm me your email I can send you some direct extra pics.
Cheers,
Chaz

Edit , here's a shot that shows the scratches. They'd probably touch up and buff.
Image
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