Newbie

[RBrider]

The pipes look normal, they all do that.

Nice looking bike you've got there. Good luck with it.

RB

[Buckster]

The pipes are usually more of a blueish color close to the heads. Looks like someone tried to clean them up. I would do nothing to the pipes and let them turn that beautiful blue again!!

Very nice!

[allanj255]

Nice looking bike. Spent some happy days in PI, used to ride a Yamaha 250 trials when there in the early 80's

[Sunbeemer]

Snowprick - I'd recommend you have the bike mechanically checked out before buying it. At the very least a compression test of the cylinders, and then take it out for a good hot ride and see if it smokes or clatters.

It's a great looking bike, but I mention the above since I can't see any oil in the sight glass in the photo, and the pipes look like the engine may have overheated in the past, maybe from lack of oil, or maybe just from sitting in hot traffic too long. This bike doesn't like traffic - it (and the rider) will overheat and start making noises (not the same ones!). When that happens, I believe it will do it whenever it gets hot, so you should be able to hear it if you can get it good and warm.

This has happened to me (here in Florida) a time or two, and the bike runs fine, but starts to make a subtle clapping sound when it gets too hot, and then I know it's time to let it cool off.

Yes I have felt heat coming off the engine, but only at stoplights, and it's not too bad. It just makes you want to get moving again, as it should be!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[snowprick]

Snowprick - I'd recommend you have the bike mechanically checked out before buying it. At the very least a compression test of the cylinders, and then take it out for a good hot ride and see if it smokes or clatters.

It's a great looking bike, but I mention the above since I can't see any oil in the sight glass in the photo, and the pipes look like the engine may have overheated in the past, maybe from lack of oil, or maybe just from sitting in hot traffic too long. This bike doesn't like traffic - it (and the rider) will overheat and start making noises (not the same ones!). When that happens, I believe it will do it whenever it gets hot, so you should be able to hear it if it you can get it good and warm.

This has happened to me (here in Florida) a time or two, and the bike runs fine, but starts to make a subtle clapping sound when it gets too hot, and then I know it's time to let it cool off.

Yes I have felt heat coming off the engine, but only at stoplights, and it's not too bad. It just makes you want to get moving again, as it should be!

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Thanks for that Sunbeemer. Well spotted. There was also a light brown stain on the right side of the crank case which the vendor claims was due to leaking QD's. Can this be true, or could it be related to your theory?

[Sunbeemer]

There was also a light brown stain on the right side of the crank case which the vendor claims was due to leaking QD's. Can this be true, or could it be related to your theory?

Yes, that is likely true. There wasa recall on those quick-disconnects and the rubber fuel lines connected to them, but the dealers will only replace obviously defective ones. Unfortunately, they can look perfect until they crack and leak (according to several past posts on this forum), but I've heard this usually happens after they've been disconnected and reconnected (roughly perhaps?) Many owners have replaced them with various other kinds of quick-disconnects (made of acetyl or brass), and some owners have just replaced them with hose splices (double-male, barbed metal tubes for 5/16" hose). In any event, if they are disconnected, it is recommended to replace their o-rings every time.

BTW, those stains on the crankcase are difficult to remove. Someone here had buffed them out with a drill-mounted ball-end buffer using something like Barkeeper's Friend or Bon-Ami. Otherwise, they apparently just fade out over several months in the sun.

[Sunbeemer]

A couple of other things to check --> Look at the wiring harness where it comes out from under the front of the tank and goes around the headpost, up behind the headlight and over the headlight bracket to the handlebars to see if the rubber sheathing has been cut by too-tightened nylon cable ties.

The other thing to look for is under the telelever (the front suspension wishbone arm) at the rubber boot covering the ball joint that connects it to the crossmember (between the forks) to see that it is in good shape. These boots are not available as a seperate item, but only as part of the ball joint (for $115)

[DJ Downunder]

1. Does my ass look fat on this bike?

HUGE!!!.....It looks sooooo big.. ...................just kidding.. ..nice bike...and it's the fastest color.

DJ

[TexasRoadster]

Snowprick, do you ever travel north of Manila like to Baguio City? I spent several weeks there a few years back and it has some beautiful twisties and lots of elevation change. It would be a dream location to ride your roadster....... and it's very much cooler than in the lowlands. Of course, the ride up there could be "exciting". As I recall, it could be a pretty hairy ride up there with road conditions as they were when I was visiting. I loved driving my rental car as fast I could around the mountain roads!

Take care,
Texas Roadster

[chris]

Nice bike!! Not long to wait now. Did you turn it off just before that photo? Could be the reason there's no oil showing in the glass. When you get it, don't ask about oil consumption here...just have a look around first...there are many theories!

[snowprick]

Snowprick, do you ever travel north of Manila like to Baguio City? I spent several weeks there a few years back and it has some beautiful twisties and lots of elevation change. It would be a dream location to ride your roadster....... and it's very much cooler than in the lowlands. Of course, the ride up there could be "exciting". As I recall, it could be a pretty hairy ride up there with road conditions as they were when I was visiting. I loved driving my rental car as fast I could around the mountain roads!

Take care,
Texas Roadster

Haven't been up there for several years as it is so cold there but yes its a great road but you have to be careful not to collide with busses coming in the opposite direction on the wrong side of the road.

As soon as I feel comfortable on the boxer I will go there. Will try and remember to post some photos.

Ride safe.

[snowprick]

Nice bike!! Not long to wait now. Did you turn it off just before that photo? Could be the reason there's no oil showing in the glass. When you get it, don't ask about oil consumption here...just have a look around first...there are many theories!

Yes, just turned it off so I will look again when I next see the bike. Thanks to all you guys for the support. Cant wait for the chance to ride it up the North Luzon Expressway. (like I stole it)

[allanj255]

Baguio is a great place to ride up the twisties past the Lions Club monument and on to mines view pass.
I spent some time at Clark Air Base near Angeles City, there was some good biker bars when the US base was open and one even gave you half price drinks if you turned up on a bike, you could even ride your bike into the bar through the saloon style swing doors.
You are right about the Philippine Rabbit buses (Philippines answer to Greyhound) driving on the wrong side of the road, you took your life in your hands heading north out of Manila.

[snowprick]

Baguio is a great place to ride up the twisties past the Lions Club monument and on to mines view pass.
I spent some time at Clark Air Base near Angeles City, there was some good biker bars when the US base was open and one even gave you half price drinks if you turned up on a bike, you could even ride your bike into the bar through the saloon style swing doors.
You are right about the Philippine Rabbit buses (Philippines answer to Greyhound) driving on the wrong side of the road, you took your life in your hands heading north out of Manila.

Hi allanj255,

I'm heading for Angeles in a few minutes and will be staying at the Clarkton hotel which overlooks Clark. Will post a few pics for you.

[allanj255]

Used to stay in Clarkton when it was owned by Australian Company back in the early 80's. I note you are a HHH I used to run with Angeles HHH My name was Hash Geordie.

[itimna bundok]

That appears to be a clasic, "Is the self-timer going to go off?" look! Congrats on the R... even though it's not silver.

[snowprick]

I have discovered that my intended purchase is a 2001 and not 2002 as advertised. BMW confirmed that it was built in July 2001 and first registered here in the Philippines Oct 18, 2001.

I have learned that the tenth digit of the VIN is the model year.

The VIN is WB10429A71ZF22293

Are there any issues with 2001 that I should be aware of?

[AdeDavies]

I was in a similar situation 3 weeks ago through a convoluted set of circumstances I was looking at replacing my existing bike, I have an engineering background as well and appreciate the BM build quality, took a test drive on a 50R with ABS and Servo brakes, like you I struggled with the brake/clutch dance at low speed, no doubt the firceness of the servo asistance can catch you out, however I found the trick that works for me is to wear a pair of boots with thin soles and just use the back brake for slow speed control, forget the front brake completely under 10kph, left foot down just before coming to a stop. The handling is subliminal over 15KPH IMHO and the bike handles like a middleweight, if you can get used to the servo brakes and clutch combo (took me a couple of weeks) it's well worth the effort, they are brilliant bikes!

OK I'm ready for ridicule!

I have ridden motorcycles off and on for 42 years.

I am a British national and came to the Philippines on business 10 years ago and forgot to go home. I have ridden twist and go scooters since then.

For the last three or four years I have used a Honda Silverwing scooter. For those who dont know it, its a 600cc twin and it can go FAST particularly off the lights. I use it in and around Manila where agility and defense are paramount.

For reasons that would take a long time to explain I need to upgrade my transport (still two wheels for the freedom it provides).

As I have an aircraft engineering background, I appreciate the BMW motorcycle build quality.

Some years ago I stumbled across an RRT and fell in love with the looks and engineering excellence. I was advised against acquiring one as I am a bit small (5'4" and 29" inseam).

Recently in Manila I came across an R1150R which has a modified rear suspension and low seat. This morning I took it round the block and can flat foot it with ease.

I love this machine but learned two lessons during my short ride: It does not like low RPM and will stall and throw you off if you are not awake. I also learned that the assisted brakes are "HOT" at slow speed and need to be treated with respect.

I can hear the experienced riders passing out as I type this however, in my own defense I would add that I did not reach 60 years old by accident.

To be honest, I am not sure if I am seeking advice or looking for someone to condone my purchase of this bike, but if any of you guys would like to make comment or offer advice on owning one of these magnificent machines I am all ears.

[AdeDavies]

Mines a 2001 with 20,000 miles on the clock, it has a FDSH and I've been reliably informed it's just about run-in now and has stopped burning oil, fit and finish spot on, no rust and no rattles, squeaks or glitches, utterly reliable, it's had the pinion oil seal replaced by a previous owner ( I think this is standard with all model years), other then that no other work has been done, (I was handed a pile of paperwork with the bike when I bought it).

I have discovered that my intended purchase is a 2001 and not 2002 as advertised. BMW confirmed that it was built in July 2001 and first registered here in the Philippines Oct 18, 2001.

I have learned that the tenth digit of the VIN is the model year.

The VIN is WB10429A71ZF22293

Are there any issues with 2001 that I should be aware of?

[snowprick]

I was in a similar situation 3 weeks ago through a convoluted set of circumstances I was looking at replacing my existing bike, I have an engineering background as well and appreciate the BM build quality, took a test drive on a 50R with ABS and Servo brakes, like you I struggled with the brake/clutch dance at low speed, no doubt the firceness of the servo asistance can catch you out, however I found the trick that works for me is to wear a pair of boots with thin soles and just use the back brake for slow speed control, forget the front brake completely under 10kph, left foot down just before coming to a stop. The handling is subliminal over 15KPH IMHO and the bike handles like a middleweight, if you can get used to the servo brakes and clutch combo (took me a couple of weeks) it's well worth the effort, they are brilliant bikes!

[/quote]

Thank you AdeDavies for those words of encouragement. I do appreciate it.

I rode right across Manila today on my Auto Silverwing. Many times I thought "that would have been difficult on the BMW". They really are ##astard drivers here. Not sure if you are a sailor but "Mast Abeam" rule applies here.

Anyway I dont intend to use the BM as a city hopper so with some practice I suppose I will get the hang of it. Thanks for that brake tip.