Feedback and Questions from a Newbie

Brady · Post by **Brady** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 12:59 pm

A little over a month ago I took the MSF course, got my license and had my eye on a 2002 R1150R with 4400 miles on it. I searced the interent, found this site and knew I had to have that bike. 2300 miles later and I haven't looked back. Since then, based on what I have learned from this site I have:
1. Installed the GS handgaurds that the seller couldn't figure out how to put on. Using the tips I found here I did it in an hour with 0 modifications to the grips.
2. Took off the muffler and added a straight chrome pipe. I love the sound and the look, but dropped about 3 mpg (possibly from goosing it more often to here it purr), but noticed quite a bit of vibration ringing through the bike and handlebars. I commute and hour each way to work and it was getting a little old so I put the can back on this morning.
3. Installed a new headlamp just this morning. I'll let you know how it works at night tomorrow.
4. Noticed my engine started running/surging a little more in the last 500 miles than it did in the first 1500. Read the thread on fuels, switched over to Shell V-Power, added a can of Seafoam and Viola! I could swear I have 5 hp extra.

I have to thank you all, I love to check the site every day. I do have a question regarding wrist rests and throllemiesters.

My communte consists of 30 minutes of hwy at 75mph and 30 minutes of twisty back roads. I have noticed my wrists hurt sometimes after the hwy part of my drive. Does anyone have any comments on either of these two devices? What types do you recommend and will they conflict with my nice new handguards?

Thanks, Brady

Post by **TonyT607** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:19 pm

Brady, welcome aboard.

I can't comment with respect to handguards but I used the TM on my '02
R 1150 R (Black) and I have Bob's wrist Rest on my ST. They're both good solutions. The TM is well made and looks good. I went with the Wrist Rest on the new bike because there is no left side bar end weight (hence less cost), and I like the little knurled adjustment ring on the WR.

Also consider a Throttle Rocker if you don't already have one.

Ride safe

johno · Post by **johno** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:30 pm

Brady, welcome to this fantastic site

Why not try bar risers for the wrist problem? I have, and makes a big difference.
What ever way you go, the grin just gets better.

Post by **NoRRmad** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:50 pm

Holding the throttle against an overenthusiastic return spring can get to the wrists, I use the Throttle Rocker which helps a lot. I have the one which has a velcro strip to hold it into place, and find it slips and needs to be twisted back up to the right position rather frequently. There is another one without the velcro that might be better.

Post by **challey** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:55 pm

I'm also looking to purchase something to relieve my wrist on highway rides. This was recommended as an alternative to the TM:
http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/kaok ... ntrols.htm

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:50 pm

Here's what I use and it will only cost you about 50 cents.

A girls hair scrunchie...one of those things they tie their hair back with.

You just jam it between the grip and the throttle and it causes enough friction to hold it..it may slowly slip back depending on what size you buy.

Mine works ok......I just took these pictures to help explain...

DJ

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:58 pm

Brady, welcome. Sounds like you are really enjoying the bike and this board. Sure have learned a lot myself here, and try to give back when I can. I've heard of people using those Scrunchy hair ties or large o-rings inserted between the rubber grip and the bar end weight to provide a friction-type throttle control on the cheap. I have not tried this myself yet, but do carry one just in case! It'll overcome the throttle spring tension enough to relieve the pressure on your wrist, but maybe not enough to keep the throttle from closing (slowly) if you let go, and certainly not enough to keep you from closing it manually.
I use a Throttle Rocker w/ the velcro clasp on longer rides, and have found it useful to relieve wrist fatique, but it kind of interferes with quick throttle work in-town.

Ha!

Dj must have posted that the same time I hit the "Submit" button! (Actually he posted this tomorrow afternoon in Oz!)
I see his is between the grip and the master cylinder...Nice pics DJ, thanks! Nice color, too!

(mine's black to match the grip!

)

Rick Lee · Post by **Rick Lee** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:59 pm

I'm also a noob and have put about 500 miles on my bike since I got her on Nov. 5th. I was really hoping my wrists would just get used to it and the pain would go away with more riding. Is that true?

Also, in that link there's a photo of the GS guards where it looks like there's a big washer or bushing on the end. Where does one get those? The holes in the ends of my GS grips are larger than the hex head bolt in the end weights, so the guards only slip over the ends, but don't bolt into them.

Rick Lee · Post by **Rick Lee** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:01 pm

Also, what kind of straight pipe can I put on to make my exhaust note a little louder and sweeter? It's way too quiet.

Post by **taosports** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:16 pm

I used the "scrunchie" technique until a few months ago when I purchased my Kaoko.
http://www.adventurersworkshop.com/kaok ... ntrols.htm

Attaches in minutes, looks like it belongs and works great. Couldn't be happier with it.

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:34 pm

Rick Lee wrote:Also, what kind of straight pipe can I put on to make my exhaust note a little louder and sweeter? It's way too quiet.

You might check this thread: http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... 47&start=0 I know there's at least one or two others as well if you do a search.

Welcome Brady! My wrist has been giving me grief too.. I think I may try DJ & Sunbeemer's solution and see if that's helps

The throttle return spring on my ancient Honda must have been rather week as it seems I have to use a death grip on the BMW, lol.

chris · Post by **chris** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:28 am

Welcome Brady, good choice! What colour is it? Any pics?
Like to see the headlamp conversion.

threebucks1996 · Post by **threebucks1996** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:10 am

I have both. Throttle rocker w/velcro is what I use all the time. It help alot for around 10.00. The TM was on the bike when I purchased it and I have found it hard to get it set. Two people have shown me how it works and I guess it take a little practice to set it while riding.

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:21 am

Welcome Brady!! I love my Rockster!

Check out the 'local' BMW club forums, etc. We do regular Tech Days etc. all over the VA/DC/MD area. Regular rides and more than a few members down in the Rappahannock area.

http://www.bmwbmw.org (forums)

P