Ups and Downs.

[SVA]

I have had my R1100S for about 3 month now, and it is a series of ups and downs.

I've been riding BMW's all my life. Started out as an 18 year old on a BMW R51/3. Moved on to my dad's R100RS when I turned 20, and during my service in the Danish Army I rode the F650 GS.

I've always dreamt of the R1100S, and after 6 months in Iraq, I could finally afford the whopping price of 12.000 pounds for a 99' model with 30.000 km on the clock. (The prices in Denmark are insane. Take the factory price and then add 180%)

I am using it for commuting (I live 350 km away from my home... once a week) and joyriding, and the heated grips are REALLY great on the long trips, and I do really love my R1100S. I took the 350 km trip in pouring rain the other day, and my Rukka outfit kept me dry, while my crappy "waterproof" Frank Thomas gloves, DIDN'T. But the whole trip I just enjoyed my bike.

But every time I hear an unfamiliar sound, state som irregularity in the oil stance, or any other thing that could mean extra expences, I get dissy... Is it just me

I have two questions... What color are the oil in your glass? is it nice and yellow/brown? or is it black?

The other questions, is how often you guys change oil, filters, brakes, and more importantly, how often do you have your bike plugged into the BMW computers?

Kind regards

SVA

[sproggy]

What color are the oil in your glass? is it nice and yellow/brown? or is it black?

It'll start off yellow (or whichever colour it came in - old Duckhams oil was green!) when it's just been changed and will go through brown towards black as it picks up dirt as it circulates around the engine over a period of time/miles. Generally speaking it'll be approaching dark brown/black when the bike is due a service but this depends upon many factors including type of use, engine wear and oil usage (if it uses a bit of oil you'll keep topping it up with fresh oil and this will 'dilute' the colour of the darker, dirty oil). If, when you change the oil, the old oil was really black the new oil will discolour after a short amount of running - this is because you never get all the old oil out of the system and what's left in there will discolour the new oil. So if that's your reason for asking this question don't worry!

If you think it's really bad you can use flushing oil - drain the old oil out, put in flushing oil to clean the engine, run the bike a bit (for how long depends on the oil itself), then drain it again, change the filter and re-fill with decent oil.

The other questions, is how often you guys change oil, filters, brakes

Oil and oil filter every 6000 miles/10,000km. Air filter every 20,000km miles according to BMW if it's a standard one but you'd be better off doing it every 10,000km because it's a poor design and picks up loads of dirt. Brake pads - change when they need changing - this will depend upon different factors, not least your riding style. Just keep an eye on them.

and more importantly, how often do you have your bike plugged into the BMW computers?

Never! It's not really necessary and in any case I do my own servicing. You can re-set the Motronic (clear any fault codes it's logged) by removing the engine management fuse for a few seconds. This isn't really necessary, though, and if you do it you need to re-set the calibration between the TPS and the ECU by rolling the throttle fully open a couple of times with the ignition on and engine off.

BTW, I don't envy you having to spend 6 months in Iraq just to be able to afford a second hand 1100S - you must have REALLY wanted one

[woofboxer]

[quote="Sproggy"]

Air filter every 20,000km miles according to BMW if it's a standard one but you'd be better off doing it every 10,000km because it's a poor design and picks up loads of dirt. [quote]

Surely that must mean it's doing it's job and is therefore a good design?

[SVA]

Well, the R1100S was not the reason I went downthere, but just a little thing I wanted to spoil myself with, when I came home. Even though it is a horrible place, I still have a lot of good stories to tell. You learn to appreciate what you have back home a lot more!

But thanks for all your answers!

[theseadog]

Air filter every 20,000km miles according to BMW if it's a standard one but you'd be better off doing it every 10,000km because it's a poor design and picks up loads of dirt.

Surely that must mean it's doing it's job and is therefore a good design?

Yes and no,

Sproggy probably means that because the filter is horizontal under the air intake then all particulates land directly on the filter as opposed to say the GS setup or indeed the SJ conversion where the filter face is vertical and the larger particulates drop to the bottom of the air box, allowing the filter to remove the fine particles.

HTH

Toodle Pip

[sproggy]

Sproggy probably means that because the filter is horizontal under the air intake then all particulates land directly on the filter as opposed to say the GS setup or indeed the SJ conversion where the filter face is vertical and the larger particulates drop to the bottom of the air box, allowing the filter to remove the fine particles.

That is indeed what I meant, but you made a far better job of explaining it!

[theseadog]

Sproggy probably means that because the filter is horizontal under the air intake then all particulates land directly on the filter as opposed to say the GS setup or indeed the SJ conversion where the filter face is vertical and the larger particulates drop to the bottom of the air box, allowing the filter to remove the fine particles.

That is indeed what I meant, but you made a far better job of explaining it!

We aim to please old chap !

Toodle pip

[keith750cc]

I've always dreamt of the R1100S, and after 6 months in Iraq, I could finally afford the whopping price of 12.000 pounds for a 99' model with 30.000 km on the clock. (The prices in Denmark are insane. Take the factory price and then add 180%)

Would it not be possible to buy from outside Denmark, or do they screw you with import duty aswell.

[SVA]

I actually did... but it is the registration that they charge you for, so there is nothing to do.

For example. Brand new K1200S - 27.500 pounds. without accessories