6th gear

[keavze]

how about the lower 1st...?

hey keavze

that's a top avatar

simon

thanx...

btw, is the top gear option available to the Adv?

ok..., let me get things straighten out; is the following true?
1. top gear option for both standard GS & Adv;
2. lower 1st gear option for Adv only.

cheers,
kaz
p.s. in time to come the "E" gear should be phased out...won't it?
'6' will be needed 80% of the time than 'E', isn't it?

 

[Keith Chapman]

I'm confussed
My 2002 1150 pulls 85 on the clock at about 4-4.5 K rpm with 6 on the RID.

Another thought what is the difference between the old brakes and the EVO brakes?

 

[(RIP) willstatt]

E or 6

Well my 2001 1150 does 90mph at 4000rpm, and easily maintains that speed whatever, come wind so I don't know why some are so gutless? or is that just The 'sports box' owners being smart? At 4000 rpm your still well in the torque/power range, and should have plenty of 'go'..... maybe it needs a service
I've just done Provence and back on mine....... all via autoroute unfortunately, due to time constraints, and I cruised at 95 to 105 no problem. up hills and into wind at times. (and will lotsa luggage) Yes, if the speed drops much below 70mph then you need 5th, but other than that 'E' is the perfect motorway gear.
If your GS is going to spend most time off the motorway, and that's what we'd all prefer isn't it, then the E is not needed, but then neither is the '6' and a 5 speed 1100GS will do everthing your 1150 will do as well.

 

[Greg Masters]

Yep, my 1150 will also cruise all day, fully loaded, at an indicated 100mph (where speed limits allow, of course!)

Greg

 

[MikeO]

My 2002 Adventure does an indicated 90 at 4750rpm (6 on RID) (Actual is about 84 from the GPS). Pulls from 4000 rpm without a snag - what's the problem again?

MikeO

 

[Wreford Miles]

This thread is probably the most useful I’ve come across to date, with all the information contained within I’m sure I will be able to deploy R&D resource to develop a product which will allow those displaying an ‘E’ to have a software upgrade to show a’ 6’.

My target price for this product will be £85 which I think the average GS owner will be happy to pay…see ‘Big Screen’ £200 for a bit of bent plastic!

The only down side is when we next meet those that have fitted this mod will not be able to show it off so if there’s interest I’ll fit and override widget which will enable you to light up the ‘6’ in neutral.

City Slicker would you be interested in the sole distribution rights for this product…?

Once again thank you all, this thread will change my life……!!!

 

[Dave Barrett]

It proves one thing however....

BMW are able to make more money out of everyone buying a GS, since it would appear that we all shell out for the "additional cost extra" FID....

 

[John Armstrong]

Or we in the UK in the true spirit of European generosity get it for free?

 

[Deadskin]

If it was "only" an rpm drop, the "E" would make sense. The difference is going into the wind at high speed (especially two-up with luggage). The "E" version would struggle to get to 4000 rpm, let alone accelerate from there on.....

Two up with luggage + full 41ltr tank
pulls like a train no struggle + no vibes

 

[Simon Eassom]

Muddy:
Sounds like you've definitely got the "sport" box. Don't complain! If you'd specified that originally you'd have been given an even longer waiting period as the "E" box is currently more popular in the UK. Because your bike's a Euro import you've got the more popular Euro option.
IMHO the E (overdrive) gear is much better for relaxed motorway cruising and better fuel consumption (although some argue it makes no difference). I'm more than happy with the performance using "E". I've never had problems overtaking at 80-90mph whilst in "E" (getting rid of the Cat helps).
But . . . I now avoid motorways like the plague and, since fitting my new Y-piece and exhaust, rev the nuts off the bike. I never put the bike in "E" anymore. In fact I hardly ever use 5th. In some ways I wish I had the sports box. You can't max out the engine with the E box. It just won't rev out to the red line. I have tried bouncing it off the limiter in 5th and changing up but the revs drop so much you just can't get the bike to pull back up the red line. I've nearly got there on a long downhill stretch of dual carriageway near me but traffic congestion always intervenes and I have to back off at approaching 130mph. It only really matters where top speed is concerned. Otherwise, the "E" box is great as an Overdrive.
So, I suppose what I'm saying is that it's horses for courses.
Simon E.
PS I quite like it saying E instead of 6. It's typically BMW quirky and different.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Simon, if your having trouble maxing out your GS you have a few options.

1. Borrow my top box

2. If your getting scared I'll max it for you

3. Better still let Lisa do it

 

[Simon Eassom]

Toby:
I'm quite happy to let Lisa do it, but as she can barely reach the pegs yet alone the ground whilst sitting on the bike I'd be concerned with what happens when she comes to a halt.
Well, that's my excuse anyway. Really, I'm scared that if Lisa gats hold of it she'll realise I've been riding like a complete pussy all this time.
Simon E.
PS As for letting you get your mits on it . . . I'll save my comments for Monday night.
PPS As for a topbox. NEVER!

 

[Muddy]

6 or E

Simon,

Thats why I originally asked the question about 6 or E. I just didn't know which 'box the bike had. It was only when a few people started to reply with rpm/mph figures that I could definitely tell what I'd got.

PS. Going to Wollaston on Monday morning for (free!) 1st service. Have arranged a loaner but don't know what it is.

 

[Simon Eassom]

Re: 6 or E

Going to Wollaston on Monday morning for (free!) 1st service. Have arranged a loaner but don't know what it is.

Then what . . . are you heading home or to work? If not, let's go for a spin? I'll meet you at Wollaston's.
Simon E.

 

[Muddy]

Simon,

Yes ok. Hope to be there at 9.30am.

 

[carlhowe]

Last time I posted on this I said I had the overdrive top gear, display shows 6 and 4000rpm was 85to90mph.

Just come back from a break in the lakes. Took the gps with me (thought I'd test it out in a area I knew - it taught me some new roads - good stuff!)

Back to gears....while top is '6' and an indicated 87mph, the gps tells me this is more like 80mph - what have I got in my box?

 

[keavze]

6 vs E...

well..., anyone want to enlighten us about the top speed differences
between '6' and 'E'...?

or rather the top speed attainable between the 'sports' and
'economy' gearboxes ...

cheers,
kaz

 

[Paul Young]

Well, here goes and I hope this helps.

I have a 2000MY 1150 and the only option available then was the "E" version with the higher gear (overdrive?). I have also changed the speedo drive for one off an 1150R which gets rid of most of the inaccuracy in the standard speedo. I checked the speed this morning, whilst doing 4000rpm and it was just under 80mph. More like 78 really.

Top speed is an indicated 123mph.

 

[Simon Eassom]

well..., anyone want to enlighten us about the top speed differences
between '6' and 'E'...?

Well, I'll have a go but I can only guarantee the figures for the "E" box . . .

The ratios for the "E" box are, per 1,000 revs.
1st = 7mph
2nd = 9mph
3rd = 12mph
4th = 14mph
5th = 16mph
E = 21mph

So, if you're doing 5,000 revs, that'll be 60mph in 3rd, 70mph in 4th, 80mph in 5th, and 105mph in "E".
Theoretically, then, at redline of 7,500 revs you should be able to do 158mph but you can't because the bike won't rev out in "E" much beyond 6,500 revs. Redline in 5th is 120mph

The ratios for the sports box are the same as above (I believe) but 6th = 18mph. This gives a theoretical top speed at 7,500 revs of 135mph which is easily reached. In actual fact then, top speed is about 135mph for both boxes (but the theoretical limit for the "E" box is higher).

It's possible with the "E" box to exceed 135mph (downhill, no headwind, tucked behind screen etc because the lower final drive ration allows the faster rotation of the rear wheel without the engine over-revving) but throuhg normal acceleration it doesn't reach 135mph as easily the "6" box. The "6" box bike and even the 1100GS will start to pull away from the 1150GS with "E" after about 110mph.

In real everyday terms other differences are probably more relevant: at a motorway cruising speed of 84mph, you're doing 4,000 revs with the "E" box (with a non-cat Y-piece and race can I find there's still plenty of pull from here to pass traffic); with the "6" box you're doing 4,666 revs (the bike is closer to its powerband and will accelerate easier but you're getting closer to its vibration point as well so it's less relaxed). Push on to 4,500 revs with the "E" box and you're cruising at 95mph (100mph reached at about 4,750). But with the "6" box you're at 5,000 revs by the time you reach 90mph and over 5,500 at 100mph. Draw your own conclusions.

Simon E.

PS Yes, it's generally accepted that the GS speedo and tacho is 10% generous . . . so the top speed of 135mph is a real world 121.5mph

 

[Dave Barrett]

The ratios for the sports box are the same as above (I believe)

Simon, yes this is correct. The gearbox is actually that used in the R1100S - also the final drive is the same.

In real everyday terms other differences are probably more relevant

This is what made me opt for the lower ratio. Yes, in germany we have unrestricted sections (i.e. not all over) of autobahn. In a perfect world, theoretically, the overdrive would be better, however, at rush hour, the autobahns in many urban areas make your M25 seem like Brands Hatch.

This is what happened to me the first time I took a GS (with the overdrive) for a test ride:

After climbing off Triumph Speed Triple (full power version, not the "normal" 98PS asthmatic German spec.), being impressed with the torque until changing into top. Wondering why the thing won't accelerate even though the throttle's wound up to the stop. Change down, ah, that's more like it. Shift into top when the tacho needle's almost into the red and now chase the cars down the outside lane at 200 km/h. Brake lights! Brake lights! Throttle off, sh*t, how come there's no engine braking? Hard on the brakes, then said cars in front are back on full throttle again. Me too, where's the power gone? Audi on the inside lane overtakes me - on the inside - the thing won't accelerate any faster - this is a bl**dy 1150, fer chrissakes.... change down. rev in 5th until redline......

Repeat above scenario a couple of times again.

It's the old "horses for courses" argument. Although my bike (unfortunately) spends most of its like on the autobahn (about half of it unrestricted), the areas where I live and work are heavily congested. Every ride to and from work has a similar scenario to the above. I normally cruise at about 160 km/h, but after about 5 minutes at this speed, the traffic will suddenly be travelling at 100km/h, then 180, then 80.....

The good thing is that BMW offer the choice, and without extra cost. My guess is that the R1150RS has the same overdrive box. This already means that only two gearboxes suit 3 machines - the GS having either the RS or the S box. I have no clue, but I would guess (especially in these days of cost-savings), that the "R" has one or the other of these boxes too, maybe just with a different final drive......