Exhaust Header Pipe Glowing Red When Idling

[Deleted account S A]

Hello All, Not sure if I have a serious problem with the Bike,
When starting from cold the exhaust header pipe glows cherry red and then after a minute turns blow torch red, This happens on the curved part of the exhaust header pipe which comes out from the cylinder head,
Possible an over rich fuel mixture on start up?

I Have in the past had many cold start problems with the bike, Over revving from cold, 3500 rpm for a few seconds then drops to 2000 rpm and back down to the correct 1500rpm, This seems ok at the moment but now have the combustion temperature problems, I have carried out many control unit re-sets but can never get the bike right, Once on the move the bike is perfect, no problems with idling or power, Just worried that I will cause internal engine problems i.e. burnt valves, piston etc,

I have called a few main dealers who state that ‘Yes’ the header can turn cherry red on cold start and left idling, and this is common on the boxer engines, But mine turns blast furnace red.

Has anyone come across this while there bikes are idling from cold, Is this normal or have I got problem,

My Bike is the twin spark fuel injected model 2004, Dakar

Thanks

 

[woodsman149]

Hello All, Not sure if I have a serious problem with the Bike,
When starting from cold the exhaust header pipe glows cherry red and then after a minute turns blow torch red, This happens on the curved part of the exhaust header pipe which comes out from the cylinder head,

I have the exact same year / bike as yours and I can let mine idle and the exhaust pipe doesn't change colour, maybe goes a little darker than when cold, that is all. However I do try and avoid leaving the bike idling too long as I've always heard it's best to start the bike and go rather than let it warm up idling.

 

[Deleted account S A]

I have spoken to a few BMW specialists who advise me their could be a fault with the oxygen sensor, I have ordered one from my local main agent, Also was advised by a few that is normal on this type of bike, can see the glow more in a slightly dark environment,

Not sure if I have to carry out a manual reset of the control unit once fitted, will look into,
If the sensor does not cure the lean fuel mixture I may fit a boosterplug, Have read some good reviews for the use of this part for BMW bikes this all over the web, which improves the fuel mixture

www.boosterplug.com

 

[john_aero]

that the lamdba or oxygen sensor as already mentioned

if this does not fix it then the FI needs eb re mapped by BMW dealer

 

[Deleted account S A]

I replaced my Oxygen sensor and problem solved, No exhaust glow from idle even when bike idlng with cooling fan on, Did not either need to re-set the Control unit for the fuel injection system,

 

[Deleted account S A]

I replaced my Oxygen sensor and problem solved, No exhaust glow from idle even when bike idlng with cooling fan on, Did not either need to re-set the Control unit for the fuel injection system,

Hiya All, Just to give you all an update, Checked my bike to make sure that the exhaust glow was still not visible and NO,
Started the bike up from cold the last weekend and within the first minute the exhaust downpipe started to glow red again,

Reset the BMS and still the same, I noticed that this only now happens when I start the bike up from cold and if left idling the glow starts to decrease as bike warms up, By the time the fan cuts in you can hardly see the exhaust downpipe glow,

Checked on the Chain gang web site and apparently this is the primary reason BMW wants you to ride off immediately upon starting the bike up in the morning. The FI fast idle/starting mixtures on these engines (including the twins) apparently are a regular blow-torch and they want you to get moving to cool it off,

 

[Deleted account S A]

Hiya All, I gave up and took my bike to a good BMW bike specalist in south london two weeks ago, The oxygen sensor I fitted works good, Had fault codes in the control unit for the air temp sensor, The code was cleared and so far so good,
So next time any sensor is replaced, Re-set the BMS unit by discounting the battery for 20-30 minutes, Start the bike up with no gas, Job Done

 

[PanzerPilot]

Hi folks,
I used to have an '04 F650GS Dakar (twin spark/injection) that used to do it too, only really noticed it in the dark though. Asked BMW and they said, "don't worry, they all do that sir." I'm on my third R1200GS now and they have all done it too!
Ride safe everyone!
Rich.
R1200GS Adventure 2010 DOHC Shiiiiiiiiiiiiine Yellow
1990 Honda VFR750-FL Pro-Arm

 

[Deleted account S A]

Still No exhaust glow even at night, The Oxygen Sensor has made such a difference, Came in a BMW box but I think it was made my NGK,

 

[Wolfgang]

Hot Exhaust.

I have a R1100RS.
It was delivered during the snow last Nov.roads icy,so would n't go out.
Started it up for the first time on the centre stand & smelt burning.
The exhaust got so hot it was melting the fender extender !!
Even though it was n't touching it.
I now start it & ride off.

 

[Deleted account S A]

Apparently this is the primary reason BMW wants you to ride off immediately upon starting the bike up in the morning. The FI fast idle/starting mixtures on these engines (including the twins and oil heads ) apparently are a regular blow-torch and they want you to get moving to cool it off,