BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Gents:
The old tinkerer in me was itching to do something to my newly acquired (used) R1150. The previous owner had it serviced by Manhattan BMW, and as a result, she ran great. But I had a nagging feeling that somrthing was not right the way the engine sounded.

I discovered that the valves were a bit on the tight side. The feeler gauge did not slide as it should have.

Valve adjustment took about 40 minutes. I also installed new plugs- Autolite Platinum.

Viola! I noticed a big difference in acceleration, idling and the general feel. Moreover, the 'sewing machine' sound has diminished.

I was smiling while riding to the gym.

My guess is that the mechanics do not spend time to adjust the valves. While, we the owners, on the other hand, lovingly spend time in doing it right.

Correct tappets= Nirvana

M Khan

I must try that...40mins doesn't sound half bad. Out of interest, did you replace the valve cover gaskets, or just re-use the existing (the scottish half of me is hoping that the latter will suffice)?

KiwiRR wrote:I must try that...40mins doesn't sound half bad. Out of interest, did you replace the valve cover gaskets, or just re-use the existing (the scottish half of me is hoping that the latter will suffice)?

I've never changed them (when the bike was serviced they charged me for it, but I've done the last 3 or so and I have a pristine pair in the draw for if I ever need them. )

Setting all the valve clearances precisely is well worth the time. Your bike will love you if it is followed by a throttle synchronization procedure.

I just used the old gaskets.

Wipe them with a clean cloth.

It helps to cut a milk bottle into half to catch the dripping oil.

Important to have a pair of feeler gauges i. e 2 each of .3mm and 2 each of .15 mm

RR1150R

M Khan

"Setting all the valve clearances precisely is well worth the time. Your bike will love you if it is followed by a throttle synchronization procedure.Keith Haynes "

+1. Takes around an hour and a half to do both. Good Saturday afternoon therapy prior to a Sunday AM ride.

With the TwinMax, the TB sync takes about 5-10 minutes.

Another thing to check is the air filter. I just changed mine, and the engine is running smoother.