BMW 1100GS - New Owner

[Raven]

Hi, I am new to BMW and just bought a GS 1100. Love the bike and just about to give it the once over. Apart from the standard service interval issues, is anyone aware of other issues I should check for? the bike is a '96 and 40,000 miles.

 

[rob's new bike]

Great bike I've had mine about six months now. Only problem I had was the hall sensor packing in, but the bike has 80k miles on it so something was to be expected!
Plenty of info on here about them that should keep you going!
Enjoy the bike


Sent from my iPhone 4 using Tapatalk

 

[John Armstrong]

Hi three things AFAIK.

1 - Front brake hose failing at the handlebar end due to it flexing more than it can stand.

2 - Leads from the ignition switch failing due to being flexed too much, especially if there's a tie wrap in the wrong place.

3 - Engine oil level. Read the manual and whatever you do to check the level, always do it the same to get some consistency. And I'd recommend 20 / 50 of the correct API rating.

 

[MarkShelley]

Clutch adjustment

 

[motobiker]

Clutch adjustment

at the gearbox. you'll need a deep 13mm socket on a bar with a swivelling end and a 10mm spanner for the locknut.

its the gearbox end of the cable thats the important bit.

 

[AndrewD]

I'd be looking at a throttle body balance & TPS plus valve clearances then going over the brake lines VERY thoroughly then renewing fluid.

Gearbox and FD will thank you for an oil change and if your doing pads, I prefer standard on the rear and Sintered on the front

3 - Engine oil level. Read the manual and whatever you do to check the level, always do it the same to get some consistency. And I'd recommend 20 / 50 of the correct API rating.

I only use 20/50 in my 1150 and carry some with me (though I'd use anything mineral or semi-synth on the road if needed.

The common 20/50 is Halfords that is not a high API rating, so I use Comma 'Classic' that looks VERY similar but has a proper API rating.

There is also Duckhams Q (but I think this is the same as Halfords as it's the odd green colour they make Q....

Morris and others make 20/50 oil, but I'd stay away from the budget £5 ones.

 

[uncle dick]

His first post and you've managed to turn it into an oil thread Welcome to GS ownership anyway. Mine's a Jan '96 1100 in Kalahari Yellow - yep the fastest colour - and it keeps getting better.

Best mods on mine: Lower pegs, Sargent seat, Ohlins, and fitting the twin throttle cables like the later bikes - yours may already have it anyway.

Enjoy

 

[Vern]

Get on, ride, get off, repeat.

Don't do anything to it unless it needs doing.

Welcome to the site by the way

 

[Tomm]

Welcome to the site !!

Surely the first thing to do is give her a name?!



PS ., Evette says ur a geek

 

[uncle dick]

When I first went to look at mine I thought the guy said it was Calamari Yellow It's been called Squid ever since...

 

[Timolgra]

When I first went to look at mine I thought the guy said it was Calamari Yellow It's been called Squid ever since...

 

[MarkShelley]

As you put miles on the bike keep an eye on the oil level (making sure you check it the correct way). Some use some oil, some don`t. Mine literally uses none at all and it has 87K on it. I hope you are as fortunate!

 

[Stewart H]

Welcome, you have joined a very select band, 1100s are great bikes, take note about those brake pipes and enjoy the bike.

 

[Raven]

BMW New Owner

Thanks for all the responses - good to see the enthusiasm...I think I am gonna love this bike.
Brakes first then...

 

[xtjoe]

Just jumping in here Raven if you dont mind, i'm seriously looking at one and have to weigh up the pro's and cons. This on a 96 with big mileage (180 000)but well maintained, goes like a rocket no smoke no noise. My worry is just BM part prices, it needs ignition and indicators which did not sound to expensive by BM standards (R700 and R500 apparently-- divide by about 12 for pounds) Price 35000 with spare engine no heads but with alternator and starter and 2 BM side panniers. What you think

 

[flatdog]

Just jumping in here Raven if you dont mind, i'm seriously looking at one and have to weigh up the pro's and cons. This on a 96 with big mileage (180 000)but well maintained, goes like a rocket no smoke no noise. My worry is just BM part prices, it needs ignition and indicators which did not sound to expensive by BM standards (R700 and R500 apparently-- divide by about 12 for pounds) Price 35000 with spare engine no heads but with alternator and starter and 2 BM side panniers. What you think

Hi xtj, is that 180thousand miles or K's. Shouldn't be a problem either way if it's been well maintained. At @£2800.00, it does see a little steep for the mileage but that's my experience of the UK market. Knowing how much they cost there new, I believe thats a good price and if it has spares then go for it. Definately the best bike for your conditions.

No doubt the other Saafers on here will offer their experiences too.
Welcome btw

 

[AndrewD]

Thanks for all the responses - good to see the enthusiasm...I think I am gonna love this bike.
Brakes first then...

Be careful with the rear brake bleed if your changing fluid, they get seized in there and snap, better to sort it now (Chris Shaw Eng, do a new stainless adapter and nipple) than n the road.

If you get any problems, I'm just down the road in Slough (There is a group of us see link in sig), got just about every tool known to man in the workshop

 

[Pekkavee]

Be careful with the rear brake bleed if your changing fluid, they get seized in there and snap, better to sort it now (Chris Shaw Eng, do a new stainless adapter and nipple) than n the road.

Insert

Pekka

 

[AndrewD]

Insert

Pekka

If when you snap it BMW will tell you that it's part of the caliper and you need a new one at £££

Here is mine...

You can see my fitting of the whole lot with stainless lines fitted HERE

 

[dancata]

I have a spare caliper from a 1100RT if you need a spare adapter, just pay for shipping and it's yours.

Dan.