When I bought my R1150R five years ago, I read on this site that you absolutely must do two things: buy the brass quick disconnects or the plastic ones will break someday and leave you stranded, and cut the zip ties. Well I did cut the zip ties since that took me about 2 seconds and zero dollars, but I assumed the disconnects issue was similar to the final drive and splines issue in that it only happens to a very small number of bikes. Plus, I just couldn't bring myself to pay $85 for two little pieces of brass when my disconnects were still holding up fine (even though even my wife kept telling me to just buy them already and get it over with). Well turns out I should have, because as I was leaving work yesterday I noticed a yellow color covering the right side of my bike, and immediately knew what had happened.
So the new brass QD's from beemerboneyard are on the way, and I hope to be back on the road again this weekend. It's just too bad it had to happen the same week that I had to spend over $1,200 in repairs on my car, and $400 in repairs to my central a/c. I guess the silver lining is that if bad things do really happen in threes, I should be done for a long time now.
That's a good theory although when walking past a 'gas station' in Washington DC recently, the ethanol fuel pumps were separate and seemed even cheaper than gas.
At the exchange rates a few weeks ago, petrol was 60p/l. That's UK talk by the way.
gregor wrote:the ethanol fuel pumps were separate and seemed even cheaper than gas.
I think you're referring to what we call E85 fuel, which is mostly ethanol and only certain types of vehicles can run on that. What ricerburner was probably referring to with his comment is that almost all of our gas in the US now has 10% ethanol added to the gasoline.
I'm wondering though if the fact that is has been close to 100 degrees for several days now also had something to do with finally breaking them.
The OEM plastic disconnects are a part destined to fail.
The US EPA is now pushing mandatory E15 to the chagrin of many motorsports users.
Pre 2007 cars are claimed to not be able to handle it well either, but it's going to be disastrous for watercraft, and air cooled road and dirt machines.
Lord help our rubber parts if we are forced to use E15 here in the US.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
There are materials that handle Ethanol just fine. Once the manufacturers gear up, the only downside to Ethanol is going to be slightly lower MPG, (but even so, lower emissions.)
NoRRmad wrote:There are materials that handle Ethanol just fine. Once the manufacturers gear up, the only downside to Ethanol is going to be slightly lower MPG, (but even so, lower emissions.)
Oh, I can have my 2004 re-manufactured! Who knew! Thanks!
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
Sure you can; buy the Ethanol-required parts and install. We're talking fittings, hoses and gaskets for the fuel system. Could be done while replacing the fuel filter. New bikes will be all ready for Ethanol.
"The EPA's decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat," Sensenbrenner said. “Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.
"There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15s introduction into the marketplace," Sensenbrenner said. "This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence -- albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA -- that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines."
The new E15 gasoline formulation may soon appear at a fueling station near you, and you need to be careful how you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.
There are no hoses or upgrades that are going stop the cooking of air cooled bikes with E15.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
OK, so this isn't politics, it's a technical question. This "cooking" of air-cooled engines you mention: do you have a source for that contention? I thought I'd seen somewhere that alcohol added to gasoline reduces the combustion temperature... Similarly, early indy car engines ran E100.
Among studies Growth Energy cites to support its filing is one from the U.S. Department of Energy (PDF) that tested the effects of various blends on engines. But the study itself, predating Growth Energy's application, acknowledges the need for further tests. It also includes numerous findings that should warrant hesitation on the EPA's part, according to analysis by a consultant to the OPEI (PDF):
• Engine-exhaust temperatures are significantly higher when E15 fuel is used compared with E10, which affects product longevity.
• Operators face increased safety risks, including some unintentional engagement of the clutch because of high idle speeds.
• Two power blowers failed completely after running on E15 fuel for 25 or less hours.
• Operational problems resulted, including erratic equipment operation, "missing" and stalling of engines, and power reduction.
Two other groups have called the waiver request premature. The Union of Concerned Scientists charges the petitioners with "trying to subvert the science with its request . . . before the studies are completed." The Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group says the ethanol industry is "misrepresenting scientific facts in efforts to dupe the [EPA] into waiving critical public-health protections for the sake of boosting ethanol sales." The EWG further claims that all the studies (besides the DOE's) that Growth Energy cites contain evidence "that undermines the case for E15 and above."
Currently, the use of gasoline blends with any higher a percentage of ethanol than E10 voids the warranty of outdoor power equipment and other engines, including those in cars. But among comments to the requested waiver are those from boating associations such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing the recreational-marine industry. It's concerned that Growth Energy's petition for a waiver makes no mention of marine engines and the potential impact, supported by studies, of intermediate ethanol blends on boating consumers or marine equipment.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
Years ago mine also broke in the garage upon careful disconnect for the tank removal. I replaced them that day with two 3" lengths of brass tubing -until- the $80 chrome plated brass QD's came in the mail. Then it was 4 feet/$21 of new hose too. Turned out to be one of the BEST quality/performance upgrades the bike ever had.
FYI, My now 3 year old new bike (18,834 miles) has a wonderful, no-need-to-remove underseat PLASTIC fuel tank and NO QD's or a fuel filter.
Fortunately (and pathetically), my disconnects broke in my garage.
Vann, that is pathetic. Where is the testosterone and adventure in that?
Years ago mine also broke in the garage upon careful disconnect for the tank removal. I replaced them that day with two 3" lengths of brass tubing -until- the $80 chrome plated brass QD's came in the mail.
Me, too, probably at your suggestion, but I kept the 3" lengths for a couple of years, until I grew tires of using pinch clamps. I have the same QDs now. I carry one length with me now, just in case...
'09 SchwarzeBlanche DuBois Well, don't do that-Hippocrates
yes, that counts.
spiders.... be careful with those critters. You prob have the brown recluse types by you. Saw a guy once who put his hand into garden gloves that had a nest of brown recluses within. Had only a nub left when all was said and done. Chronic pain too.
ok OT, I know
'09 SchwarzeBlanche DuBois Well, don't do that-Hippocrates
Had only a nub left when all was said and done. Chronic pain too.
Gee, thanks for that picture Doc. Now I have to check my work gloves every time I use them...which isn't all that often anyway.
My leak occurred on my way to the bank. I smelled gas as I was idling in the drive through getting my cash. Looked down and wetness was discovered. I quickly rode the 3 miles back home and took off the fuel lines. Lo and behold! The QDs were not cracked, but the little clamps were leaking from the pressure. I ordered new QDs anyway and have the old ones still somewhere. If anyone wants them they're welcome to them, but they could crack any minute.
I had a pair of Omega QD couplings fitted last week while the crash damage was being repaired.
According to my engineer he's replaced several here in the UK.
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