BMW MOA http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/ BMW motorcycle discussion forum en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:57:12 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/images/approx/misc/rss.jpg BMW MOA http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/ !!OH NO!! Not !Another oil question??!! http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41170&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:12:19 GMT Ok, so let me explain…

After ten years and 150 thousand glorious miles spent exploring the back roads of the eastern seaboard in company with Tourizmo ( my 78 R100T ), I figured it was high time to treat the old girl to a nice Motor Spa treatment and she now has a completely rebuilt motor. Pretty much everything except the case, crank, camshaft and internal bearings has been replaced. No only the internals but also timing chain and bearing, clutch (which still had another 30k to go) valves etc and seals have been replaced. Nothing cosmetic, I could care less about looks, this was just all the important stuff.

She now has 600 miles since I brought her home 3 weeks ago. I had forgotten just how peppy a 1000 can be. On the last leg home I couldn’t resist passing a cars I really didn’t need`to (we were doing 70 on a two lane country road) :) These things are anything but slouchy when it comes getting up and going (well for airheads anyway!). She in better shape motor-wise than when I got her with 22K. I've put essentially nothing into replacement part during that time other than a clutch and timing chain.

( shameless plug )
Kudos too to the young mechanic who did the work. He came over about 2 and half years ago to learn the business from his dad who had been working on Airheads for over the past 30 some years and was also a personal friend. Even with the death of his father, Lap, last year, Khanh has really learned the ins and outs of and developed a real feel for these machines. Anyone in the northern va/dc/md area interested in his location, quality of work, etc, ping me with a PM. There is nothing like having an independent shop with a knowledge proprietor for us who love these old machines so close by. I’d rather deal with a good independent shop any day, esp. when its a place you can often ride in and get stuff done and ride home that afternoon.

Ok I know, I know, stop rambling and get to the question..

Considering that I have an essentially brand new motor, seals etc;

Should I switch over to using synthetic oil?

RM ]]> Airheads rocketman http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41170 Wheel bearings http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41169&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:56:11 GMT Hi Everybody,
I recently installed new wheel bearings on my R60/6. After the work was done I realized that one of the rims has a pretty bad flat spot. I have another wheel with no bearings. Question: Can I simply transfer the whole bearing stack from one wheel to the other wheel? They've been in there for 1 season so they are still essentially new. Any advice is much appreciated. ]]> Airheads photorider http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41169 <![CDATA[M94 transmission - "factory" or traumatic groove in gear?]]> http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41167&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:29:06 GMT This is a photo through the transmission oil fill opening on my R1100RT which has 52K miles. Note the little slightly angled cuts in the two visible teeth. The rest of the gear surface looks smooth: the other apparent irregularities in the photo are flash artificats/reflections in the oil film. ... This is a photo through the transmission oil fill opening on my R1100RT which has 52K miles. Note the little slightly angled cuts in the two visible teeth. The rest of the gear surface looks smooth: the other apparent irregularities in the photo are flash artificats/reflections in the oil film.

Somewhere at 25Kmiles or so, the previous owner had the bad M97 transmission replaced with a used M94. I don't know how many miles there are on the transmission. It works fine.

About 3000 miles ago I changed the transmission oil for the first time since I've owned the bike. It had been changed 6,000 prior (per service records) and when I changed it the oil came out extra dark (maybe a bearing seal opened?).

I did a couple of short interval oil changes & after maybe one change where the oil came out a bit darker than when it went in, it doesn't seem to be changing. I also haven't seen the irridescent gold sheen of wearing shift forks as described on the largiader.com website.

I noticed the "groove" in the gear (I think it's 5th) on that first oil change and it looked pretty uniform, so I really didn't think much about it. But I also read up on the transmissions and while it looks like sometimes lubrication grooves are cut in gears, I don't see such on photos of the oilhead transmissions I've seen.

So it has me wondering. The groove on the gear is quite a uniform cut, a mm or two deep and the same on every tooth. So if some stray piece of metal got stuck in place and did damage, it did it awfully uniformly. (But the mere existence of an apparent design doesn't prove there was a designer!) No metal chuniks in the oil or on the magnetic plug. A little fine sludge.

I'm hoping someone can tell me "oh yeah, mine has that," or even confirm it was a feature of at least some of the M94 transmissions.

It shifts consistently through all gears. The only hiccup was about 9,000 miles ago when the bike was relatively new to me and (once and only once) it popped out of 5th gear - I was new to the bike & figured I must not have gotten it in gear all the way. That has never repeated itself.

If not "factory", then I guess I'm looking for opinions on what to do next. It's hard to embark on a rebuild of something that's working fine, but 3000 miles ago I'd figured a problem if present might manifest itself & I could deal with it over the winter when I wouldn't be riding as much anyway. I'm thinking this might be a case where an oil analysis could be reassuring if it doesn't show evidence of abnormal wear. I and my pocketbook would like to just keep doing regular tranny oil changes and stop worrying about it unless it starts to act up. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg transmission gear.jpg (45.4 KB)
]]> Oilheads GeneFreund http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41167 Sta-Bil or Sea Foam, Vote Now. http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41166&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:33:58 GMT I have used exclusively Sta-Bil for storing my bikes with fine results. Lately I have heard more people using Sea Foam as a fuel stabilizer. Is one better than the other? Are there negative results from using either product? Is one just a prettier color than the other? Cast your vote and justify... I have used exclusively Sta-Bil for storing my bikes with fine results. Lately I have heard more people using Sea Foam as a fuel stabilizer. Is one better than the other? Are there negative results from using either product? Is one just a prettier color than the other?

Cast your vote and justify your position: ]]> Flying Brick K-bikes Roadhawk http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41166 1991 k100rs http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41165&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:41:49 GMT Is there the option to install an OEM low seat for this year, and drop the bike approximately two inches? I own a low seat, so I'm half way home. I don't own a four valve yet. Thanks in advance.

Alf ]]> Flying Brick K-bikes louisiana http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41165 Rear Master Cylinder Leaks a Bit. http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41164&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:51:30 GMT My rear master cylinder has a very slow leak. It requires topping off every month or so. It is wet around the seal, but no dripping when parked. It seems to leak no more on a long trip than during daily commuting or errand-running. The quickest, and most expensive, way is to replace the... My rear master cylinder has a very slow leak. It requires topping off every month or so. It is wet around the seal, but no dripping when parked. It seems to leak no more on a long trip than during daily commuting or errand-running.

The quickest, and most expensive, way is to replace the cylinder.

The cheapest way is to take it apart, evaluate, and maybe just clean and reassemble. Perhaps hone the bore. But, that way is fraught with potential delays or unsuccessful results. With other bikes, I have had most respond to just a good cleanup. It it is not successful, I gotta do it over again, either replace the whole thing or put in a kit.

Does anyone have any experience that can help me guess which way to go? ]]> Flying Brick K-bikes Kayseventyfive http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41164 another airhead question: OIL http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41163&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:22 GMT I am stealing this idea from the K bike thread.
Can you run synthetic in airheads?

For that matter, what happens when you put synthetic oil into a machine that has been using regular oil for years (1000's of miles)?

When is it dangerous to run synthetics in any bike? ]]> Airheads ultracyclist http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41163 Adventure BMW Chesapeake City, VA http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41162&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:08:31 GMT Riding from Ocean City, MD to the Sun Your Buns rally in Venice Fl, stuff went totally FUBAR. I paid the toll on the Eastern Shore side of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, put the LT in first and headed off about 200 yards and my shifter flopped to the pavement putting her in second. Stuck on the side of... Riding from Ocean City, MD to the Sun Your Buns rally in Venice Fl, stuff went totally FUBAR. I paid the toll on the Eastern Shore side of the Bay Bridge Tunnel, put the LT in first and headed off about 200 yards and my shifter flopped to the pavement putting her in second. Stuck on the side of the road needing linkage parts with my thumb up my.....Called Progressive and they sent a tow from Virginia Beach who was a great guy.

They had instructed tower to take me to Checker BMW but he said that was a car place and he would call them directly to see if they could help. They said no, so he said we should go to Chesapeake City because there was a shop there. He could not get through to Progressive so he said, "don't worry", I will deal with them. He drove the extra 15 or so unauthorzied miles and got a good tip.

We got to Adventure BMW right at closing time and they could not have been nicer. They saw the problem right away, but said they could not order overnight for the parts until morning cause it was too late. They recommended a good, cheap motel where I spent two nights.

True to their word, by 11:00 Thursday morning they called to say my bike was ready. With new deflection lever and linkage ball I was on my way! No B.S., good price and good service. Being on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I only had the choice of Bob's or DeSimone (now gone), so Adventure BMW is now going to be my goto dealer. ]]> The South rkimmel2 http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41162 Annual Black Friday Run Next Week http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41160&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:08:21 GMT Each year some of us roll into the Smokies -- weather permitting -- on a Black Friday run [day after Thanksgiving so this is coming up soon]. We get there by Friday night and roll great roads on Saturday. If you like to ride quick on great roads this is a good time to be in the Smokies. The tourists aren't there and with no leaves on the trees you can see well ahead through every corner. This year's hotel is a 3 star, 2 meals included, $58 a night. If that is something that might interest you, get in touch off line and I can send you the hotel info. dancindave@aol.com ]]> The South DancinDave http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41160 I am new too http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41159&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:54:22 GMT Hi everybody, just joined the club, would like to say hello and send my best regards from south Spain. Should you be around one day or on the way to Morocco and need anything from help, over info, or just a cold beer and chat, youŽll be more them wellcome. Looking forward to making some new... Hi everybody,
just joined the club, would like to say hello and send my best regards from south Spain.
Should you be around one day or on the way to Morocco and need anything from help, over info, or just a cold beer and chat, youŽll be more them wellcome.
Looking forward to making some new friends here.



these are all my pretty horses

:bikes ]]> New Members Rubia1111 http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41159 Bike Cover http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41158&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:57 GMT I'm looking for suggestions for a cover on my 2006 R1200RT. It has saddle bags, but no rear case. I'd like something "all weather" but breathable...
Thx- Gene ]]> Hexheads MeanGene http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41158 Passenger backrest for R1200R http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41157&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:33:34 GMT Is there anyone in the aftermarket making a passenger back rest for R1200R's? I don't seem to be able to find one.
Art Snyder ]]> Hexheads artsnyder http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41157 Higher windshield hmmm... http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41156&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:35:30 GMT OK, so last night, I swapped out my stock windshield for a quite tall Cee Bailey unit. I'm not sure I like it. With the stocker, I could look over the shield with a clear view of the road. Tonight, I found myself not sure whether to look through it, or over it, so I lowered it down a bit to see over it. Wind came back... Not sure if I like it or not... I'm 5'10", not short, but not tall...

I like the lower wind on my head, but the view is just odd... My helmet's screen flips up too much on the first notch. I wish I could crack it about 3/4", it goes up enough that it bugs me being up... I like it all the way up, but don't feel safe with open eyes. UGH, I'm in learning mode...

Opinions? I really can't take both windscreens with me on a ride, so I'm trying to figure this out with short hops on the highway.

John. ]]> Motorrad JStrube http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41156 Adding an accessory http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41155&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:14:03 GMT Where do I get the power from ? I have a nav 4 which uses a power connector under the battery cover. I would like to add a CB radio and I want it to turn off when the ignition is off. Do I cut and splice at that connector, is there a connector that I can get to accomplish that without cutting... Where do I get the power from ?

I have a nav 4 which uses a power connector under the battery cover. I would like to add a CB radio and I want it to turn off when the ignition is off. Do I cut and splice at that connector, is there a connector that I can get to accomplish that without cutting into that harness or just use a new fuse block direct from battery?
Thanks ]]> Wedge K-bikes tourist http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41155 <![CDATA[Camshaft / lifter position '85 R80RT]]> http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41154&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:10:52 GMT Dropped the pan today to clean out! No metal, debris or sludge! Noticed the cam lobes are not in direct alignment with the lifters, actually about 1/2 the lifter hangs over the lobe. Could there be a problem with the cam sprocket installation or a problem with the thrust bearing? No poor... Dropped the pan today to clean out! No metal, debris or sludge!

Noticed the cam lobes are not in direct alignment with the lifters, actually about 1/2 the lifter hangs over the lobe.

Could there be a problem with the cam sprocket installation or a problem with the thrust bearing?

No poor running issues or loud internal noises, seems a little noisy but I'm new to BMW's!

Has less than 20,000 mi. on it. ]]> Airheads rolyak http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41154