Vanderlinde solves 3 of 4

bigwhup · 08:31 AM

After a second trip to the dealer to re-set the idle, I finally had the opportunity to put some spirited miles on my SBX with the Vanderlinde kit. First impressions is that the bike is a bit faster/stronger, and definitely (1.) louder. I used to feel a lot of engine breaking when chopping the throttle, and that has eased. (2.) Shifting seems more smooth, like everything is working together rather than separate elements colliding with each other in the drivetrain. (3.)Throttle surge when trying to hold constant speed has decreased a lot, I am only noticing it slightly but it is not as arrogant as before. (4.) Overall "buzziness" in the bike has not gone away, but I am not scratching my right thigh as much to "wake up" my hand.

Along with the chip and pipe, I added the K&N Powerfilter, not the SJ. Couldn't get it in time.

I think this is it for the performance mods on the bike. I did install the Ilemberger hugger and it rattles in the buzziest RPMs against the exhaust. My fix was to cement a small circle of black suede (cut out from a swatch from the Vanson sampler) to the hugger at the point of contact. Can't really notice it and it seems to mute the rattling very well. The mounting of the hugger bracket over the new BMW brake mount on my '02 SBX was perfect with no modifications.

I really think Vanderlinde is the way to go. It keeps the personality of the bike while smoothing out the increased overall performance. And has a really nice, deep sound at idle and roars like a t-rex when WFOing under an overpass.

tominator · 09-24-2002, 09:24 AM

Just watch you rear licence plate bracket. Mine has been replaced 3 times under warrenty. I thing the rear Vanderllinde mount has something to do with it.

One thing you could do with the rear fender. Dremel the holes a bit to re angle the fender. Had to do this with mine as well. Good suggestion with the leather bit!

You will love the new system! I'm on my second year with no quality issues.

Cheers
Tomas

718Rider · 09-24-2002, 10:28 AM

I removed the stock rear plate mounting thing & replaced it w/a piece from MAP engineering. I lost the first one, but put some blue thread locker on the bolts on the 2nd one and haven't had any problems,

T

Firebolter · 09-24-2002, 05:20 PM

I used the map Eng. bracket too and took the rubber gromets from the stocker to add some resistance to the bracket when torqued up. Also use the Blue locker. No problems so far.

dsl · 09-25-2002, 05:14 AM

Firebolter,

Did you install your Ilemberger hugger? Did it fit without modification? Interesting that my required mod and bigwhup's did not. Maybe there is some bike to bike or hugger to hugger variation.

bigwhup · 09-25-2002, 09:19 AM

for the heads up on the rear plate frame. I'll keep an eye on it. As far as the hugger, i talked to the salesman and he gave me a guarantee that if the part didn't fit spot on first try, to send it back for a refund. I think they may have changed the mounting area for the new brake system (Evo?)

I am having a hard time getting my tech to get my bike to idle at 1100 rpm since the Vanderlinde was installed. I got it back and it idled at 1250, had the throttles synched and they adjusted the idle to 900 rpm. I've gone through some other threads and still can't find a way to adjust only the idle. Is a low idle harmful, or just inconvenient?

Any ideas? Otherwise its back to the dealership.

P.S. I've never worked on a FI bike before, so I am lost/unprepared.

buckeyeRS · 09-25-2002, 10:09 AM

Bigwhup,
I'm following this thread as I am pondering a Vanderlinde vs a
Staintune. The only issue is the avaliability of a chip for my early 1999.
Here is the text from the repair manual on the idle adjustment.

• Adjust idle speed by turning the air bypass
screws while checking that the carburettors are
balanced.
Idle speed: ....................................... 1100 ±50 min-1

The above text assumes that you have the vacum tool (twinmax) attached.
I just sync'd my throttle bodies and they came in line @1100 rpm with the twinmax attached.

-john

718Rider · 09-25-2002, 10:35 AM

I have the Vanderlinde pipe/chip set up and I love it! I had the Remus race system and really prefer the Vanderlinde. I don't have any expereince with the Stainitunes, but if I had to buy pipes, I'd got w/the Vanderlinde set up again in a min. Great great great stuff.

I find that my idle is a little low when I first start the bike. It idles around 1000 RPM until I ride it a while then it settles back into 1100 or so. Strange? I don't worry about the low idle too much, and the bike certainly runs a lot better with the pipe and chip set up than it did with the stock configuration. Good luck,
T

bigwhup · 09-25-2002, 11:53 AM

Things to consider about the Vanderlinde system.

Pedigree: It was developed for the R1100S by engineering the chip and pipe for this bike by BMW, manufactured by Vanderlinde in South Africa. My tech installed it at the dealership, and isn't concerned about warranty issues since the product was developed in house. Synching and idle adjustments were made twice, and this is normal.

Sound: This is very subjective to say the least. The facts are the Vanderlinde is louder than stock. It has gone from an introverted soprano to a boisterous tenor is a way to compare before and after, but it doesn't help. All pipe and chip combos will make a difference in sound.

Chip: This is where the real difference is. The mapping here eliminates a lot of the buzziness, throttle chop and surge, and, undoubtably gas mileage. The bike pulls harder in acceleration but doesn't chop as aggressively as before. This is such a huge benefit for me in my daily commute. And hopefully on the track.

Availability and price: Here's a big problem. You can find quotes for the system for anywhere between $1195 at moto to $1400 at an ebay auction. Fair price, I'm afraid is what you are willing to pay in dollars and patience. Installation, synching, etc. takes about 3-4 hours with tools I don't own, so I don't get new racing boots this year to pay for the install. It took 3 months to recieve the unit from Canada. I am happy getting it from there because the chip is an exact match to the chip BMW developed for racing. Rumor has it that the imported to America system may have a detuned map for the states.

Legal issues: This system was developed for track use and is not street legal. If you live in area where this is a risk, its something you may consider. Make sure you get your stock parts back, just in case you run into the law repeatedly.

My final thoughts are to give in to the expense, go with what the home team came up with and have a BMW dealership install. Its good for both you and the bike.

Regards
Bob

buckeyeRS · 09-25-2002, 12:56 PM

Thanks Bob!
All valid reasons to consider the upgrade. I guess I'll look at ordering the system sometime in December so that I have another winter project to tackle.
BTW, loud pipes are not an issue in Ohio. This the wild west, no helmet law and Harley's are the prefered ride.
Thanks,
-john

Raven · 09-25-2002, 05:18 PM

Here is where I mounted my plate. It has worked out great!!

jclark · jclark's Garage

bigwhup caused electrons to form:

>I think this is it for the performance mods on the bike. I did install the
>Ilemberger hugger and it rattles in the buzziest RPMs against the exhaust. My >fix was to cement a small circle of black suede (cut out from a swatch from the
>Vanson sampler) to the hugger at the point of contact.

Uhhh, I have no clearance issues with the fender and exhaust*–*just where is it hitting?

jeff
mine vibrates too, but silently and only seems to attract submarines....

tominator · 09-25-2002, 05:26 PM

Raven,
Any issues with the local authorities and plate placement? I like it but have some concerns with the police?

BTW..a new rear skin is in order ;-)

Cheers
Tomas

Raven · 09-25-2002, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tominator
Raven,
Any issues with the local authorities and plate placement? I like it but have some concerns with the police?

BTW..a new rear skin is in order ;-)

Cheers
Tomas

Never been bothered with by big brother. Even got stopped for speeding, not one word said about it!!

You can't read an M/C plate from over 10ft anyways!!

Check it out!

bigwhup · 09-26-2002, 06:41 AM

where is it hitting...
down low on the upswing of the exhaust, on the left side (the side without the mounting bracket) on the hugger. I will get contact in the guise of a dieseling sound from the hugger flapping its left side against the pipe.

The thing really flaps around while idling. I can live with it.

So I figure this is more annoying than anything. I've been screwing aroung with the preloads front and rear to try to level, but my 220 lbs keeps giving me the slightest contact at launch. Anyway, the hugger for me is a "dirty months" accessory that I will remove in the spring.

The exhaust definitely stays.

Roger Justus · 09-26-2002, 06:58 AM

BigWhup: Not sure how much mileage (or kilometers) you S has but I have had my Vanderlinde system on for 3 years now. I found that the S is quite buzzy until you have about 7000 kms on it. Then it has loosened up some. Vanderlinding from brand new will improve many of the "too constricted" type of problems such as excessive surging (hunting) and buzzing. But the rest of the problem areas you refer to sorts out with more mileage (kilometers). Just ride it!

BillRad · 09-26-2002, 05:35 PM

All these glowing remarks about the Vanderline + chip is starting to subliminally leave neuronal impressions. I never cared about trying to squeeze a few extra ponies outa this bike, but have secretly desired a bit more sound. I've got the Lazer cat elim w/the stock cans. A tad bit throatier than stock off idle...nice for long trips. But damn you guys for making me think I need/want this system. Ridden behind both Jim Karn's and Roger J. who both have the Vandy and thought the sound level to be throaty/tolerable. Seemed fairly sedate at idle but roared when throttled. I like that.

Thought I was finished ($)

Here we go again?

P.S. Roger J. sprung for the Ohlins yet??

Roger Justus · 09-27-2002, 01:04 PM

Curse you BillRad! But quid pro quo is o.k. Scraping my pennies together for Ohlins set now. But stockers still o.k. at 27,000 km. Went with Steve B of this board on a little 973 km. north Ontario backroads twisties jaunt on Tuesday. Shocks still working fine. You had a little taste of these kind of roads on our Trenton ride. Going again on Monday. Yippee! You get the Vanderlinde and I'll get the shocks. Fair?

Firebolter · 09-27-2002, 01:11 PM

My I-hugger went on like it was made for it! I mean it was made for it, but no fitting or tweaking, it just went on and lined up perfectly and looks lovely! No drag, no touchy touchy anywhere and centered over my 180 tire perfectly. Very happy with mine, especially since I got it for 150 off ebay and it looked liked new and came with the bolts and washers!