backfires and Oil filler.

[trinkvean]

Hi.

I bought a 2002 1150GS a few weeks ago and I am still getting used to it so I would appriciate others experience on what is "normal".

One thing that I cant seem to stop is very loud backfires if you drop off the throttle quickly. Is this OK or should I get it looked at.

The other thing is that after about 500 miles the Oil level seems to be at the bottom of the sightglass. I have to admit that I didnt check it until today, but if it was full when the dealer sold it to me then I have used half a litre in 500 miles, this cant be normal can it ?

Barry

 

[sani]

Dont wary is completely normal
Check the oil level at all the time when you fill up the bike and dont let the oil level drop

 

[trinkvean]

I think I nearly gave an old lady a heart attack when it backfired in Penzance. Perhaps I should take out some form of indemnity insurance so greaving relatives cant sue me

Barry

 

[Rolf]

Backfiring

What sort of exhaust have you got on? Mine never backfired with the standard exhaust and collector on, backfired badly when I replaced the catalytic convertor with a Y piece, but since I put the cat back on and fitted a stubby exhaust, has stopped backfiring again.

 

[sani]

What sort of exhaust have you got on? Mine never backfired with the standard exhaust and collector on, backfired badly when I replaced the catalytic convertor with a Y piece, but since I put the cat back on and fitted a stubby exhaust, has stopped backfiring again.

Thats very normal if you put back the cat

 

[motobiker]

Its normal for these bikes to drink oil.. or sometimes just sip oil.. till the mileage is in the late teens of thousands... there are always exceptions though.

Its also normal for the oil level to bounce up and down for no reason at all... there are always exceptions to that too.

there are loads of ways to test the level... what I do is after a ride... i leave the bike on the sidestand for a few minutes.. then lift it onto the main stand... and go make a cuppa.. drink said cuppa then wander back and have a look.

If the level is still low... i will add a bit of oil... enough to raise the level in the sight glass by 5mm - the reason being its easier to add oil than take it out... the sight glass thingie really does have a mind of its own.

its an endless source of amusement to me...

 

[Colban]

As post above.You need to allow oil to drain from the oil cooler (leave on side-stand for 10 mins).
Put on centre-stand and allow oil to settle.Then check level in sight glass.
Try not to overfill or it may blow seals,get pumped into airbox etc.
How many miles has it done?.After they are bedded in at about 20K miles,the oil useage drops.
PS The banging and farting from the pipe is normal if you have a "Y" piece fitted.Proper setup and the cat code plug (do search) can reduce it but not totally eliminate it.

 

[trinkvean]

it has done just under 15,000 miles.

I think it is an aftermarket silencer but I am not a expert (yet). What do you mean by Y pipe ?

 

[trinkvean]

This is a pic of the current setup

 

[davegs]

Oil

Only just run in keep ging wear your ear plugs so YOU don't get a fright and keep going.
dave gs.

 

[sani]

This is a pic of the current setup

You have Y pice with original exhaust
If you want to stop the loud pops I can give you a original cat
PM me if you are interested

 

[Colban]

it has done just under 15,000 miles.

I think it is an aftermarket silencer but I am not a expert (yet). What do you mean by Y pipe ?

That looks like a std silencer;and looking at the gap under the gearbox,you have a "Y" piece fitted.This is good.Gets rid of the crappy cat and make the engine breathe easier.More midrange and better fuel consumption.
Again,search on cat code plug.
15K miles.Pah.Not even run in yet.

 

[PIGGLET]

You should be able to prevent the backfiring by ensuring that all the joints on the exhaust are air tight. Remove the rear silencer (just undo the clamp nut on the trim/clamp where it joins the y piece and the hanger bolt and waggle it off) then remove the y piece (two front clamps and 2 hex or torx studs under the gearbox). Clean all the joints with emery tape and then apply a thin smear of exhaust jointing compound to all joints and re assemble. Needs to be done cold and assembled quickly before the paste goes off.
You don't need the paste with the standard components but the Y piece never seems to fit as well as the standard cat/can hence the air gap and the back firing.

 

[zerocool]

I love the backfire myself!

 

[trinkvean]

Thanks for all the help

Thanks for all the help. I think I will just ignore the pops and keep riding. As for the Oil, I will check it again more carefully before I put some more in.

One least question, the oil filler cap is just a rubber moulded plug. The one in the manual seems to be a more substantial plastic cap. It doesnt seemt to leak, Is this the factory one or has it been changed ?

 

[motobiker]

Thanks for all the help. I think I will just ignore the pops and keep riding. As for the Oil, I will check it again more carefully before I put some more in.

One least question, the oil filler cap is just a rubber moulded plug. The one in the manual seems to be a more substantial plastic cap. It doesnt seemt to leak, Is this the factory one or has it been changed ?

sounds like its been changed.. but not to worry. you can get a brand new original for about £2.50 if you must.. or you can get a blingy one.. but don't believe the tag-line - 'tamper proof' cause thats a big fib. Also I've heard that some of them leak - so a waste of time. imho.

 

[Steptoe]

Even if you have the original exhaust set up you can make it backfire at will.

It's one of the "benefits" of being an outlaw biker with fuel injection, the pleasure of being able to scare old ladies at will.

 

[trinkvean]

the current one doesnt leak so I guess its another case of "If it aint bust, don't mend it"