Help TB Sync

[rpatrickmc]

Hi Folks: I have a 2004 R1150RT, new. The Clymer Manual states "There is no synchronization procedure on these models (all R1150 models). This service must be performed by a BMW dealership using the MoDiTec diagnosis tool." I have had two R1100 oilheads and used a Carb Stix. My question is, can I follow the same procedure with the R1150 or do I have to have the dealer do it? Any help and direction is appreciated

[jgr451]

How do you use carb stix on a fuel injected motor? I thought they measured vacuum pressure at the intake manifold?

Just displaying my ignorance.

[charleshehl]

I regularly sync my throttle bodies on my R1150GS using a TwinMax, which is basically an electronic version of a carb stix. I have had my GS back to the dealer several times for misc. items like state inspection and to have the computer check for fault codes. The mechanics routinely tell me how well my GS runs.

The sync process is identical to the one you are using on your R1100's.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by jgr451
How do you use carb stix on a fuel injected motor? I thought they measured vacuum pressure at the intake manifold?

Just displaying my ignorance.

The throttle bodies have a fitting on them that allows balancing of intake vacuum. Setting the idle level vacuum is done via two brass bleed screws on the TB. Fine adjustment of high speed synchronization is done by adjusting the cable on the right hand TB.

It's easy.

And yeah, the R1150 series gets adjusted just like the earlier 11s.

[colt03]

I have carb Stix and a twin Max. They basically do the same thing. I have a 2004 GS and it has about 28,000 miles on it. I have followed the procedures as outlined on the IBMWR and the ADV rider sites.

So go ahead try It !

[macman320]

Is it worth having your own TwinMax, or taking it in for syncing at the dealer? Where are they sold and how expensive?

[rpatrickmc]

Thanks to all for the replies and help. Carb Stix it is!

[bikerfish1100]

TwinMax costs about $85 +/-. I sync my R11S about every 6K. dealer time is probably about 30-60 mins for that unfaired bike, at about $65/hr. pretty easy to do the math to figure out if it is worth the purchase price.

[wvcajun]

Although I haven't done it yet, I am about to. I need to synch my Bings on my 77 R100RS. Is getting a TwinMax easier/better than using the homemade version with the tubing zip-tied to a yard stick? Help.

MG

[kbasa]

A Twinmax is on my "gotta get one" list.

[dbrick]

How many miles on the R12GS, Dave? Does it stay in tune (i.e., balance) longer than the R1100 motor?

[chopper_guy]

I have used the Twin Max for the last 3 years for balancing the carbs on my '79' R100RT. It has worked very well and is very easy to use and seems to do a good job. It eliminates the need for that dangerous mercury.

[MANICMECHANIC]

You can also take the Twin-Max with you on a trip, since it doesn't take up much space, and isn't messy when you do.

[RIDERR1150GSADV]

I had a twinmax with me on the road to Paonia and Spokane and used it twice for myself and had other riders use it on their bikes too , once they found out I had one.
It is indispensible for the R bikes and saved mucho $$$ .
The first time you use it you hope all goes well, but once the bike starts running well at idle you know you're on the right track.
Just take the time to do everything step by step and it will work out fine.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by dbrick
How many miles on the R12GS, Dave? Does it stay in tune (i.e., balance) longer than the R1100 motor?

Got about 8500 on it right now. I had Marin BMW do the 6K on it and will probably have them do the 12K too. After that, I'll probaby have a better idea of how it does between tuneups. I could feel the bike becoming rougher as it approached 6K, but I can't tell you if that was coming from the valves or the TBs. It didn't surge at all, though, which is usually an indicator on my RS that it needs some love.