Backfiring on overrun, Singapore

[lean]

Hi,

Thank you for influencing my choice. After 3 one-hour test rides was absolutely convinced. Got a silver grey GS last week, fitted H & B bars, cf hugger, and headlight grill. Ridden it 250km. Even better than I had expected. There is always that dread in the first 10 mins that it would somehow dissapoint. It didn't.

Am however puzzled by a popping noise on the overrun (when I slow down). Not really enough to call it a backfire more like a popping sound; soft, mellow (not sharp, and certainly will not frighten dogs and old ladies). Called BMW and they told me "don't worry, they all do that". Is that so? Find it a bit disconcerting for a machine that runs so smoothly.

Fuel guage is another mystery. Had expected minimum 400km on a full tank. It just hung on full then suddenly dropped to 1/4 when I hit 200km. Is this right?

Moved to Singapore (size of Isle of Wight only a lot more built-up and a heck of a lot more traffic) 10 years ago, hence the multiple test rides. 250 km in a week? Did that in two days, rode round the island twice, squirrel in a cage like, then went down with bad 'flu. No fault of the bike. But with medication not advisable to ride. Use to live in Ealing, London, yes more traffic but a lot more civilised and miles more roads. Miss that. Will give Malaysia a try after running-in. Great site. Thank you.

PS Anyone from Singapore?

 

[Captain Pugwash]

Hi,

Thank you for influencing my choice. After 3 one-hour test rides was absolutely convinced. Got a silver grey GS last week, fitted H & B bars, cf hugger, and headlight grill. Ridden it 250km. Even better than I had expected. There is always that dread in the first 10 mins that it would somehow dissapoint. It didn't.

Am however puzzled by a popping noise on the overrun (when I slow down). Not really enough to call it a backfire more like a popping sound; soft, mellow (not sharp, and certainly will not frighten dogs and old ladies). Called BMW and they told me "don't worry, they all do that". Is that so? Find it a bit disconcerting for a machine that runs so smoothly.

Fuel guage is another mystery. Had expected minimum 400km on a full tank. It just hung on full then suddenly dropped to 1/4 when I hit 200km. Is this right?

Moved to Singapore (size of Isle of Wight only a lot more built-up and a heck of a lot more traffic) 10 years ago, hence the multiple test rides. 250 km in a week? Did that in two days, rode round the island twice, squirrel in a cage like, then went down with bad 'flu. No fault of the bike. But with medication not advisable to ride. Use to live in Ealing, London, yes more traffic but a lot more civilised and miles more roads. Miss that. Will give Malaysia a try after running-in. Great site. Thank you.

PS Anyone from Singapore?

No,but I'm in town once or twice a month.

 

[terayon]

It's a twin, they all do that.

 

[Bilks]

Congrats



even though its a 12.......


Bilks. (Philippines!)

 

[seanred]

I also asked about the popping noise and they say normal. I only got 310k's on a tank, hoping it will get better. Only done 3550k's, but loving every k.

 

[lean]

It's a twin, they all do that.

I have had Ducati, Harley and Moto Guzzie, all twins, none had this popping noise. Or are you saying this only happens with boxers?

 

[terayon]

I've had a ducati, suzuki strom and been on a moto guzzi and they did it for me, but then they did have decent exhaust systems on.

 

[Chris Terry]

BMW will tell you it's not a fault it's a feature ! I suppose they are right, well they did design it!. The problem is the fuel injection setup to meet emissions with economy on a air cooled twin. I don't mined the overrun poping, it's the jerky serge throttle response I find more annoying.
I am sure you'll soon get used to the GS character and enjoy the bike as I do.

 

[skyenet]

Hi,
After 3 one-hour test rides was absolutely convinced.

I had 1 three-hour test ride and was absolutely convinced, actually was convinced in the first ten minutes but didn't want to hand it back to near closing time

Hi,
Am however puzzled by a popping noise on the overrun (when I slow down). Not really enough to call it a backfire more like a popping sound; soft, mellow (not sharp, and certainly will not frighten dogs and old ladies). Called BMW and they told me "don't worry, they all do that".

I had the same concern as I had never noticed it with any other BMWs I have owned. Thought it was maybe just a bit out of adjustment but was still doing it after 600 mile service so just accepted it as a feature

 

[JDH]

Hi,

Thank you for influencing my choice. After 3 one-hour test rides was absolutely convinced. Got a silver grey GS last week, fitted H & B bars, cf hugger, and headlight grill. Ridden it 250km. Even better than I had expected. There is always that dread in the first 10 mins that it would somehow dissapoint. It didn't.

Am however puzzled by a popping noise on the overrun (when I slow down). Not really enough to call it a backfire more like a popping sound; soft, mellow (not sharp, and certainly will not frighten dogs and old ladies). Called BMW and they told me "don't worry, they all do that". Is that so? Find it a bit disconcerting for a machine that runs so smoothly.

Fuel guage is another mystery. Had expected minimum 400km on a full tank. It just hung on full then suddenly dropped to 1/4 when I hit 200km. Is this right?

Moved to Singapore (size of Isle of Wight only a lot more built-up and a heck of a lot more traffic) 10 years ago, hence the multiple test rides. 250 km in a week? Did that in two days, rode round the island twice, squirrel in a cage like, then went down with bad 'flu. No fault of the bike. But with medication not advisable to ride. Use to live in Ealing, London, yes more traffic but a lot more civilised and miles more roads. Miss that. Will give Malaysia a try after running-in. Great site. Thank you.

PS Anyone from Singapore?

Yep, typical feature of the fuel guage on the 12, but you get used to it, and still plenty of miles left when it does so don't worry about it. As for the popping noise, I spent a small fortune on an Akro end can (BWM one) and Remus downpipes to make the popping louder and iron out the jerkiness. Now it sounds the dogs and runs like a dream. Enjoy the bike. Was in Singapore earlier this year, love the place

JDH

 

[scottpa]

As others have said, the fuel gauge lies. I just use the trip and fill up every 300-320kms. It is a bit irritating whe the fuel warning light goes on roughly 120kms before you are actually going to run out though.

Never seen a GS in Singapore, a few africa twins. The rest seem to be 125's, scooters and 400's. So a GS will really stick out. Do you ride the GS wearing the compulsory kit of anorak on backwards and flip flops?

 

[rdover]

rode round the island twice, squirrel in a cage like,

 

[lesliek]

A little popping seems to be quite a common complaint and likewise I think that it's a result of the FI settings to meet emissions control requirements. It was noticeably louder when I put my Staintune slip-on. Some folks like it!

Try and hook up with the local BMW Motorcycle Club if you're able to as they do organize frequent rides up across the border into Malaysia, and further north into Thailand. Nice, nice, roads, especially the bits north of Kuala Lumpur going through the highlands - Genting Highlands, Frasers Hill and Cameron Highlands.

You can reach them here:
http://www.bmwmcs.org/

 

[lean]

Never seen a GS in Singapore, a few africa twins. The rest seem to be 125's, scooters and 400's. So a GS will really stick out. Do you ride the GS wearing the compulsory kit of anorak on backwards and flip flops? [/QUOTE]

There are a few GS about. Rather difficult to catch as they are rarely used for everyday transport. More for trips to Malaysia when they would leave at 7am straight for the Causeway. I am afraid I don't conform regarding local riding kit, always ride with full gear; jacket, trousers, boots, gloves and the mandatory helmet, full face, in bright yellow (no excuse for not spotting me a proverbial mile away). Actually feel quite uncomfortable without the lot even though climate is tropical.

One of the advantages of the GS is the size and height, you can see quite a few car lengths ahead, and nothing like glaring a errant van driver at eye level. Also get cars pulling over to let you pass. Amazing. Normal attitude here is "roads are for 4-wheelers".

 

[lean]

Try and hook up with the local BMW Motorcycle Club if you're able to as they do organize frequent rides up across the border into Malaysia, and further north into Thailand. Nice, nice, roads, especially the bits north of Kuala Lumpur going through the highlands - Genting Highlands, Frasers Hill and Cameron Highlands.

You can reach them here:
http://www.bmwmcs.org/[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tip. I have got in touch with them. Seems very well organised bunch. Looking forward to exploring those roads you mentioned. Mostly old colonial hill stations. Use to be cool, they have warmed up considerable because of deforestation, global warming and agriculture. Use to be like the English spring now it's more like the summer. Shame.

 

[deaninkl]

Hi Lean,

I'm here is Singapore this week, Live in KL. Had a red GS for a couple of weeks, I dont get any popping sound on overrun as you mention, and any kind of back fire from a bike with this much electronics is not normal. backfires are a carb problem (normally).

I'll be here again next week, let me know if you wanna go for a ride one evening, I would like to know a few of the quieter parts of Singapore..if they exist. I would also like to know about bike assessory shops here, I know a couple in Jalan Besar... but guess there are others.

ride safe.

 

[lean]

Hi Lean,

I'm here is Singapore this week, Live in KL. Had a red GS for a couple of weeks, I dont get any popping sound on overrun as you mention, and any kind of back fire from a bike with this much electronics is not normal. backfires are a carb problem (normally).

I'll be here again next week, let me know if you wanna go for a ride one evening, I would like to know a few of the quieter parts of Singapore..if they exist. I would also like to know about bike assessory shops here, I know a couple in Jalan Besar... but guess there are others.

ride safe.

Good to hear from you. Strange that you don't have the popping noise when everyone else seem to think it is normal. Most puzzling. We must look further into this.

There are some quiet parts of Spore with very little traffic especially at night. But not many. Fun for a couple of hours ride. You virtual go round the island.

Assessories is something else. We are very fortunate to have a shop that speciallizes in GS bits. Anything for GS we go straight to him. Prices are competitive and includes fitting. My H & B bars came to about 100 pounds sterling fitted on the spot. He is out in one of our many industrial estates so not easy to find. You can call me on 97531579

 

[deaninkl]

Will now probably be in Taiwan next week, but will be here the week after again. I look forward to catching up with you and learning the address of the GS shop. by the way my email is [email protected] I noticed I got it wrong in my text message.