2001 R1150GS Spark Plugs

[groeger]

I purchased the autolite spark plugs this weekend with hopes of reducing or eliminating the dreaded surge of my bike. I've done everything else including the purchase of a Techlusion. I haven't installed the Autolites yet because they are the one prong type. The BMW ones that are currently on my bike are the two prong type. Also, I noticed that the gap on the BMW plugs are not equal. Does this matter? Also, what should the gap be? If the gap is off, will that promote surging?

Thanks.

[SHAG]

I use Bosch 4418's in my 1150. I ran 4417's in my 99RT when I had it. These are 4 prong plugs. I've had good luck with the Bosch plugs. That's all I'll use

[gsinmaine]

Lets see the surging IS the PCM.(computer) trying to comp. for lean/rich cond. now when you say did everthing I'm asuming thats sync.TB.adj valves so on an so forth buy the #s And yes plug gap can have some adverst effect on the preformanc and as far as A.L.spark plugs I have never had good luck with them (in any thing but a ford)I use NGK in most of my stuff Look to other threads ( some good info.)

[JimMoore]

I have AL 3923s in m 2002 GS right now. They work great. They have completely solved my suring problem. Don't worry aobut the 1 vs 2 prongs. Set the gap at .031 inches.

[groeger]

OK, I changed out the plugs this morning. I check the gap of the old plugs (BMW) which have the double prongs. The gap between each of the prongs and the electrode is .019.

I'll have results in tomorrow morning at the latest using the new autolites.

[groeger]

I tested the new Autolite plugs over the exact same 70 miles I rode the day before on the BMW plugs. May be a little improvement on the surging problem, but unfortunately, I still have a surging problem. By the way, the gas mileage was exactly the same at 43 MPG. I will say the Autolites are cheaper than the BMW plugs; therefore, I will probably stick with the Autolites.

Next step is to talk to Techlusion tech support again. I'll keep you posted.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

I purchased the autolite spark plugs this weekend with hopes of reducing or eliminating the dreaded surge of my bike. I've done everything else including the purchase of a Techlusion. I haven't installed the Autolites yet because they are the one prong type. The BMW ones that are currently on my bike are the two prong type. Also, I noticed that the gap on the BMW plugs are not equal. Does this matter? Also, what should the gap be? If the gap is off, will that promote surging?

Thanks.

Is it safe to assume that you adjusted the valves and synchronized the throttle bodies before fitting the Techlusion? When you adjusted the throttle bodies how did you synch them (how did you make the adjutments, on the cables or the screws)?

[groeger]

I adjusted the valves twice and synchronized the throttle bodies twice before adding the Techlusion? I synched the throttle bodies by adjusting the cables after I adjusted the idle by adjusting the screws. I should mention that my idle is on the low side, approx. at 1000 RPM.

[j-budimlya]

Did you take the time to loosen both of the cables before starting the TB sync?

If not, you could have a problem caused by one or both of the cables being too tight, and not allowing the TB's to fully close.....

I once had this problem after repeatedly doing TB sync's....not realizing that backing off the calbes before starting was an important part of the process.....also, make sure that your "start" calbe is not too tight ....it can cause the same problem.....

Additionally, if your cables are old.....and have not been replaced in 3 years or 20k miles....I'd strongly suggest that you put on all new cables.....this was the cause of a persistant surging problem on my R1100R....and also on my 1150GS......new cables make a big difference.....especially if you are real sensitive to surging and want a smooth running motor...

Good luck...

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Following on about the throttle cables being fully loosened prior to the synch using the screws, did you also check the synch at varying revs too? On other bikes I find this helps as I can tell which cables may be stretched, also if something is too weird I will check for air leaks in the throttle body manifold rubbers such as tiny cracks etc.

If this is not the case, then has there ever been any issues with a failing O2 sensor in older machines sending errant messages? Perhaps one of the real mechanics can better answer that rather than my questioning.

[j-budimlya]

I found my cable problems by fine tuning my TB's with the Twin Max mounted on my bike and attempting to get everything right while riding....

I was never able to have a true balance that stayed centered during throttle application....until I put on the new cables....

the old cables were not frayed or broken....they obviously just did not slide evenly in the sheaths.....and the balance wavered as the throttle was applied.....and of course, the vibration varied as the balance did....

Now its all smooth......just like a new bike.....

[groeger]

I did tune the throttle bodies with the Twin Max mounted while riding. According to the Twin Max the throttle bodies are in sync. Most of my surging occurs in light loads at low speed in first, second, and third gears. Also, while the bike is surging, the Twin Max needle is at zero.

I don't know if the cables are worn, but they are 5 years old with 24k miles. What's the approx. cost to have the cables replaced?

Thanks for your interest in the problem I'm aching over. I hate the surging.

[j-budimlya]

Have you checked for a vacuum leak between the TB's and the head.....these gaskets loosen up over time....and a vacuum leak can cause this too.....

I found that my cables where pretty bad at the age/mileage of yours.....

I'm guessing $100+ for the main ones...need three cables...you can clean the Bowden box...and the fast idle cable should be fine...