Another plug for Chicago BMW -- new parts at 20% off plus a VERY helpful parts counter guy. Called me up to warn me that BMW upped the price of one of the parts I ordered (+$15, not a huge deal), but I gave him a "while I have you on the phone" and he sounded like he knew the job I was doing ("ripped the splines off, huh? OK, you'll probably also need a new input shaft bearing, and how about a new clutch slave cylinder seal?" "Oh! Forgot about that! Yes please!")

Totally cool to work with, happy to help a customer, knowledgeable. Two thumbs up.

( Edit: Now with added LJ Cut... picture inside! )

"Ooops!"


x-posted to motorcycles, uk_bikers & bmwbikes

Well,

After doing this and that (full HPE system + kat not arrived yet)  with my  black R12S here's the 10K miles sum-up

Pros : Almost everything. Rather the best real-life sports bike around (VS TuonoR, SP2, Ducati S1000S, Suzuki SV1000 etc etc), Build quality, absolute brakes, switchable ABS, dealer support, reliability, that telelever wonder thing, safe handling on the limit, Ohlins (divine), destroys B/C roads with easy. 

Cons: AWFUL turn left-right-cancel combo (Mercy BMW!), gearbox not that brilliant, heavy clutch (town), slightly "odd" seat (town), motor a bit stretched (beyond 6000rpm), "limited" spread of "real" power (and torque), some flat spots,1st gear a bit loooong (town), odd not linear throttle kinematics (why?), over exposed (to my 16 cats) Motronic forest of injection/sensor wizardry, back Ohlins overexposed to dirt.

I can't think of a better bike for the scope that it's designed. Should I go for the bad boy - HP2S? No thanks (looks terrific -mind).

SERIOUS PROBLEM : bike is losing, gradually, that terrific "new-bike"...erm...smell (especially when hot) > please advise (maybe Motul Shine and Go ? - silicone free)

Well friends,

See this > http://www.bmwmotorrad.co.za/bikes/news/default.asp?Id=857

Good news : NOT all boxers are "affected". Mine (R12S Sept 07) is OK

Actions : call your dealer > provide the last 9 digits of your chassis ID number > BMW RDA on line web system can tell:  yes or no...

So a friend of mine, who is an excellent mechanic, and from whom I bought this particular bike, asked me if I wouldn't mind if he did a little work on it over the winter.

And... um... well, *mind*? Dude, have a ball.

And he's been sending me pictures ever since.

Here's his main page-o-pics... and the transmission-specific page

This started out as a re-ring.

"A Little Work."

Heh.

One completely rebuilt R11S later... :-D

Well friends,

I'm looking for some decent (slip-on) soundtrack for my R1200S (power increase is meaningless without the front  pipe  assembly).  Is  HPE  any good? I'm not a big fan of Italian made stuff (quality) Has anyone tried other brands?

See:

https://eshop.t-online.de/epages/Store.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Shop00527/Categories/%22R%201200%20S%22/%22R%201200%20S%20Auspuff%22

WOW!!! I can't believe nobody has posted about this.
http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/etc/utils.jsp?t=announcements&idx=0
Catch the new F800GS and the upgraded R1200GS and R1200GSA at the International Motorcycle Show's starting Nov. 16th in San Mateo, CA.
Can I just say that I'd have to ride them both to decide, but I might consider that R800GS over my R1200GSA....might...I really love my GSA.

Ok, folks, first post to the community. And I'm starting out with a search for some tech advice.

A bit of quick and hopefully not too dull background. A couple years ago I bought a used '97 R1100R from a friend to use for weekend touring with the wife (my VFR hurts her back as a passenger), and occasional commuting. After letting it sit in the garage for over 18 months (long story) I revived it (short story: new battery, fresh fuel, new plugs, carb sync, TPS adjustment) and all is good with the world. With two minor exceptions.

1: It still suffers (though only mildly) from the well known mid-range hesitation issue. That's actually less noticeable now, after the revival, than before I put it away.

2: At highway speed, the mirrors are effectively a couple of round blurs. That's actually more frustrating than the momentary hesitation.

So, anyone off hand know an easy solution for the mirror vibration? I haven't started checking through the other internet forums as yet, and I suspect there's some after market mirrors that'll cure the issue. Just wanted to start here first, and maybe add a little more life to the group.

Cheers,
L4J

Well the Rear of the R1200S was never really that amazing looking. I really like under-seat exhausts but the huge silencer of the 'S' never really did it for me....

( Here's what the original looked like... )
( And the new HPE slimline exhaust )

A vast improvement on looks I'm sure you'll agree. :o)
Not a vast improvement on power. Coupled with a K&N it's helped produce 2-3 BHP through out the rev range but most noticeably at the top end. Maybe next year I'll go for the front system too. Which could potentially add about 15 BHP around the mid range which would be very use-able.
I think it looks ace and sounds nice too, gives the beemer a nice low rumble. Just thought I'd share ;o)

X-posted to my journal, uk_bikers and motorcycles