1150R Pings

[ScottM]

I thought I'd toss this out on the board to see what kind of responses I'd get.

My 2002 R1150R pings significantly in 5th and 6th above 4K on the tach. Of course it is when I need to pass or going up hill just when I need a little extra power.

It is gas related. On the trip to Spokane, once I got out of the Peoples Repulic of California, it went away. Gas brands have little effect, although Chevron seems to work the best (stills pings some).

Went to Cal BMW and their suggestion was to shift down. Let's see increase the rpm above the ping zone, but I now have no power, then shift up and ping away!!

Any suggestions. Only 20K miles, and has been maintained by Cal BMW. Guy at work says turn the Cat plug. Not ready for that yet, and hopefully don't need to install a techlusion.

Seems to me if BMW can get premium $$s for their engines they should be able to make them run on stinking CA gas!

Thanks,

Scott

[j-budimlya]

First, i'd make sure i ran only Chevron premium; and add a can of Techron fuel system cleaner to the next tank.....after that works it's way through the first two tanks...if the problem isn't gone, I'd try running "colder" plugs like the single electrode cheap ones ( the name ??) Adn if all of that dosen't get it under control I suggest that you think about de-carboning the motor with the water torture treatment ( see the Advrider.com web site and do a search).....now before you do any of this; make sure the bike is tuned up really well.......it certainly can be fixed...but you have to be willing to get the motor set up right.....

Now, go and have some fun

JimBud

[phoenixtexas]

Scott: Just 2 cents' worth of personal experience. My 1996 R1100R had exactly the same problem until I installed a Techlusion. Not only did it clatter and pink, but acceleration was very anemic in a 4k-plus roll-on in 5th gear. Now it storms. BMW-approved NOS octane booster will also solve the problem, but it's expensive.

[PhilScrivano]

My 2002 R has the exact same ping. I travel between San Diego and Sacramento CA and it seems to be fuel related. I mainly use Chevron Premium fuel. If the station does not appear to be a high volume dealer the bike pings a lot. The more miles I put on the bike the better I am getting at managing the power and avoiding the pings.

5k miles ago I installed a K&N air filter and new NKG plugs. I keep the valves adjusted. This work has decreased the pinging to just high demand situations. It would make sense to me that an exhaust upgrade would help.

I would be interested if other owners have solved this issue.

[phoenixtexas]

Phil: I also drilled my exhaust, 8 holes 9/32 in diameter, rather than a new exhaust, and using a paper tape pattern for a symetrical set of holes. It seems to have made a big difference in conjunction with the Techlusion, and isn't loud. I tapped the holes so I could screw in some stainless flat-head machine screws if I wanted to go back to full stock. No pinking or clatter at all.

[PhilScrivano]

Can you post a picture of your exaust modification?

[ScottM]

I really think this problem is caused in part by the gas and constant running fo 3 to 4K during my commute. I try to get the rpms up when shifting, but the local leos don't approve ;-).

At the BASH this last weekend talked to some folks and they swear by using Chevron Premium and adding Techron. They seem to believe these engines are laying down a layer of carbon on the top of the piston and thereby increasing the compression. Just need to deal with this build up. Will see what happens.