Can I use the Twinmax on the 1200?

[HeatedGrips]

I gather that using a Twinmax to set idle balance won't work on the 1200 because the throttles are somehow electronically controlled.

But can I use it for the midrange, and if so what's the proceedure? I get really nasty vibes through the bars at around 5,000rpm, bad enough to numb my fingers, and think maybe carb synch is the issue.

 

[Dave284]

Yes. and no.

You cant make adjustment for idle without the BMW plug in tool.

But you can use it for midrange.

I strap mine to the tank and go for a ride with a 10mm spanner in my pocket to make adjustment after watching the Twinmax at about 60mph then stopping, make small adjustment on right hand throtle cable. Repeat until perfect balance.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

I got mine back from service and knew it was not right.
Taking a tip from ADVRider, I checked the closing of the butterflys by sound and could hear a distinct double click. I made sure there was slack in both cables at idle, and adjusted the rhs cable to synchronise the clicks - you will be surprised as I was at how smooth this makes the engine. You can positively close the thrttles at different rates. The slower you do it, the greater the separation of the clicks providing you do it fast enough to make a click that you can hear! Have you got that?
I have a twin-max in Dublin, use it to great effect on the 1150, but no longer feel the need to take it here to use on the 1200.
Bin

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I got mine back from service and knew it was not right.
Taking a tip from ADVRider, I checked the closing of the butterflys by sound and could hear a distinct double click. I made sure there was slack in both cables at idle, and adjusted the rhs cable to synchronise the clicks - you will be surprised as I was at how smooth this makes the engine.

That is exactly how I used to balance the carbs on my old Guzzi and I can concur totaly, whilst it may sound like a bit of a 'bodge' it really does work very well

Hadn't crossed my mind that I could do something similar on my 1200 so thanks for the tip

Andres

 

[themadprofessor]

I read somewhere, that the correct way to use a carb balancer on a R1200GS was this.

Gently rev the engine from an idle to about 2500-3000 rpm and note which way the needle (Twinmax) moves (if it does). Adjust, repeat gentle rev and note change. Adjust again and again as necessary until the needle is zero all the time.

I did this - it took not even 5 minutes and the bike which previously would not hold a steady throttle under 3000 rpm became as smooth as a baby's and now will trickle along at down to 2000rpm in traffic with absolutely no problem.

If I can find the article describing this I will post it.

Chris