r1150gs questions

[plumber02]

hi guys i'm new to this site so hello all , i've got a question about my 1999 gs 1150 i've recently put in a brand new yuasa battery which is holding and charging perfect but with ignition on and and fuel pump cuts out before i start the battery light on the dash stays on untill engine is running is that normal, other question is -(ask a stupid question) what engine oil are most lads using , i've got 73000miles on mine and i've used a high grade c3 15-40 oil as opposed to a 20-40, my thinking was with it being oil cooled it should move around a bit easier when cold- the oil that is ? also this is my first bmw and what i cant believe is the LACK of wear on those ball joint thingys on the tappets to the push rods, because to me they look like a week link but it is a testament to german engineering , is it the same set up on the newer ones?

 

[MikeO]

The fuel pump is just getting the injection system up to pressure, so it cutting out before starting is normal. Charging light should go out as soon as the engine is running - I'm not getting into an oil discussion- there are a million threads on the subject - and a HANDBOOK...

 

[plumber02]

cheers bro, thats normal so- re-batt light , i was half expecting that reply on the oil, thanks

 

[MikeO]

"Bro"?

 

[verona]

Re batt light, start the bike and then blip the throttle the light should go out it's the alternator belt slipping on startup. I've had five 1150s and they all did this

 

[tadhgocuilleain]

Yeah, battery light will stay on very a little after starting. I think it's more to do with the alternator not generating enough voltage on idle, rather than the belt slipping. Mine will stay on while idling low after starting, but as verona said, give the throttle a blip and it will go off.

Asking about oil or tyres on here is likely to get you slagged within an inch of your life.

My manual is in German, but this should give you an idea of what you can use:

For what it's worth, I chose Castrol GTX 15W40. FYI, in case you're not aware, you don't need to use motorcycle oil because you have a dry clutch.

 

[plumber02]

dry clutch yes but a gearbox straight from a 1904 Panhard-Levassor lubricated with concrete, only kidding , but thanks for reply seems to be normal so then , was just wondering because i've only just put in a brand new yuasa battery which by the way was only 65e inc. at tadgh hawes motor factors which i thought was cheap??