R1100S modifications out of curiosity

[irrational]

Hi.
I have just been curious about getting more performance out of my R1100S.
I love it as it is (Only modification is the Van Der Linde exhaust system most of them in South Africa have).

But I was jut wondering a few things and thought someone on the forum would have the know-how to answer.

I spoke to someone that said the simplest way to get better power delivery, especially mid-range is a K&N air filter. But someone else said you run the risk of it not filtering properly?

I was also wondering if, one day, the engine expires if one would be able to fit say an HP2 Sport engine in an R1100S frame. I love my bike's look and feel, so would want to keep it and maybe do some modifications far in the future if I feel like it.
The R1100 engine itself? I do not know bike engines really, but are there changes like cams or pistons or con rods that would make a positive impact (Less for tracking, more for road use of course). Can you "modify" it into a 1200 for more torque?

Is there any value in fitting carbon fiber parts? Is there a significant weight reduction from that?
What about brakes? Mine has ABS though and I would keep that.

Anyway. Just a few things I was thinking about. In the end I probably wouldn't do a thing. The bike is awesome as is.

[Bob K.]

I added a Unifilter, however K&N works well too. They have been used by so many people without concerns. I think that their filtering must be acceptable.

I added a Techlusion to adjust the fuel injection. This helped some as well.

Shocks upgrade and good tires are great if you want to see some nice handling gains. There are several good brands of each.

One thing that I have not done is changing cam sprockets. These are claimed to help mid range, however at some loss at top end.

As for Carbon Fiber, hell yea it looks good!

[bradzdotcom]

tires. suspension. brakes.
all three will help you go lots quicker in the twisty fun stuff.
going in deeper and coming out harder usually does the trick.

if you're looking for hp for other reasons (1/4-mile, bonneville, etc) then dive into engine internals, but make sure it's what you really need. bmw hi-perf stuff costs about three times per horsepower as what you can get for a honda,yamaha, etc...about $285 per 1 horsepower gained (last time i checked).

the only CF that does more than give you wood is the CF wheels.
CF wheels are a major improvement and investment.

[Corky]

Yeah, I think suspension components, setup and tires are most important. Horsepower aint no good unless u can use it. Especially if U ride corners.
Slab riders different story ....
..
My case I compare my riding with my buddies on 2 different bikes one Ducati with 150 hp and the other a R1100s. I'm convinced I ride the curves with more confidence and speed on my properly set up r1100s.

But the BIG power deal does feel real nice but........ can U in trouble FAST. (least in my case)


I wish I could afford CF wheels )-:.

I know they are

"The Chit"

[irrational]

I never considered the CF wheels really. But after looking at the CF parts, I think some selective changes can look damn good, even though they are soo expensive.
With the Mandarin/Grey I think CF indicator pods, valve covers and alternator belt cover will already look good and blend into the colouring.
Since the front fender is CF anyway, it won't be strange to add CF to the bike in my opinion.
I found this site in NZ with some images of the parts. It seems terribly expensive!
AspellCarbon | BMW R1100S

I think the air filter is a quick, safe and noticible upgrade. So I'll probably do that. The bike is for street use only. I do some track days, but I use it often to commute (hence the stronger low-midrange and lighter weight). I have toured once or twice too, specifically for passes. My last one was 50 passes in 2 weeks. 8). So some handling would be nice, even though the boxer already handles so well. So for me torque is way more important than hp at the moment.

What kind of shocks upgrade would be good? Are you talking about the taller GS shocks, or something else?

What does the Techlusion FI controller do? A quick search seems to mention throttle response, which I assume means a bit better combustion and thus a bit more power.

Thanks for the cam sprocket idea. I will research that a bit. A small loss at top end is fine as I very rarely go over 200kph (125mph) and I assume a "small top end loss" translates to about 5kph (2-3 mph?)

[Bob K.]

I upgraded to stock length shocks, just a much higher quality. Most people feel that Ohlins are most likely top of the line.

To research sprockets, search Lennie's sprockets on this forum.

The techlusion helped smooth out low speed surging concerns. Also helped some on performance.

Also, adjust valves (including side play on arms!) much quieter. And follow up with a careful throttle body sync.

Good luck!

[lkchris]

Re K&N ...

A few years back--it's still there-there appeared a comparison test of air filtration on the IBMWR website. Some version of K-bike.

Compared for airflow and consequently power changes were

stock filter
stock filter half blocked off
no filter
K&N

The test found ZERO differences.

BMW's middle name ain't "motor" for nothing.

As regards K&N, there are no positives and there is the possibility of negatives. Especially if your required filter is rectangular and not a circle around a 4-barrel.

Of course thinking there's a performance "miracle" for $50 is a little silly, too.

[rad]

Here is a link to a thread on this site regarding the SJ BMW intake system

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/360209-san-jose-bmw-power-filter-superduct-r1100s.html

[R1100S2000]

Get a shorter paralever arm off a GS, replica or prep model, makes a big difference in handling.

[andrisport]

Modifications: Complete Carbon Fiber, K&N Filter, Y-Pipe( Cat Eliminator), Short Paralever Arm,
BoosterPlug BMW R1100S Commander. Missing Ohlins suspension for complete happiness Drives very good with all upgrades

[Steve Carlton]

Sell bike. Buy R1200S (if you don't need to carry a passenger). Much better off this way in the long-run.

[bradzdotcom]

yea steve, that's exactly what he wants to hear...

hey, how's your rat?

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by irrational

I never considered the CF wheels really. But after looking at the CF parts, I think some selective changes can look damn good, even though they are soo expensive.
With the Mandarin/Grey I think CF indicator pods, valve covers and alternator belt cover will already look good and blend into the colouring.
Since the front fender is CF anyway, it won't be strange to add CF to the bike in my opinion.
I found this site in NZ with some images of the parts. It seems terribly expensive!
AspellCarbon | BMW R1100S

I think the air filter is a quick, safe and noticible upgrade. So I'll probably do that. The bike is for street use only. I do some track days, but I use it often to commute (hence the stronger low-midrange and lighter weight). I have toured once or twice too, specifically for passes. My last one was 50 passes in 2 weeks. 8). So some handling would be nice, even though the boxer already handles so well. So for me torque is way more important than hp at the moment.

What kind of shocks upgrade would be good? Are you talking about the taller GS shocks, or something else?

What does the Techlusion FI controller do? A quick search seems to mention throttle response, which I assume means a bit better combustion and thus a bit more power.

Thanks for the cam sprocket idea. I will research that a bit. A small loss at top end is fine as I very rarely go over 200kph (125mph) and I assume a "small top end loss" translates to about 5kph (2-3 mph?)

Dude trust me, just get the sprockets, maybe Lennie's Induct as well. But sprockets for certain.

[Corky]

Sprockets? My bike has shaft drive.....

[ckcarr]

Take two aspirin, read through this, and call in the morning.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/163638-mcn-test-r11s-bolt-ons-confirm-their-over-rating.html

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Sell bike. Buy R1200S (if you don't need to carry a passenger). Much better off this way in the long-run.

best advice so far...

[sgoodwin]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Take two aspirin, read through this, and call in the morning.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/163638-mcn-test-r11s-bolt-ons-confirm-their-over-rating.html

Wow, anybody need some useless up(down)grades.

[jaytee]

+1000

quote de steve carlton

sell bike. Buy r1200s (if you don't need to carry a passenger). Much better off this way in the long-run.

best advice so far...

[SeabeckS]

I've always thought it was sorta strange...trying to make something like an R11S be a "go-fast" bike. Seems one can spend a LOT of money getting a little bit more performance (point of diminishing returns, anyone?) out of a Boxer.

If you really have the need for speed, seems a bit more useful investment to but a competent track bike and race it, or at least go sign up for track day sessions.

Especially with so many jurisdictions trying to supplement their budgets with traffic enforcement money...a cop around every corner...etc, etc. A reasonably well set up stock 11S is plenty fast (for me!) on public roads. Rode Duc's for 10 years, and when I go ride with some of my old buds, I seem to do just fine.

Not that there aren't some improvements to be made, but heck, losing 35 pounds off this old fat body gets me the "equivalent" of 5 extra bhp...or so I've heard. LOL

No disrespect, just an opinion from and old (and slow) dude....

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by SeabeckS

Not that there aren't some improvements to be made, but heck, losing 35 pounds off this old fat body gets me the "equivalent" of 5 extra bhp...or so I've heard. LOL

That's what Jeff Williams calls "fork work."