New 2003 R1150RT Owner performance questions

[loudog3114]

SO, I made the leap to a real tourer from my 1997 CBR1100 Blackbird and I am absolutely loving the new ride. The R1150 rides so much better, handles almost just as well (in some cases, better), and I find myself riding much further. One thing, though, that I knew I would miss was the power of the cbr1100. I know there is no way to get this guy up to the same level of power, but what are the standard mods to bump it up and bit and, also, get rid of the surging? I would particularly like a bit more off the line, so I don't have to feather the clutch as much. I live in Boston so I do a lot of stop and go. It has a laser exhaust on it already; I believe, the stainless version with the cat.

[johngellis]

Check out http://www.beemerboneyard.com/bmwafxied1150.html.

I fitted one last week on my 2004 R1150r, and it smoothed the engine response out significantly. Basically runs a lot better. Better pick up and reduced vibration above 4000rpm

At the same time I installed a K&N air cleaner. It is supposed to improve the flow, but I just got tired of replacing paper filters. Its a drop in replacement.

I have found these bikes are very sensitive to valve clearance settings and fuel injector balancing. Any differences will show up as vibration.

Best of luck
John

[CycleRob]

SO, I made the leap to a real tourer from my 1997 CBR1100 Blackbird and I am absolutely loving the new ride. The R1150 rides so much better, handles almost just as well (in some cases, better), and I find myself riding much further.

My take would be that you gave up the bigger horsepower performance that was needed, or even used, for less than 5% of your riding miles or riding time for:
--A SportTouring bike that exudes quality, beauty and class like no other!
--Much better fuel economy and fuel tank range.
--An easier/simpler to service engine and drive train (in YOUR garage).
--A cleaner, nearly maintenance free shaft drive (NO MORE noisy, messy, unreliable CHAIN !!!).
--A better hot/cold/wet weather riding experience.
--An efficient 700Watt excited field car alternator with nearly TWICE the power of the shorter lived permanent magnet powered BlackBird's.
--Superior quality, absolutely gorgeous, easily removed, increased storage capacity that locks up and locks on the bike with the ignition key.
--Almost equally expensive tires that will now last longer.
--Ability to cruise at 90+ MPH for hours in complete comfort -and- confidently go crazy fast with other expert riders in the really curvy stuff (don't ask).
--HEATED HANDGRIPS (and heated seat?).

I could go on, but you should feel better with your new ride for the many good things it has given you for giving up just ONE thing. It's like a second wife. The better-one-for-you that should have been chosen in the first place. Read your quote posted above again. It's message is clear to me.

[peels]

yeah...

I find little need to get more power out of the boxer. maybe mods to make it smoother, and ride farther...but not speed.

I agree, up to a certain high speed, it handles MUCH better than my streetbike did. But...those speeds where the streetbikes shine.., you shouldnt be going on the street anyways. I do not miss the streetbike, as much fun as it was. THe 1150 seriously takes corners better than most bikes ive ridden...TRACK bikes at huge speeds excluded.

long story short. don't compare your boxer to that machine. you'll always be let down. Its a purpose built "mileage-putter-onner" I love it. Havent missed a day of commuting since buying it. Dont plan on it til sub 40 degree weather. (BETTER NOT BE SOON)

the ONLY gripe i have with the r.. gearing, but its minor. first and second need to be farther apart, and 5th needs to be closer to 6th. but its no big deal. oh, and i wish there was something that slapped me in the face when I leave my turn signals on lol. do it every morning at least once. never did that with other bikes. not sure why.

hell, I even like the ABS.

[peels]

Check out http://www.beemerboneyard.com/bmwafxied1150.html.

I fitted one last week on my 2004 R1150r, and it smoothed the engine response out significantly. Basically runs a lot better. Better pick up and reduced vibration above 4000rpm

At the same time I installed a K&N air cleaner. It is supposed to improve the flow, but I just got tired of replacing paper filters. Its a drop in replacement.

I have found these bikes are very sensitive to valve clearance settings and fuel injector balancing. Any differences will show up as vibration.

Best of luck
John

hey hadn't seen that one yet. does it come with pretty straightforward instructions? seems like a good thing to do. I can tell my bike tries to be lean.

[towerworker]

Try a set of Autolite 3923 spark plugs. Many have found those plugs will cure the surging issue. About $2 at Walmart.

[johngellis]

Check out http://www.beemerboneyard.com/bmwafxied1150.html.

I fitted one last week on my 2004 R1150r, and it smoothed the engine response out significantly. Basically runs a lot better. Better pick up and reduced vibration above 4000rpm

At the same time I installed a K&N air cleaner. It is supposed to improve the flow, but I just got tired of replacing paper filters. Its a drop in replacement.

I have found these bikes are very sensitive to valve clearance settings and fuel injector balancing. Any differences will show up as vibration.

Best of luck
John

hey hadn't seen that one yet. does it come with pretty straightforward instructions? seems like a good thing to do. I can tell my bike tries to be lean.

Just need to be able to lift the gas tank to get access to a connector fastened to the right side of the frame. Open the connector with care and the the thing just plugs it in. Add a ground connection to the battery. There is a LED on the gizmo and after you start the engine it flashes a number of times. There is a screw to turn to adjust it so that it flashes 6/7 times and you are done. I fastened it to the top/back of the air cleaner so it can be seen/adjusted with the seat removed. The only issue I had was the instructions were not clear that the engine needed to be actually started before the device flashes as part of its initialization process. (does not flash if you just turn on the ignition).