R1100RT tuning results

[alien_hitchhiker]

Just thought I'd share my experience with "tuning" my year 2000 1100RT and solicit ideas from any other 1100 riders out there who can't leave well enough alone.

Since last June I have installed a Techlusion R259, then about 3 thousand miles later switched to Denso Iridium IK22 plugs, and finally, after about another 6 thousand, installed GS intake tubes.

The Tech box reduced the surging immensely (it was terrible) and definitely improved throttle response. It also eliminated 99.9% of backfiring on the over-run. Based on the degree of pipe bluing, the bike runs cooler.

The Denso plugs nearly eliminated any residual surging; can't say I perceived any other changes. They are supposed to have a long service life.

The GS tubes did just what they are advertised to do; improved midrange torque, reduced on-off throttle abruptness (slightly) and created a bit more intake noise. The noise, to my ear, says 'performance' without overstating it, the way some after-market pipes do. (Too much noise wears me out.)

In combination these changes have transformed what was begining to become an annoyingly spastic engine into a truly roarty twin with sweet power delivery. Obviously, I'm pleased. I'd always heard from oilhead fans that there was a sweet powerplant hiding inside that lump & they were right!

Has anyone had similar (or different) experiences? I'd enjoy hearing about it.

Steve-O

[dshel]

I too have a 2000 RT and I'm interested in your findings.

How much did all of this set you back, if you don't mind me asking ?

Thanks.

DS

[alien_hitchhiker]

DS - happy to share (heck, that's what the forum is all about, right?)

Techlusion R259 - $250
Denso plugs about $12 each
GS intake tubes $40

I did the installs myself. The Tech box was straightforward but did require removing the gas tank. The tubes were a piece of cake - much easier than I had anticipated.

The Techlusion box definitely made the biggest difference - but then again I did that 1st. Maybe sometime I'll turn it off just to see what effect the plugs & tubes have on their own.

Steve-O

p.s. - I'd still love to hear what other 1100 riders have done, & with what results. With the dual plug 1150's and now the new 1200's strutting their stuff we've got to keep the 1100's going strong. Dang, they're practically the "new airheads".

We don't need no stinkin' sissy boy, limp hand shakin' power brakes/hydraulic clutches. We still know how to pull a lever....er...I mean squeeze a knob...er....never mind.

[flat_twin]

Hey Steve-O,
Similar results with my 99RT. It was a surger for sure. Even after two BMW shops tried to tune it out. The only thing that really helped was cold weather. Ran much smoother in cool temps. I added the earlier version Techlusion to cure the surge. That was at 14k miles when I bought the bike. At around 39k miles it started to run much smoother. I'd always heard that they do that and it's true. I also use the Denso plugs. Actually I tried them first before the Techlusion. They did seem to help but didn't cure the surge. When it runs right it's a beautiful thing!

[bugley]

Steve-o,

These Denso plugs. Are they twin electrode like the Bosch or?

At what you do gap them and how?

From the Techlusion stuff that I've read it, it appears to be a plug and play install. Why did you have to remove the tank?

Thanks,

[alien_hitchhiker]

Bugly - ah - a fellow classic oilheader!

The denso plugs are single electrode. I stuck them in with their factory preset gap which was very close to the prescribed gap (what is it, 032?). I don't think I could have easily altered the Denso gap - the electrode was fairly stout.

The Techlusion connects into the O2 sensor harness and the right side injector harness. On my RT the sensor plug was zip tied to the frame up under the tank. Pulling the tank was the only way to get to it.

Last time I changed the fuel filter I spliced quick disconnects into the fuel lines. Should make that nasty task a bit easier in the future. Thought about doing the external filter thing but decided against it - maybe next time.

Flat Twin, I'm approaching 30K on my '00 and have also found that it is smoothing out some. I'll keep rolling-up the miles and look forward to the even better performance (my old K didn't really settle in until > 50K).

Steve-O

[bugley]

Steve-O,

Thanks for the info on the Denso's and clarification on why you had to remove the tank. My connection is right where the Techlusion picture shows is it, noticed this after last TB sync & neurotic valve adjustment.

Will pick up a set of the Denso's and give them a try and note the difference, if any.

My wife and I, riding RS's or maybe her RS and my RT are planning a ride to your part of the country about the second week of May, maybe we could hook up for a cup of coffee if nothing else? Our plan is to do Deals Gap and then the Blue Ridge Parkway, then who knows?

[kbasa]

I've been running Autolite 3923s in our 94R11RS and those pretty much eliminated any residual surge I had. Careful valve adjusment and doing the 0=0 one time got rid of 95% of the surge I had. Plugging the Autolites in got rid of the rest. I can now tell when valve adjustment time is coming up - the bike starts to get a very, very mild surge to it.

I've been running the Autolites for about 50K miles. I get them at AutoZone for about a buck and a half a piece.

[alien_hitchhiker]

Bugly - A get-together would be cool. I'd love to hear about Texas. I've sent you a PM.

KBasa - I might give the Autolites a try. That's about 1/10th the cost of the Denso plugs!

Steve-O

[DDHR1150RT]

I've been running Autolite 3923s in our 94R11RS and those pretty much eliminated any residual surge I had. Careful valve adjusment and doing the 0=0 one time got rid of 95% of the surge I had. Plugging the Autolites in got rid of the rest. I can now tell when valve adjustment time is coming up - the bike starts to get a very, very mild surge to it.

I've been running the Autolites for about 50K miles. I get them at AutoZone for about a buck and a half a piece.

Like KBasa, I switched to the Autolite plugs for my 02 R1150RT, only I had to use the 3924 series. Since eliminating the NGK plugs, which in my opinion were terrible performers, and the original equipment Bosch plugs, I have noticed a CONSIDERABLE lessening of surging! Although my RT still surges, the Autolite plugs helped, and like KBasa, I bought mine at Autozone for about the same price.

One possible note of caution though about using the Autolite plugs was given to me by my dealer and his master mechanic; they claim the use of the Autolite plugs and any other plugs NOT authorized by BMWNA will damage the engine in that a hole will eventually burn through the piston face. They claim the Autolite plugs, and other plugs burn hotter, which is why engine surging lessens as the excess air/fuel mixture is consumed during power stroke compression, and as such this additional heat excedes BMW's tollerance limits. Personally, I have never heard of such a thing except for in RACING applications but, I am not a BMW certified mechanic or engineer.

KBasa says he has used Autolite plugs for some 50k without problems. I have only run Autolites for about 6k. Any other's have comments or heard the same as my dealer and his master mechanic claim? I'm interested.