Valve Clearance

[Kiriath]

Just changed the sparkplugs and adjustet the valve clearences on my R11S.

I almost cant believe what a difference it makes, surging at 3-4k rps is 95% gone. Im pretty sure that if I had spend another couple hours on it, getting it just perfect, that 95 would be 100.

So if your tired of your bike surging, adjust those valves!

[lht]

Yeah, and clean the bypass screws and balance the throttle bodies too.

[1100s nut]

Kiriath, with your engine turning 3-4k RPS which is about 180,000-240,000 rpm you are going to kick a$$. Even as much as you crash, you will be able to take a smoke break and still get back in the race and bust some a$$. LOL. Just kidding

Lane

Originally Posted by Kiriath

Just changed the sparkplugs and adjustet the valve clearences on my R11S.

I almost cant believe what a difference it makes, surging at 3-4k rps is 95% gone. Im pretty sure that if I had spend another couple hours on it, getting it just perfect, that 95 would be 100.

So if your tired of your bike surging, adjust those valves!

[Kiriath]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

Kiriath, with your engine turning 3-4k RPS which is about 180,000-240,000 rpm you are going to kick a$$. Even as much as you crash, you will be able to take a smoke break and still get back in the race and bust some a$$. LOL. Just kidding

Lane

hahaha =D

[moto45]

I've just went over the 39k on my 02 prep and have never adjusted the valves!

Yes, I have checked many times but always so close to spec that it would not be worth trying to dial in further. I've had to sync TB's, seams almost seasonal with temp and humidity changes, but never on the valves.

Am I just lucky or have others had the same experience.

[Kiriath]

Originally Posted by moto45

I've just went over the 39k on my 02 prep and have never adjusted the valves!

Yes, I have checked many times but always so close to spec that it would not be worth trying to dial in further. I've had to sync TB's, seams almost seasonal with temp and humidity changes, but never on the valves.

Am I just lucky or have others had the same experience.

You have any surging?

[moto45]

Originally Posted by Kiriath

You have any surging?

no surging that i have ever detected since I've owned the bike, over 2 years.

The only problems that I’ve experienced are sluggish throttle responses but again, they are minimized from a TB sync. clean air filter etc.

[Kiriath]

Originally Posted by moto45

no surging that i have ever detected since I've owned the bike, over 2 years.

The only problems that I’ve experienced are sluggish throttle responses but again, they are minimized from a TB sync. clean air filter etc.

Thats nice, my bike has gone just 20k kms, and there were plenty of surging.

But then again, its from 99 so it is kinda old.

Yea TB syncing is next on my to do list, ive also heard that it should get rid of some of the shaking.

[greenbank]

Heay guy's

What does TB syncing involve?

[Kiriath]

http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/R11Manual/Oilhead_Maintenance_2-25-02.pdf

page 21

[bikerfish1100]

Originally Posted by moto45

I've just went over the 39k on my 02 prep and have never adjusted the valves!

Yes, I have checked many times but always so close to spec that it would not be worth trying to dial in further. I've had to sync TB's, seams almost seasonal with temp and humidity changes, but never on the valves.

Am I just lucky or have others had the same experience.

either quite lucky, or insuffiiently skilled/discriminating in checking valve clearances.

[throttlemeister]

Originally Posted by moto45

I've just went over the 39k on my 02 prep and have never adjusted the valves!

Yes, I have checked many times but always so close to spec that it would not be worth trying to dial in further. I've had to sync TB's, seams almost seasonal with temp and humidity changes, but never on the valves.

Am I just lucky or have others had the same experience.

Not me. Mine has now 44k miles on it, of which I did 13k miles and just done the second valve check during my ownership and it was the second time the valves needed adjusting. First time it needed all valves adjusted, now 1 intake valve on each side.

[Biz]

I just did my valves for the first time (3000 mi) and they were all off (loose) but the bike ran great (05 BCR) despite this. It was quiet before but I started it after the adjutment and it was really quiet. I hope to get the throttle sync done this week to see how it is.

I also changed the engine, trans, and diff fluids while I was doing the valves. I am the second owner and didn't really know the history. By the looks of the oil in the engine I don't think it had been done since the 600 service in 2004. The trans oil was pretty dark also and was probably never changed, the diff oil didn't look to bad.

This bike works and rides really nice, I am glad I made the decision to get it. The maintanence is straight forward and easy.

[moto45]

Originally Posted by bikerfish1100

either quite lucky, or insuffiiently skilled/discriminating in checking valve clearances.

thanks, uh checking valves isn't a mind-bending procedure. I know how to read specs, use feeler gauges, calculate tolerances etc. general rule of lean towards slightly loose than tight. They have gotten a little tighter between checks but still acceptable according to spec.

pretty straight forward or so i thought

[1100s nut]

Hey Biz, the valves tend to tighten with the miles not loosen. Just make sure they are a little loose after you set them to spec. Some of that noise you hear are timing chains. I have your same bike 05 BCR and love everything about it.

Lane

Originally Posted by Biz

I just did my valves for the first time (3000 mi) and they were all off (loose) but the bike ran great (05 BCR) despite this. It was quiet before but I started it after the adjutment and it was really quiet. I hope to get the throttle sync done this week to see how it is.

I also changed the engine, trans, and diff fluids while I was doing the valves. I am the second owner and didn't really know the history. By the looks of the oil in the engine I don't think it had been done since the 600 service in 2004. The trans oil was pretty dark also and was probably never changed, the diff oil didn't look to bad.

This bike works and rides really nice, I am glad I made the decision to get it. The maintanence is straight forward and easy.

[bikerfish1100]

Originally Posted by moto45

thanks, uh checking valves isn't a mind-bending procedure. I know how to read specs, use feeler gauges, calculate tolerances etc. general rule of lean towards slightly loose than tight. They have gotten a little tighter between checks but still acceptable according to spec.

pretty straight forward or so i thought

then with luck like yours, it's time to go hit Vegas, play Powerball, and descend upon some Indian casinos!

[Biz]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

Hey Biz, the valves tend to tighten with the miles not loosen. Just make sure they are a little loose after you set them to spec. Some of that noise you hear are timing chains. I have your same bike 05 BCR and love everything about it.

Lane

Hi Lane,
Thanks for the tip, I have been adjusting my own valves for years on all my motorcycles (and auto's that need it) and I'm pretty anal about it. I take the next size up feeler gauge and make sure it won't go through but only the correct size will go through. It may take more time but I have never had any problem doing this over the years. I feel it is better to make sure they are correct to my pickyness.

This is the first time I had done a 4 valve, but was not that difficult. These BMW's are not hard to maintain if you take your time. I did my longest ride yet today (164 mi) on it as the weather is finaly getting nice. I can't say enough good things about it.

The handling, the riding postion, the power, the look, I am convinced it is the best all around bike. It is a little high with the suspension as I am 5' 6" 145 lbs, but that is nothing compared to the rewards you get while riding it.

Biz

[1100s nut]

Biz, sounds good. I do the same, try a larger feeler just to make sure. Yea, you`ll love this bike.

Be safe,
Lane