just bought my first GS

[Jam]

Well i have just purchase a 1994 R1100GS complete with BMW luggage. I collect the bike next week and look forward to many many miles of enjoyment. The bike has 12k miles on the clock and service history so i anticipate very little in the way of unscheduled repair bills.(unles you can tell me different )So this should allow me to do bits and bobs with the bike to improve on MR BMWs original design. I intend to do a lot of pillion riding but i am not adverse to back lane scratchin`

The question i ask is :

Where do i start with the improvements.What would be your first 5 modifications to the GS that would improve the bike as a whole.

Your thoughts and comments are much appreciated

 

[Timolgra]

Where do i start with the improvements.What would be your first 5 modifications to the GS that would improve the bike as a whole.

1) Ride it
2) Ride it
3) Ride it
4) Ride it
5) Find the first 5 things you are not happy with and improve on them.

OR

Spend lots of money on Ohlin's suspension, Lazer exhaust + chip, Tourance tyres, comfy seat then swop it for an 1150, (just kidding) Enjoy it.

Tim

 

[Gecko]

Dunno hw tall you are but I am 6'3" so I got rid of the standard BMW saddle and replaced it with a Wunderlich Ergo Hi saddle. It's 4cm higher than standard and for me more comfy. You gotta get the twin headlamp conversion from either Wunderlich or Touratech - makes the bike look much better and the advantage of two headlamps over one speaks for itself.
Garmin GPS unit mounted to the handle bars is a great investment if you travel out of your local patch.

I am now thinking now (after 3 1/2 years) of getting a new end can , crash bars and maybe aluminium panniers but not becuase anything is wrong with the originals - it's just for fun.

Enjoy it - it's a great bike

 

[Panzer Patrol]

1. Tourance tyres
2. Y-piece

That did me for 30k miles.

 

[Steve]

1. Metzeler Tourance tyres
2. Y Piece
3. Ohlins suspension
4. Footpeg lowering kit
5. Race can.

 

[Jam]

thanks for your comments..........

is it possible to clarify the `Y Piece` comments . IS this something to do with the cat???? Does this replace the whole exhaust or just a section of it andof course where from, how much and how easy?

 

[Tim]

hot hands

All the above will be great (when I get round to it...) but if you've not got heated grips on it (I don't know if they were standard spec then) and plan to ride all year then get them first and wory about the fancy bits later!

the Other Tim
PS congrats on getting the bike!

 

[PeterNicholson]

Ignore the Y-piece stuff - this only refers to the 1150.

The 1100 has a one-piece silencer, so you are stuck with replacing all of it, or none of it (apart from the headers, and no-one replaces those...

Remus exhaust sounds nice, Lazer exhaust sounds like a Sopwith Camel on full chat, stock pipe sounds like a sewing machine.
I wear earplugs all the time anyway,, so "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn..." - still have the stock one ('cos I'm a tight git)

94 1100 may not HAVE a cat, but don't quote me on that.

Tyres - Tourance are good, Michelin Anakee seem OK, avoid Michelin T66x like a (thing you REALLY want to avoid).
Mud-merchants seem to like the Continental knobbly, but IMO the oliheads are a bit on the heavy side for a dirt bike.

Ohlins suspension on both ends is good if you like pressing on, or if the old stuff is getting worn - (anywhere between 12k and 50k, depending on who you talk to!)

Lights are crap as stock - come to a local pub meet and look at the variations on extra lighting options.

Crashbars are a sound investment - Hepco Becker or Wunderlich seem to be the most popular.

Most important thing is to get out there and ride it - THEN figure out what you don't like, and don't be afraid to ask. Chances are, another member of the asylum will have already -
Had that problem
Tried that solution
Done that stupid thing
Sh*gged that sheep

Sorry, don't know how that crept in



Enjoy

 

[Jam]

thanks guys (sorry gentlemen) this is all valuable stuff.The bike has come with heated grips as standard so i look forward to hands of toast................

I feel the need to `remus` her and will keep you informed on that (anyone got a can for sale?????) other than that i think the best way is to post a thought on here about a month before i intend to move forward and see what comes up...........

Looking forward to your comments

 

[PeterNicholson]

Jam gibbered thus: I feel the need to `remus` her

A member of the asylum has posted previously that the Remus does NOT, in fact, give any power/torque gain on the 1100. Try searching the archive under "Remus" - I've had a brief look, but couldn't find it.

P

 

[Gecko]

Re: Jam gibbered thus: I feel the need to `remus` her

A member of the asylum has posted previously that the Remus does NOT, in fact, give any power/torque gain on the 1100. Try searching the archive under "Remus" - I've had a brief look, but couldn't find it.

P

Interesting pint you raise Peter because just the other day I was talking to one of the Belgium Boxer cup team managers about Lazer exhaust. Basically he said exactly the same thing about Lazers - even rechipping them you are moving the power but not increasing it by any discernable amount. All the claims about 8 to 12 bhp extra are just claims. Only change the end can if you want a different exhaust note - for power you need to do a whole lot more than that....

 

[pint6x]

Interesting to read the comments about the lights - I've heard the 1150GS lights are none to clever - is the (single) light on the 1100GS crap as well ? the single light on my R1100R is pretty good.

I would be interested in seeing an 1100GS with twin headlight conversion - where are the bits from ?

Cheers

6X

 

[Pat Creagh]

The light on the R1100GS is a whole lot better than the candle on the R1150 but can benefit from a higher wattage bulb ie. 110/80 watt. The aftermarket twin Touratech unit looks good but doesn't function as a headlight!!! DAMHIK
On the exhaust front any aftermarket device will improve on the "sewing machine" impersonation which the 1100 carries off admirably.
I have a Remus Ti end-can and collector box for sale if you want. It also improves rideability and throttle response but probably not much to top end power. Then again if you want lots of power, buy a Hyabusa!!!
Ohlins suspension makes the bike ride better when pressing on and allows you to track your chosen line 'round bends, not the understeer the Showa units allow. Only my opinion but then I'm usually right.
If you are a fat bastard like me a repacement saddle will bring your arse a lot more comfort, I'm getting on well with a Touratech unit at present but also rate the komfi seat which Coopers Of Reading sell. Check out P&P Seating in Brum though as these people make them and don't charge the earth unlike that miserable bastard Tim Angus...
http://www.ppseat.co.uk/
Above all use plenty of petrol,
Pat.

 

[iaintook]

I would

Ive had my '95 1100 for about 8 months now.. I am going to change the screen and the light. I'd also like the ohlins but im not paying as much for a set of shocks as I did for the bike..
Ive got a Laser exhaust on mine at the moment and it is super loud !! you can have it for 130 notes if you want. (gotta come get it or pay post on top though)

cheers

Iain.

 

[shugie]

and don't charge the earth unlike that miserable bastard Tim Angus...
http://www.ppseat.co.uk/
Above all use plenty of petrol,
Pat.

No, he's never a happy bunny that bloke, wonder why? Been there a while though so must be bringing in the dosh for the company.

Shug

 

[Tobers]

Dont change the screen!

Buy a Tobinator instead of a new screen - much cheaper!

 

[MacDram]

Re: Dont change the screen!

Buy a Tobinator instead of a new screen - much cheaper!

Tobers,

According to your website it disnae fit the 1100, or have you now made one for that model too?
I might be interested if you have.

 

[Tobers]

1100GS

Oops - second time I've made that mistake - last one was someone with an Adventure. Apologies.

 

[judge]

Or just make one for each of the different GS's then you can't make the same mistake again

(hint)