oilhead surging

[lpabin]

I ride a 1995 R100RT CLASSIC and want to get a newer machine. I have pretty much decided on an R1150 even though I have not ridden one and I don't want to buy a brand new one. Should I be overly concerned about the engine surging issue I hear so much about on these model bikes? Should it deter me from buying one?I see what I consider some real good buys on '02' and '03' R1150's.

I appreciate any comments or words of wisdom on the subject.

Thanks,

Larry Pabin
Pinckney, MI

[kbasa]

It seems to depend on the model, but mostly they benefit the most from very, very careful valve adjustment and throttle body synchronization.

Are you looking at an RT?

[TheSuperScoot]

The two-plug models apparently don't surge, but you need to be sure you're comfortable with the power brakes (I wasn't).

The rest of the Oilheads are sometimes terrible surgers, sometimes not at all. My R850 didn't surge a bit. My R1100RT drove me crazy with surging.

If you look at single-plug Oilheads, ask if the owner has installed a Techlusion R259 engine control unit which just about eliminates the surge. You can add one yourself for about $250.

Careful tuning and synchronization help, as do Autolite 3923's instead of those whacky Bosch plugs.

Of course, YMMD.

Terry

[jdcoffman]

Two years ago when I decided to get back into motorcycles or onto rather. I did no research and just went out and bought a 2000 R1100RS. My previous bike was a 74 R90S, sold in 1980. I didn't know anything about oilheads I just wanted another boxer. I must have lucked out because mine doesn't surge.
I was pretty scared the first time I adjusted my valves and did a sinc I figured I would throw something out of wack and find out about surging Beemers. I'm still lucky no surging problems.:bliss
I guess the obvious thing to do would test drive models your are intreseted in and get the one that doesn't surge

[rapz]

I've got the dual plug '04 and haven't had any surging problems. I don't know how "used" a bike you're looking for, but there are already used '04s on some showroom floors. I've seen them run between $12,700 and $13,500; of course, they're all still a long ways from been broken-in.:p

[frazz]

I have an '04 R1150GS and have not experienced any surging....it's just a great all around bike with a high smile per mile factor

[Mr. Frank]

I have a dual plug model with no surging and no flat spots. From what I've read, the dual plugged models run much better than the previous models. That said, many people report very little surging with their single plugged oilheads. You have to ride them to be safe.

[MarkF]

Mine is a 2000 R1100R. It surges 2,500-3,500 RPM. So what! I ride above 4,000 RPM all the time. This ain't no blvd cruiser!

MarkF

[Argus 21]

Mine is an older (96) R1100RSL and it has no surging. I am new to these bikes and the third owner of this one. I came off a string of Harleys and all of their FI and carb problems. It seems that this FI system is much better than any I have experienced. This thing accelerates most impresively when you give it the juice and I am happy with the performance as well as how quiet it is.
I rode one of the double pluggers and was very tempted to trade but they had no red ones. The linked power brakes on these are unique and when you apply them, they haul you down very quickly. Ride a few, you will find one you like. The BMW dealers, unlike most others, all seem very willing to let you test ride these bikes.:)

[Grey Matter]

I have a 04' GS Adventure & I have not experienced any surging or pinging.

[meistre]

Terrible surging and bucking since it was new!

I've had my 2004, twin-spark Rockster to 3 different mechanics and it never gets any better. I'm convinced that it's just set up wrong but each time I take it in, I get the old "it's running fine" treatment. I've been able to eliminate most of the surging with the Techlusion R259 but it still doesn't seem to run like it should.

Worse, I can't get better than 30mpg! My next attempt at resolution is a dealer in Pamona - over an hour away.

Not sure why but I still love the bike and look forward to each time I get to ride it...

[Mr. Frank]

Originally posted by meistre
Terrible surging and bucking since it was new!

I've had my 2004, twin-spark Rockster to 3 different mechanics and it never gets any better. I'm convinced that it's just set up wrong but each time I take it in, I get the old "it's running fine" treatment. I've been able to eliminate most of the surging with the Techlusion R259 but it still doesn't seem to run like it should.

Worse, I can't get better than 30mpg! My next attempt at resolution is a dealer in Pamona - over an hour away.



You may need to get BMW involved. The dual plugged models aren't supposed to surge, and they get great mileage. I get close to 50mpg running a steady 70 mph.

[kbasa]

Cliffy has a Rockster and I don't think he's had any issues with surging or the like.

[gsmullins]

Originally posted by meistre
Terrible surging and bucking since it was new!

I've had my 2004, twin-spark Rockster to 3 different mechanics and it never gets any better. I'm convinced that it's just set up wrong but each time I take it in, I get the old "it's running fine" treatment. I've been able to eliminate most of the surging with the Techlusion R259 but it still doesn't seem to run like it should.

Worse, I can't get better than 30mpg! My next attempt at resolution is a dealer in Pamona - over an hour away.

Not sure why but I still love the bike and look forward to each time I get to ride it...

Were it mine, I'd return it to stock configuration, do a careful valve adjust and TB synch, TPS reset, and finally bump up the TPS initial voltage to richen up that nasty part-throttle surge. Of course, there are other things it could be, but that's what I'd start with.

PM me if you don't get it straightened out.

mully
Mission Viejo

[cat0020]

My 2002 R1150RS single spark has 22500 miles, at 21K miles, I installed a Techlusion 83i EFI box.

I never thought that my R1150RS had much surging problem, I ride above 4000 rpm 95% of the time. But within two blocks of riding with the Techlusion EFI box, I notice significant smoothness of the engine even with 1st gear at 2000 rpm. It is amazing how much different my bike feels since the Techlusion.

:clap
Note: Techlusion require proper set-up to perform, have someone adjust the Techlusion EFI box with a voltmeter before test riding.
There are plenty of resources for Techlusion installation/adjustments on the internet.