Do all 1100gs run a bit rough at start up?

[dragontest]

Is it normal.... for my 1100gs to run a bit rough at start-up, like the occasional misfire with the odd splutter and at times the odd cough of black crap from the exhaust comes out. But once warm it runs like a sewing machine doesn't miss a beat and is very economical as well, it recently had a 48k full service by a BMW mechanic in the North West who knows his stuff, and was highly recommended, so I know the bike is in tip top condition... Ideas anybody?

Also is there any company in the UK who sell recondition throttle bodies or do you just have to bite the bullet and buy new, as there is a rattle/tapping coming from the R/H body.

It’s also my first boxer so I'm not too sure what to expect from them... my last BMW was the F650...

 

[jonogs]

Just a guess, but is the rattle/tapping at idle? It could be the throttle disc bouncing off the stop when the bike idles, this could be the cause of the rough idle as it should be sat firmly on the stops then.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

throttles aren't balanced properly - use a manometer.

 

[Colban]

http://www.largiader.com/
Have a read here.

 

[dragontest]

throttles aren't balanced properly - use a manometer.

Ok..mmmm. wots a manometer?

wouldn't they have been done in the service or is it something you have to request...

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Ok..mmmm. wots a manometer?

wouldn't they have been done in the service or is it something you have to request...

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67895&highlight=manometer

servicing ? you'd think, eh ?
if you want something done right, do it yourself

 

[dragontest]

Will balancing the throttles properly fix the misfire at cold start up.

Once warm it runs like a sewing machine doesn't miss a beat no spluttering etc. I would have thought if the throttles were out of sync it would misfire etc all the time?

 

[Rob Farmer]

BMW dealers never seem to spend enough time on the throttle bodies. I've seen posts on this site where the bikes run worse after having services.

Do it yourself its very easy and very satisfying

 

[shuck raider]

Do you park it on the side-stand overnight? If so, could explain the smoke etc

 

[dragontest]

No normally on center stand as I have been told that the cylinders can get oil seeping in if left on the side stand for any period of time... Thought it might have been a wind up at first.. but then I thought of land rover's and guessed there was some truth in it.

I'm going to check the TB's balance tonight and use my newest home made tool the manometer... now I know there's a name for the bit of pipe with spit in it...

 

[cookie]

sounds like the engines not getting fuelled correctly when cold to me. a failed temp sender or similar perhaps?

 

[Keith Chapman]

No normally on center stand as I have been told that the cylinders can get oil seeping in if left on the side stand for any period of time... Thought it might have been a wind up at first.. but then I thought of land rover's and guessed there was some truth in it.

.

You have a side stand on your landy

 

[dragontest]

don't all landy's??

Not another bargin shot down in flames....
anyway back on topic...

Just used the newly made Manometer and the right side TB was 8 inches lower than the left one against the yard stick I used to support the tubing on...
I filled the tube with water and food colouring, so the failing eye sight could see the levels... it did suffer from flutter, but it almost equal in each tube now. tried it at the highter rev range about 4k and it was about the same... more or less.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

hast the clicking gone away - ref your first post ?

 

[Colban]

I filled the tube with water and food colouring,

I used Automatic Transmission fluid in the manometer i made.
Its viscosity damps the fluttering and it was already red.

 

[dragontest]

The odd splutter etc. I think it’s a lot better now but the engine had warmed up.

I couldn't believe how far out the TB’s were... I'm going to try later today to see what it starts like now its tuned/ balanced better, the engine was still hot last night from the time it took to balance the TB’s in the garage and the poor running is more noticeable at start up from cold once hot it seam’s fine to a novice like me…

How do you check for a failed temp sender and where do you find it/them on the bike? If it is still playing up I guess that will be the next thing to check?
It’s all a learning curve, with a new bike but I’m enjoying it so long as it doesn’t cost too much!!

I really enjoy riding the bike after riding a F650 for quite a while its like Wow! The power and balance of the 1100 is great, just like flying…I can’t wait to get it all sorted and running in tip top order.

 

[cookie]

How do you check for a failed temp sender and where do you find it/them on the bike? If it is still playing up I guess that will be the next thing to check?
It’s all a learning curve, with a new bike but I’m enjoying it so long as it doesn’t cost too much!!

dunno without thinking about it. just sounds from your description that it's only a problem when cold, so might be enrichment not functioning

i can't help thinking it would be horrible when hot if it was just throttle balance. anyway, you say it's just been done. maybe it's just not so noticable when hot??