New member/Beemer owner checking in.

[BimmerFreak]

Hey guys, I am a new Beemer owner, so I thought I would introduce myself.

My name is Joe, and i go by BimmerFreak over at Bimmerforums.com.ers
I have been active in the BMW community since 1989 when I purchased my first BMW, an 1802 while stationed in Germany.
Since then, I have owned a ton of other Bimmers;
5 E36 M3s
4 E24 6ers
2 E34 540/6
3 2002
1 E46 330i
1 E34 525iT
1 E31 840Ci
2 E30 M3
and the list goes on...

Anywho, Bf.C doesnt have a 2 wheeled Roundel section, so I am in search of a eHome to learn as much as i can about my bike.

I purchased a beautiful 2001 R1100SA from a local guy last week.
This isnt my first bike, but it IS my first BMW.

My bike came with some really nice upgrades (CF trim), has the hardcases, was dealer maintained, and looks like its showroom new at 19k miles, not 7 years old.



2001 R1100SA



















So a few questions:

1. What is the official color of my bike? I had a 95 M3 that was Dakar Yellow, and this looks exactly like my M3.

2. Single Spark? Dual Spark? huh?

3. I would like to add a performance exhaust and programing.
Should I be looking at the Laser kit that came on the BCR?
Other options and ideas?

4. I would love to add a CF belly pan. Ideas?

5. Are there kits available that would make my rear turn indicators/license plate lower profile?

6. Any nOOb info I need to know about?

Thank in advance for any help you may offer.

Joe

[BimmerFreak]

A few more.

[atypical1]

Welcome from another newbie.

I love your bike!

james

[bradzdotcom]

welcome.
there's tons of answers to all your questions when you use the search function.
you'll get lost for days.

as far as what to buy, the guys here can spend way more than what your bike cost you...on upgrades....in a matter of seconds.

they'll even argue about what to buy first.
most of them know what they're talking about.
a few don't.
it's up to you to figure out which is which.

use the search function. it will vault you from newbie to "knows-stuff" quite quickly.

[BimmerFreak]

I understand the value of the search button, but after reading all 10 pages in this forum, I still have questions (which I posted) that I need help with.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by BimmerFreak

So a few questions:

1. What is the official color of my bike? I had a 95 M3 that was Dakar Yellow, and this looks exactly like my M3.

2. Single Spark? Dual Spark? huh?

3. I would like to add a performance exhaust and programing.
Should I be looking at the Laser kit that came on the BCR?
Other options and ideas?

4. I would love to add a CF belly pan. Ideas?

5. Are there kits available that would make my rear turn indicators/license plate lower profile?

6. Any nOOb info I need to know about?

Thank in advance for any help you may offer.

Joe

Welcome, Joe! Some stuff I can help on...

1. Officially, that was called "Yellow/Black Special Edition." I think all it got you was the black paint stickers. Maybe heated grips. I'm pretty sure the yellow is Dakar. Others will know.

2. Dual spark (two plugs per cylinder) came out in 2004 in the US. Seems to have been in response to issues with surging and carbon buildup.

3. Laser and chip is one of the main ways to go for exhaust. Lots of other options as well. Staintune and Remus are probably two of the better ones. Power commander is a good way to deal with fueling, but I don't know what's going on with the availability of it for BMW anymore. San Jose BMW and BMW Atlanta have a lot of experience applying them.

4. I'm more of a bed pan guy than a belly pan guy. Lots of options.

5. Same as #4.

6. Checking oil level is tricky as it can stay in the oil cooler and read low on the sight glass. Run the bike at least 30 minutes, park it on the sidestand for 20, move it to the centerstand for 10, then check it. Expect the bike to burn oil; many do. As much as a liter every 1,000 miles. There's 600ccs from the top to the bottom of the sight glass. Try to run it with the oil level in the middle as it burns more slowly there and you're less likely to overfill it.

6. I think I see your evaporative cannister on the right side of the bike. It can be relocated or removed.

6. Your CF front fender came with the bike. Looks like you have the best CF hugger available for the rear, the Ilmburger.

6. You've got the original shocks, and they're likely pretty tired at this point. Many would recommend you put your first cash into some Ohlins as the best upgrade. There's also Wilbers, but check the price difference as the Ohlins are the better way to go.

[bradzdotcom]

#4. http://www.whaccessories.com/BMWAccessories.htm

#5. http://www.r1100sgoodies.com/

there are others.

steve i heard you had that clear plexiglass bedpan of yours re-done with an etched monogram of your initials and a profile of the dog pack.
just curious as to how well it works with those flashing led lights you installed in it the last time you tricked it out.

(by the way, good to hear you removed the "spinner". i think that had ER written all over it).

[BimmerFreak]

Thats some great info guys. Thanks!

[bradzdotcom]

dang, we were just getting started....

[BimmerFreak]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

dang, we were just getting started....

Keep it coming bro. I need to get spun up on this stuff!

[R111S]

Hey BimmerFreak...I'm about to buy a '97 318ti...what mods would you recommend?

For your R1100S I'd suggest new suspension as well...the OEM Showa units are worn out. Braided Steel Brake Lines are another good mod.

Lastly, making more engine power will not put you in front of most 600cc Japanese 4s. It's a sport/touring motorcycle...IMO. On the other hand, you can leave them gasping in the curves with better suspension and brakes.

[BimmerFreak]

Originally Posted by R111S

Hey BimmerFreak...I'm about to buy a '97 318ti...what mods would you recommend?

For your R1100S I'd suggest new suspension as well...the OEM Showa units are worn out. Braided Steel Brake Lines are another good mod.

Lastly, making more engine power will not put you in front of most 600cc Japanese 4s. It's a sport/touring motorcycle...IMO. On the other hand, you can leave them gasping in the curves with better suspension and brakes.

For the Ti I recommend an S52 motor swap

[jduke]

IBMWR has tons of tips:
http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/index.shtml
Download a PDF version of the Repair Manual:
http://www.trickery.cz/manualy/bmw/
Type in the last 7 digits of your VIN to know exactly what parts went on your bike:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/
BMW Chicago gives a 20% discount on parts - they take forever but the price is right if you can wait:
http://chicagobmwmotorcycle.com/store/