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20 Mar 2010
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bmw surging problems putting me off....
hi will be taking my test soon and was really looking forward to bmw ownership......either the 1150 adventure or the 650 dakar......
but have been reading about these surging and stalling problems...
is it an easy fix or is it not happening to all bikes....i just know it,d be something that would drive me mad while riding to the alps or something....
didnt really want to go for the honda africa twin or the ktm adventure as the mpg on the twin isnt as good and i dont like the look off the ktm......many thanks for any advice answers opinions...... 
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21 Mar 2010
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There are actually very FEW bikes that surge, mostly older 1100s. Apparently the problem is slightly offset TPS (throttle position sensor) compared to throttle's zero position - basically meaning EFI mapping is slightly offset with the actual throttle's response.
Search for the "zero-zero" procedure for R1100 / 1150 bikes in the internet -tons of information. It's made to look like a complicated fix, since there's just too much information about it and people tend to overemphasize things in the internet, but in reality it's a dead simple solution that can be done with a simple scredriver and a voltmeter, IMHO probably even a complete n00b can do it.
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21 Mar 2010
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Surging in the 650 was also 'solved' with the release of the 2-spark engine in 2005 and newer models.
Besides, surging wasn't a 'universal' issue - just an issue with some people, some BMW bikes it seems.
Surging is also something experienced by experienced riders. I suspect most riders who bought a 650 or 1100 model as a first bike probably never realized their bike surged, until someone told them it surged.
So, buy an 1150 or 650 after 2004 and don't worry about it. That is, of course, if it starts surging in say Africa, its likely due to fuel issues, not the bike.
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quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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21 Mar 2010
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I've got a single spark Dakar-it does do the occasional cut out-but never been an issue-probably 5 times in as many years.
See the websites either UK f650.co.uk or search on chain gang for US equivalent.
Its a good bike-I'm 6ft 95kg-and hauls me and kit around. If I was doing long distance/speedier touring right now-I'd probably go for the 1150 though
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BMW GS650 Dakar and too much bling from Touratech!
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21 Mar 2010
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Thats made me feel better.....i just know it would have driven me insane....but thought the Beemer is such a popular bike it couldnt be that bad otherwise they wouldnt keep making them....must be just a classic case off internet off diagnosis,,or the fact im off work at the moment and have to much time on my hands.....
Many thanks for the replys and i shall proceed on my quest into a two wheeled world rather than the usual 4wd drive one......
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21 Mar 2010
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I have a 2001 dakar, bought second hand in 2005. A couple of surging issues in the first couple of years, but no problem since then. As in previous replies, check out the chain gang and f650 websites. There is now a haynes manual for the f650.
If you do buy a beemer, the dealership I use for parts etc. is CW Motorcycles in Dorchester.
baswacky.
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23 Mar 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4overland
hi will be taking my test soon and was really looking forward to bmw ownership......
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Why? If it's because you want a lot of power and want to be able to ride at 100 mph all day and still not worry too much about the off bit of dirt track that's fine. The BMW's are competant, as are various other makes. If on the other hand you've got it into your head that BMW are in any way superior to Honda, Yamaha, etc. in their service and build quality prepare to be very disapointed. This image of BMW's is just advertising. No one ever got to shag an Italian model because they bought a Ducati, no one ever won a race because their Suzuki had Rizla written down the side, you meet some right ********s on Hondas and some BMW's are Friday afternoon built POS. BMW use the same rubbish components and build their bikes based on the profit margin just like everyone else.
I would seriously suggest that you visit as many bike dealers as possible and look at every possible model that might fit your needs. Talk to as many owners as you can and try not to be taken in by the advertising and the need for some owners to defend their purchases. Look at what people have actually done with the bikes and see how the dealers treat you.
Andy
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23 Mar 2010
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The most annoying thing with owning a BMW is people telling you that you have the wrong bike. This is also more or less true for the KTM...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
Talk to as many owners as you can and try not to be taken in by the advertising and the need for some owners to defend their purchases.
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That's a very good tip, an even better tip would be to talk with the people who actually own the bikes in question and have used them for long trips.
The owners who needs to defend their purchases are usually identified by the way they talk about "other" brands.
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23 Mar 2010
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Oops ive been moved......
Thing is i suppose everyones got their own idea off the perfect bike as each individual is different so its an awkward thing for me to ask everyones opinions....
I suppose that the reason ive opted for the Beemers is not for the badge,,its just that i have watched both Bormans long way round and downs also the race to Dakar and just became into the GS as it was the only bike id seen in action plus i liked the look.........
Im pretty sure that i will go straight for a bigger bike and get a smaller one to join a local enduro club or something.....maybe the big bike will be a mistake maybe it wont...i suppose ill learn by my mistakes also if i think shit its to big ill just lay it up till im ready....
The ktm 640 adventure I quite liked the look of so will have a gander into that.....and i do like the look of the africa twin....just they are not as good on the mpg and thats something ill be looking at a bit too....
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24 Mar 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4overland
Oops ive been moved......
I suppose that the reason ive opted for the Beemers is not for the badge,,its just that i have watched both Bormans long way round and downs also the race to Dakar and just became into the GS as it was the only bike id seen in action plus i liked the look.........
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If looks are important to you that's fine. I don't worry, but I know some people do.
I've been there and bought the T-shirt on the "tools" thing though. I can pick up any golf club from some battered thing at a pitch and putt to the best carbon fibre, logo'd, hand balanced ones there are. Nothing will turn me into Tiger Woods except a heck of a lot of practice. I've bought various bikes in my time with expectations of what they would let me do, a fair few were just a waste of money as I didn't get to put the time in to make the most of them. I wouldn't assume that because the actor and his mate used BMW's they will suit you (or not), they had their support team etc. Starting from scratch the main thing IMHO is to get to know the bike you choose. Before you can do that you need to know if you'd rather deal with a surging FI unit or duff ring antenna, or tubeless tyres with tubes, or whatever other badly thought out feature each and every bike comes with at least one of.
Edit to add: I hope you enjoy whatever you get.
Andy
Last edited by Threewheelbonnie; 24 Mar 2010 at 19:54.
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23 Mar 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
I would seriously suggest that you visit as many bike dealers as possible and look at every possible model that might fit your needs. Talk to as many owners as you can and try not to be taken in by the advertising and the need for some owners to defend their purchases. Look at what people have actually done with the bikes and see how the dealers treat you.
Andy
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Good advice that! 
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
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