I have a 2000 R1100R, the fuel injection ran like utter shit when I got it. I've been a mechanic all my life, I'm 71 now and do diagnostics on cars in my shop. I knew it was running lean, it "trailer hitched" at steady throttle. So I disconnected the O2 sensor and adjusted the TPS to make it think it was getting more throttle than it actually was. It ran better but used too much fuel, kinda of sluggish on top end due to being too fat. Then I got a tuner, it had four pots, low speed, mid range, top end, the last pot tuned in when the changes occurred. Now the power is good and getting better MPG. Then I bought a free flowing exhaust and eliminated the very heavy cat and muffler, but it's running hot as hell, the tuner is off. So I adjusted it for the exhaust and now it's like a scalded cat, it fucking flies and I take a lot of fun in blowing off Harleys. It's kind of loud but at 71 my hearing is pretty compromised anyway. I can't recall the name of the tuner, flaming river maybe.
I had the same problem with mine. same color, it is really a great bike. I had the Mag, wheels. I still have the bike and I've had no problems outside of hating the battery under the tank! That was a bitch when a breakdown would happen. The engine is super torquey! I've slammed bikes in the mountains with it, I'm at 49,650. on it. My other problem is that with a full shield up front, the vibrations of the bike and maybe the engine torque caused the thin metal that holds the RPM and or the clock on the left would eventually snap cause it was too thin dealing with the full windshield. The brackets caused it.
Well Jedz, you already know that Yamaha is the Gold Standard in motorcycles; what the hell posessed you to try a BMW? Here's a brief personal story from last week. My son in law's brand new BMW F900XR conked-out just before a planed ride through the mountains from Anchoage, Ak to Seward, Ak. All was not lost as I have a pristine 40 year old 1981 Yamaha XV 920 HR (rare standard/cafe enclosed chain drive varient of the Virago). The Yamaha performed admirably. Indeed, we traded off and on with my 2020 Bonneville T120 and to my amazement the old vintage Yamaha handeled just as well as the new Bonnie; and was equal to the Bonnie in mid-range torque and just a tick off on high-rev power. Over all the 40 year old Yamaha is clearly more reliable than a new BMW. That's no surprise. That a 1981 Yamaha 900 performed as well as a new 900 Beemer is astounding.
Chain XV900??? Wow those are unobtanium! Almost every offering I've seen is shafty. Rare and sought after! The Viragos had issues with the starter and starter gear/clutch bits so I wouldn't classify it as the most reliable Yamaha on the block. So I obviously love learning through experience. I could read about it (which I have) and say I know or live through it and really know... I almost always pick living over reading ;). I've always wanted a BMW particularly a R bike. I heard the K's are pretty much indestructible I don't know much about the F bikes... Thanks for sharing your story! Yamaha is the gold standard for SURE! Why I try to have a stud like that in the herd... With a Yamaha at the ready, I'm guaranteed to ride no matter what happens. Jerry & Nancy, thanks so much for following along I always appreciate your input and comments. My very best, _Jedz
The starters were an issue on all variants of generation one Viragos. The Yamaha fix was not that good, but Clark’s Cycle in LA would spot weld the starter for $50 plus shipping and that solved the problem. The HR model was only imported to the US in ‘81 and is supper rare in pristine condition. They were popular in Canada and Europe and show up now mostly as Cafe-builds. I value my HR (in showroom condition) at around $8,000, but would have to advertise nationwide to get that. But I’d never sell because it’s as fun to ride as my new Bonnie or the BMW F900XR.
I've owned an R1100RT from new in 1995. There have been a few little things that have been replaced during regular servicing, of course, but the only thing that has broken on the road was the insulation on the wires to the Hall effect crankshaft sensor broke down over the years and eventually shorted together. The outer sheath looked like new but once opening it up the plastic insulation (soy?) was basically dust. That's in a reasonably hot place on the front of the engine.
@@kimber1911 replaced it with whatever BMW sent from Germany. No idea whether original spec or updated. If the replacement lasts 25 years too then that will be fine -- I don't expect to be riding at 85.
Over the years, I've owned a 1992 R100R, 1999 R1100RT, and a 2014 R1200R. I've never had the problems you've had with that bike. I'd have to guess it's the bike prior maintenance (or lack of) than the bike itself.
Hello from France , beautiful this amazing bmw! :) impressed by your mechanical skills.... question: I'm interested in buying a used model from 1998 but I'm a little afraid of the lack of a fuel gauge and an odometer... there's really only the indicator reserve on this bike? Or did I look wrong?
I have a 2000 R1100R, the fuel injection ran like utter shit when I got it. I've been a mechanic all my life, I'm 71 now and do diagnostics on cars in my shop. I knew it was running lean, it "trailer hitched" at steady throttle. So I disconnected the O2 sensor and adjusted the TPS to make it think it was getting more throttle than it actually was. It ran better but used too much fuel, kinda of sluggish on top end due to being too fat.
Then I got a tuner, it had four pots, low speed, mid range, top end, the last pot tuned in when the changes occurred. Now the power is good and getting better MPG.
Then I bought a free flowing exhaust and eliminated the very heavy cat and muffler, but it's running hot as hell, the tuner is off. So I adjusted it for the exhaust and now it's like a scalded cat, it fucking flies and I take a lot of fun in blowing off Harleys. It's kind of loud but at 71 my hearing is pretty compromised anyway. I can't recall the name of the tuner, flaming river maybe.
Thanks for the great video saga/adventure. Bimmers are tough bikes i have a 85 k100rt rhe flying brick
Damn......already breakin down. Glad you got her home okay!
I had the same problem with mine. same color, it is really a great bike. I had the Mag, wheels. I still have the bike and I've had no problems outside of hating the battery under the tank! That was a bitch when a breakdown would happen. The engine is super torquey! I've slammed bikes in the mountains with it, I'm at 49,650. on it. My other problem is that with a full shield up front, the vibrations of the bike and maybe the engine torque caused the thin metal that holds the RPM and or the clock on the left would eventually snap cause it was too thin dealing with the full windshield. The brackets caused it.
Well Jedz, you already know that Yamaha is the Gold Standard in motorcycles; what the hell posessed you to try a BMW?
Here's a brief personal story from last week. My son in law's brand new BMW F900XR conked-out just before a planed ride through the mountains from Anchoage, Ak to Seward, Ak. All was not lost as I have a pristine 40 year old 1981 Yamaha XV 920 HR (rare standard/cafe enclosed chain drive varient of the Virago). The Yamaha performed admirably. Indeed, we traded off and on with my 2020 Bonneville T120 and to my amazement the old vintage Yamaha handeled just as well as the new Bonnie; and was equal to the Bonnie in mid-range torque and just a tick off on high-rev power.
Over all the 40 year old Yamaha is clearly more reliable than a new BMW. That's no surprise. That a 1981 Yamaha 900 performed as well as a new 900 Beemer is astounding.
Chain XV900??? Wow those are unobtanium! Almost every offering I've seen is shafty. Rare and sought after! The Viragos had issues with the starter and starter gear/clutch bits so I wouldn't classify it as the most reliable Yamaha on the block. So I obviously love learning through experience. I could read about it (which I have) and say I know or live through it and really know... I almost always pick living over reading ;). I've always wanted a BMW particularly a R bike. I heard the K's are pretty much indestructible I don't know much about the F bikes... Thanks for sharing your story! Yamaha is the gold standard for SURE! Why I try to have a stud like that in the herd... With a Yamaha at the ready, I'm guaranteed to ride no matter what happens. Jerry & Nancy, thanks so much for following along I always appreciate your input and comments. My very best, _Jedz
The starters were an issue on all variants of generation one Viragos. The Yamaha fix was not that good, but Clark’s Cycle in LA would spot weld the starter for $50 plus shipping and that solved the problem. The HR model was only imported to the US in ‘81 and is supper rare in pristine condition. They were popular in Canada and Europe and show up now mostly as Cafe-builds.
I value my HR (in showroom condition) at around $8,000, but would have to advertise nationwide to get that. But I’d never sell because it’s as fun to ride as my new Bonnie or the BMW F900XR.
I've owned an R1100RT from new in 1995. There have been a few little things that have been replaced during regular servicing, of course, but the only thing that has broken on the road was the insulation on the wires to the Hall effect crankshaft sensor broke down over the years and eventually shorted together. The outer sheath looked like new but once opening it up the plastic insulation (soy?) was basically dust. That's in a reasonably hot place on the front of the engine.
Did you repair it or replace with the upgraded HES?
@@kimber1911 replaced it with whatever BMW sent from Germany. No idea whether original spec or updated. If the replacement lasts 25 years too then that will be fine -- I don't expect to be riding at 85.
Whew!!!! Fix ride fix ride all the way home! Glad you’re home safe 👍😎💪🙏
It was an adventure for sure! Pretty sure the rear differential will need a rebuild. All good, I love new experiences! Hope to sync up soon buddy!
What was the recall about?...tnx@@Jedz123
Over the years, I've owned a 1992 R100R, 1999 R1100RT, and a 2014 R1200R. I've never had the problems you've had with that bike.
I'd have to guess it's the bike prior maintenance (or lack of) than the bike itself.
Hello from France , beautiful this amazing bmw! :) impressed by your mechanical skills.... question: I'm interested in buying a used model from 1998 but I'm a little afraid of the lack of a fuel gauge and an odometer... there's really only the indicator reserve on this bike? Or did I look wrong?
"Frankly, it's Fucked". Sums up BMW ownership!
That gas station you stopped at in PA. Was the same one you me and berto stopped at on our way back from maryland! Lol
Buy you one good one
What are friends for...lol
When you one yamaha buy from onestupped man, ave you the same thinks
Interesting comment!