Single spark/ Twin spark question
 

I'm looking around at various 1100s BCRs and have come across a few 03s. I had a 04 prep that ran great. I've never run an 03. Would I see a big difference. Thanks Steve

Single spark vs. dual spark
 

I have an '02 R1150RT single spark and an '04 dual spark R1100S. Of course the S is faster than the RT because of weight, gearing, and if not mistaken a little different cam but do not think there is that much variance when motor vs. motor is compared. Both start easily, idle nice, good throttle response, MPG in mid 40s, hit rev limiter in first 5 gears, and other comparatives.

From my understanding, the only reason for the twin was to alleviate surging. The '02 had a little surge and went away while the '04 never did have a surge. It was never a better performance issue.

Would you see a significant different between an '03 single vs. '04 twin- I would not think so based on my experience.

Safe riding,
Nathan
1150RT
1100S
'73 Triumph 750 Tiger

Twin spark was added (according to BMW) to meet changes in emissions regs. It was not done to stop the surging, as the bikes did not have a problem with surging (not even the RTs, which seemed to have the worst surging problem of all models- because again, according to BMW, there was no surging problem).
However, surging has never been much of an issue with any year S model.
Within the S line, the big gain from the Twinspark change seems to be a slightly improved (10%?) fuel economy. Power seems about the same, maybe marginally better, but not really enough to make a difference in purchase.

from a performance standpoint, the bikes are very evenly matched. I used to race shannon on his 99 with non abs vs my 04 with abs and he would either beat me by half a bike lenghth or I would be dead even with him up to around 120.

from a maintenance stand point, it's two more plugs to deal with along with some extra wiring if i'm not mistaken.

Thanks for the responses. Steve