Benchwrenching Tech Topics and Questions [Archive]

PGlaves

04-09-2009, 06:19 PM

BubbaZanetti

04-09-2009, 06:56 PM

Have spline lubes been covered in a previous installation?

Personally, I feel it's a great way to get to know your motorcycle, you get into it, yet, it's not really all that difficult. I think it'd make a great tech article.

The only drawback i could see is that it's not a standardized procedure, when I did my S, i yanked the whole back of the bike off in one big unit with the frame and driveshaft as one. Not the same procedure for an RT, RS, GS, etc......

MCMXCIVRS

04-09-2009, 07:23 PM

There always seem to be lots of threads asking about electrical troubleshooting of both OE and aftermarket accessories. I know electricity can confound some people who are otherwise skilled mechanics. Some basic tips on reading wiring diagrams and testing circuits, and perhaps even some how-tos on wiring common accessories.

Funduro

04-09-2009, 07:28 PM

I am new to BMW's but I have been told that there are different ABS systems in use on different models and years. I am familiar with the type used on the F650 but I was told that a different system was used on the R1150 and the older R1100. Are all of these systems equally effective and reliable? I would like to know (in sort of block diagram form) how these different systems work. I realize BMW doesn't want the user tinkering with these systems so there is probably little we can due but bring it to the dealer for service. I would like to know the symptoms and failure modes of these systems. I was told that there is some sort of pump used to assist on the R1150 models and if it fails breaking effort is increased dramatically.

If this is the wrong place for this post please point me in the correct direction. If this information is available and already covered somewhere on the site please direct me to it.

Thanks

Jeff488

04-09-2009, 08:13 PM

You may have done this already, but I'm going to do a spline lube on my '04 RT and a step-by-step article would be really appreciated.

Also, have you ever thought about selling a compilation of your columns as a bound notebook, perhaps?

harryt11

04-09-2009, 10:42 PM

How about a rundown on common repairs and at what mileage they typically occur. I know it can't be exact but with your experience with high mileage oilheads I would think you have some good insights.

For example: wheel bearings, swingarm bearings, seals, head gaskets, clutches, etc.

ridenrd

04-09-2009, 11:20 PM

I would like to see a step by step on fuel filter replacement for the 1150RT.

cathdeac

04-09-2009, 11:41 PM

Replacing front bearings on 2005 and similar K1200LT? Include setting runout.

repair / rebuild of Windshield motors (they are very similar to automotive electric window motors and drives.

Shock "rebuild"... This is a key to safety component, but not everyone has $2000 to drop on parts that should cost no more than $400.

Importance of tire balance

Flat repair on the bike...

Many of these could be converted to YouTube or similar videos for the reading challenged.

:lurk

dougjordan

04-09-2009, 11:56 PM

How about a index of past articles.

JimMoore

04-10-2009, 05:35 AM

How 'bout a head gasket replacement, or starter cleaning, or transmission removal and reinstall.

BubbaZanetti

04-10-2009, 08:24 AM

How about a index of past articles.

:thumb

kantuckid

04-10-2009, 08:29 AM

While I am not a "You Tube type", I liked the suggestion above that mentions use of more graphics in tech/how to articles. Having been a vo-tech teacher, I know the value of visual aids and there are never enough in a magazine article. Maybe a direct link would help visual learners get more from the great articles you have been producing. Just thumbing a repair manual might produce some more ideas. A search of the kind of questions you frequently answer on the Forum may yield some article ideas.
There is a lot of interest in detailing,restoring bikes, so perhaps a few articles on subjects as basic as "how to clean and paint frame" or "how to clean and polish aluminum parts", etc., would be helpful. A series on the restoration of an older bike might be interesting .This also offers a tie-in with several ON advertisers that is beneficial to all. How to find and buy an old bike article is another idea for someone, maybe not Paul or Matt.:type

86755

04-10-2009, 08:50 AM

How about tire repair, using the most "common" type of repair kits (particularly the BMW kit).

alien_hitchhiker

04-10-2009, 10:28 AM

Throttle cable replacement.

Telelever maintenance.

GlobalRider

04-10-2009, 12:46 PM

Here is your opportunity. I am thinking about what I will cover in my Benchwrenching column for the next several months. So ....

On what topics would you like to see an article?

All suggestions welcome.

Where to place the "circlip goove" on the transmission shaft of airhead BMWs.

Was there ever a BMW Technical Bulletin and technical drawing on that subject?

jlaban

04-10-2009, 05:04 PM

I also like the index of past articles idea.

John

Picinisco

04-10-2009, 06:34 PM

Not only an index but access to the articles themselves. Oh yes of course the spline lube and why not go further and do the clutch. Ara had a good sequence of photos when you did his clutch I'm sure he would let you use them.

DrPaul

04-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Paul,
Consider the following:
1- Brake maintenance (ABS flush and bleed, pad replacement)
2- Later oilhead hydraulic clutch flush and bleed
3- Alternator belt inspection and replacement

Thanks!

billpierce

04-10-2009, 08:35 PM

PGlaves

04-10-2009, 10:48 PM

Paul,
Consider the following:
1- Brake maintenance (ABS flush and bleed, pad replacement)
2- Later oilhead hydraulic clutch flush and bleed
3- Alternator belt inspection and replacement

Thanks!

Thanks, and thanks to everybody - keep these coming for a little while. I'm getting a good idea of priorities for articles for a while.

But, as to Hydraulic Clutch flush and bleed - #2 here - I thought that thought sounded familiar. See March, 2009, as in last month. :)

IslandDude

04-10-2009, 11:55 PM

I'd like to see some info on brake fluid change for 2004 1150 rt ABS. My manual says dealer only. thanks Paul-

masonke

04-11-2009, 12:08 AM

rangerrick

04-11-2009, 08:00 AM

--master cylinder rebuild
--replacing brake lines with a ss set

+2 on the book

Thanks

Rick

R850

DrPaul

04-11-2009, 08:44 AM

But, as to Hydraulic Clutch flush and bleed - #2 here - I thought that thought sounded familiar. See March, 2009, as in last month. :)Mea culpa, mea culpa! I'm only through January on the ON. Thank you for a very well written (and photographed) article.

jnslatky

04-12-2009, 05:27 PM

PGlaves

04-12-2009, 07:28 PM

Hi Paul
Whatever you cover, I would like to see more step by step photos. I'm more of a visual learner so this helps me. If this could not be done in the magazine then posting them on the web would help.

Thanks, Jim

I'll try to do more of that. The difficulty is that some articles get written when I am doing something, and others get written at other times. Sometimes I get to busy "fixin'" to take all the pictures I should. And then later when I write - alas I don't have many or any.

effexer

04-12-2009, 08:37 PM

I'd like to see some info on brake fluid change for 2004 1150 rt ABS. My manual says dealer only. thanks Paul-

+1. This is my next project, 04 RT, and I'm kind of hesitant to tackle it.

Jeff488

04-12-2009, 10:27 PM

I'd like to see some info on brake fluid change for 2004 1150 rt ABS. My manual says dealer only. thanks Paul-

:thumb :thumb

It's one of my "want to" projects, too.

pmcclain

04-15-2009, 06:30 PM

Replacing front fork seals

Mitch958

04-15-2009, 09:53 PM

Paul,

You wrote up a final drive bearing replacement in one of the resent threads, an article with step by step photos would be great. :bow

Mitch

cathdeac

04-15-2009, 10:33 PM

Is the "LT" brick engine rebuildable?:bottle

PGlaves

04-16-2009, 10:14 AM

Is the "LT" brick engine rebuildable?:bottle

Sure. The Clymer's manual covers that in 89 pages. I don't think I'll condense it into a Benchwrenching column though. :)

BubbaZanetti

04-16-2009, 01:58 PM

Sure. The Clymer's manual covers that in 89 pages. I don't think I condense it into a Benchwrenching column though. :)

"Benchwrenching, The Novel"

subtitle: "The K12LT, the War and Peace of DIY Wrenching Guides".:laugh

2BikeMike

04-18-2009, 07:24 PM

How about an article that tells an RT owner with wizzy brakes, how to plumb around the servo but still retain the ABS.

rbertalotto

04-19-2009, 03:41 AM

How about an article that tells an RT owner with wizzy brakes, how to plumb around the servo but still retain the ABS.

Is this even possible?

PGlaves

04-19-2009, 08:51 AM

Is this even possible?

If it is I don't know how. And, unless something else was changed the brakes would feel like they do when the servos are not running - like when the key is off!

Unless somebody has cubic dollars to buy and install the entire braking system from another bike then I think that if a person with whizzy brakes doesn't want whizzy brakes the solution is to buy a different bike without whizzy brakes.

2BikeMike

04-20-2009, 07:11 AM

If it is I don't know how. And, unless something else was changed the brakes would feel like they do when the servos are not running - like when the key is off!

Unless somebody has cubic dollars to buy and install the entire braking system from another bike then I think that if a person with whizzy brakes doesn't want whizzy brakes the solution is to buy a different bike without whizzy brakes.

Sure it's possible. Just not sure it's practical. My question was for those who have suffered servo failure and not to anxious about spending 2 grand for the repair. The question has come up here and on other forums. It would seem to me to be very doable to install brake lines that run directly to the calipers and bypass the servo while still retaining the ABS. That type of system is used on other BMW bikes.

cjack

04-20-2009, 08:27 AM

Is this even possible?

There was a thread on one of the K bike sites where a guy did this to a K12RS I think. As was mentioned here somewhere, it is surely possible...might take parts that are sized for the job without the whizzy unit. I would start by looking at the same model without ABS on the parts fiche.
BUT...I think the ABS is worth it even if you have to buy the whizzy unit again.

PGlaves

04-20-2009, 11:31 AM

Sure it's possible. Just not sure it's practical. My question was for those who have suffered servo failure and not to anxious about spending 2 grand for the repair. The question has come up here and on other forums. It would seem to me to be very doable to install brake lines that run directly to the calipers and bypass the servo while still retaining the ABS. That type of system is used on other BMW bikes.

Now I'm confused. I have no idea how to run the lines so that I retain the ABS but eliminate the servos. Plugging valves maybe - but running lines inside the unit doesn't seem to be a fruitful idea. What am I missing??

Now if the goal is to just eliminate it all - then a master cylinder and stock lines for a non whizzy ABS bike can be substituted. But that wasn't the original proposition.

2BikeMike

04-20-2009, 01:37 PM

Now I'm confused. I have no idea how to run the lines so that I retain the ABS but eliminate the servos. Plugging valves maybe - but running lines inside the unit doesn't seem to be a fruitful idea. What am I missing??

Now if the goal is to just eliminate it all - then a master cylinder and stock lines for a non whizzy ABS bike can be substituted. But that wasn't the original proposition.

No, You didn't miss anything but maybe I did. I was just curious to see if it was possible to bypass the servos but still retain the ABS. You say no. I'll defer to you. If the servos and the ABS are one unit, that would not be possible. However, if the two are seperate, it would seem possible.

Rte2Rider

04-20-2009, 05:25 PM

Paul: Thanks for asking. I support the previously-mentioned suggestion for an index of past articles (or, if one exists, a reminder about where to find it). Thinking about my R 1150 R in particular -- how about a discussion of any "weak links" inherent in the bike, and their respective potential remedies. (For example, are SS brake lines warranted, how about better dry-disconnects for the fuel lines, etc.)

ontheriver

04-27-2009, 11:04 PM

would like to see tools required to do this deal....I've done several at home but have run across 3 people, in the last year, with "belt blues" while traveling....

alanrd

04-28-2009, 02:23 PM

Replacing shocks and explaining how to set the sag etc.

sam314

04-29-2009, 04:14 AM

Replacing shocks and explaining how to set the sag etc.

I second this one! Anything I've read on suspension adjustment makes it seem more like black magic than anything else. A how-to guide for us mortals would
be greatly appreciated.

Lank

04-29-2009, 07:10 AM

trouble shooting! what you can do when you are "down", all alone, its dark, cold, windy, raining, snowing and just nasty. More specifically the ten cent issues that can leave one stranded and can cost big bucks and time. The problems that could be given a field expedient repair to get you to help or limp on home. Some idea of parts, tools, etc that could help and maybe a T-shooting guide for stoppage issues. I would say electrical over mechanical problems as they can happen anywhere and at anytime with no warning. Danke