R110RS Beta bike question

[bluecycle3]

Does anyone out there have the vin # splits for the early Beta RS's, im sorry i dont remember the whole story about the bikes but i seem to remember that there was a certain number of early bikes made and then changed mid-year.

I would welcome any numbers or any facts about the differences.

Thanks Greg

[jdiaz]

The serial number cutover that used to get bandied about on the old R1100 list at cinnamon.com was 0311168. These are the last seven digits on the VIN.

However, the late Rob Lentini found out later from his dealer that the upgraded parts were actually phased in from serial numbers 0310900 thru 0311400. The upgraded parts I am referring to are the revised tranny with o-rings, the revised Motronic module to allow easier starting, and the different clutch pack.

Rob's data appears to be more correct. My '94 RS was serial number 0311123, and had the new tranny and EFI, but the old clutch and flywheel. I didn't get upgraded to the new clutch and flywheel until my bike received a tranny replacement at 43K.

Hope this helps.

[bluecycle3]

Thanks John thats the info i was looking for. Do you know if the bikes after that serial number were more reliable as a rule or not?

[jdiaz]

Thanks John thats the info i was looking for. Do you know if the bikes after that serial number were more reliable as a rule or not?
Tough to say. I imagine most of the duff components were replaced under warranty, and if they weren't, that probably means they were still performing just fine. There's some people on this board with really big miles on early RS's.

[PGlaves]

Big Red, Voni's first R11RS is serial #0310167 and was among the earliest imported in May,1993. Big Red Too, her R11RSL is serial # 0311371.

Big Red got two warranted transmissions - one at about 50,000 and another after about another 50,000. It got the new clutch parts with the first transmission.

Other than the transmissions it really hasn't had significant issues except for a broken $7 cam chain guide. That was significant because it requires the engine to be removed and split to replace it. I think this was a fluke - very few cases of this one.

Big Red is now over 300K with valve work at 295K. The third transmission finally needed a new frontshaft due to spline wear at about that same 295K on the bike (195K on the transmission).

Big Red Too wore the original transmission output shaft bearing at about 177K but that is about the only remarkable issue with it at all.

So, I have no reason to fault the Beta models.

[kbasa]

Our RS is a beta. It's only got 70K on it (it shares a garage). We've still got the original transmission, which is noisy, but does whatever I tell it to. I can live with the noise, I think.

I did the clutch on it a couple years ago and the clutch pack got upgraded. It's had a master cylinder replaced and had head gaskets done, but other than that, it's been reliable. I'd ride it anywhere. Two years ago, it was my choice to ride to WV and back from SF.

Ours had some surging issues early in its life, but replacing the throttle cable with the upgraded one helped, as did a 0=0 TB synch. I've been running Autolites in it for 50K miles, which eliminated the surging these bikes are notorious for.

We have a couple bikes in the garage we won't sell and the RS is one of them.

[breyfogle]

We've still got the original transmission, which is noisy, but does whatever I tell it to. I can live with the noise, I think.


The noisy trannies without the O-rings are claimed by some to actually shift better. My RS, #0310598, is completely original at 40 Kmiles: tranny, clutch, motronic and TB cables.

[AntonLargiader]

I did the clutch on it a couple years ago and the clutch pack got upgraded. It's had a master cylinder replaced and had head gaskets done.
Those are basically the beta issues that get fixed. The Motronic is just different but not really an issue.

I have RS #275 and it had gotten transmission attention before I bought it at 60k. I've replaced the clutch and it does have a later master cylinder which leaked anyway (fixed (http://www.largiader.com/tech/r11mc)) but the tranny is original (although it has been overhauled (http://www.largiader.com/tech/oiltrans/)).

It is a very strong-running bike. Several people have indicated that if their demo bikes had run like mine, they'd have bought one.

[kbasa]

Much to my dismay, BMW no longer seems to sell the rebuild kit, at least in the US.

[AntonLargiader]

Much to my dismay, BMW no longer seems to sell the rebuild kit, at least in the US.
Fortunately I think you're wrong, Ask your dealer for 32 72 2 332 037. Price is now $69 (more than 50% higher than a year ago).

Part of the mystery over this kit is that it's supposedly only for non-ABS bikes (althought the parts fiche lists it for all bikes). I've used them on ABS bikes with no problem, although a new $303 MC is the 'real' repair.

[AntonLargiader]

Dave, your PM inbox is full.

[kbasa]

Dave, your PM inbox is full.


So the little warning told me this morning. :bluduh

[jdiaz]

I've used them on ABS bikes with no problem, although a new $303 MC is the 'real' repair.
Ouch. That thing was $168 the last time I replaced one.