Queries re new toy !

[oblertone]

Having admired from afar for so long I finally scraped up enough spare cash for a 'new' toy, couldn't afford or justify an 1150 so went for a low mileage 1997 R1100GS. Wasn't that cheap after replacing the battery, front brake master cylinder and starter motor but overall i'm really pleased, but I have a few queries;

On setting off from rest it makes a strange sound (whir, clunk), hard to describe but it feels like something revolving halfway round a circle then hitting a stop ! - any ideas ?

I had it serviced and have done 1800m in the last two months, but it doesnt appear to have used any oil, looking on this site this appears uncommon, or am I just being paranoid ? (Total mileage now around 8k)

What oil should I use, gimme a brand not a chart !

The throttle response at low speed appears erratic, could be pilot error especially as my other bike is a 1975 Goldwing, however your views would be welcome.

Paul

ps - Great site, thank you to whoever keeps it up

 

[boxer]

Paul.

On setting off from rest it makes a strange sound (whir, clunk), hard to describe but it feels like something revolving halfway round a circle then hitting a stop ! - any ideas ?

That'll be the ABS setting itself and it's normal........assuming you have ABS fitted of course.

I had it serviced and have done 1800m in the last two months, but it doesnt appear to have used any oil, looking on this site this appears uncommon, or am I just being paranoid ? (Total mileage now around 8k)

You're just being paranoid.
Just make sure you check it often and judge the oil level over several readings. Sometimes it'll use a little oil and sometimes it'll make some. After 48k miles I've had the oil over the sight glass, under the site glass and in the middle. For sure, I'm not saying the levels unimportant, what I am saying is that when it does appear wrong don't panic, chance are you ain't killed it.

Don't add more than 100ml at a time in case you are getting a strange reading. If you do ever need to remove any oil simply remove and empty the oil filter.

The accepted oil level check method [the one I use anyway] goes something like this:
1. Warm engine up fully.
2. Stop and idle for about 1 minute.
3. Kill engine and put straight on side stand.
4. Leave for a good 30min
5. Put on centre stand and leave for 10min
6. Check level
7. Don't panic.

What oil should I use, gimme a brand not a chart !

Castrol GPS. About £21 for 4L. Change every 3K miles. What I use and do.
There are cheaper oils and you can change every 6k like the book says. It's up to you.

The throttle response at low speed appears erratic, could be pilot error especially as my other bike is a 1975 Goldwing, however your views would be welcome.

Sounds like surging. Does it happen around 3k rpm on a constant throttle opening under light load? Chances are the throttle bodies need balancing. You'll need a Twin Max carb balancer [about £45] and to do a search on this site for surging. This should get you the method and the links to other relevant info.

Russ

 

[oblertone]

Tyhank yuo very much for the above response, set my mind at rest !

Yes it does have ABS so i'll forget that one and keep an eye on the oil !

Paul

 

[RadioActive]

Thanks for asking the questions Paul, and thanks to Boxer for the answers. I've just bought a '98 1100 and had the same thoughts - especially about the odd start-off noise. Never had that on my 100GS a few years back and now I know why!

Great site - and hello to you all.

Chris