Hello! First time BMW owner with a few questions...

[John H]

Hey Folks,

I graduated up to a 2004 r1150r earlier this week from a Kawi 650R, which was a fine beginner bike for me. But this bike is just so graceful and strong - no way to sum it up in a few words, but I'll assume that you all know what I'm experiencing. I have a hard time wanting to turn it off....

A few questions... Sometimes i have to pump the clutch to get the bike to drop into 1st gear from neutral, even when warm. Normal?

My key doesn't want to turn into the steering "lock" position. It only allows me R and ON with the steering full left. I've checked the manual, but I still suspect operator error here!

Lastly, is there a reasonably easy way to drop the height a modest amount, say, 1"?

Many thanks for any replies, glad to be part of the BMW motorcycle culture!

[Johan_SA]

Hi John and welcome

I hope that you will enjoy your Beemer as the members here do.

To answer some of your questions:

1. It is normal to experience some form of "difficulty" to engage first gear. You don't have to pump the clutch several times. You may pull the clutch in, apply slight pressure on the selector and let the clutch out slowly. It should engage without a problem.

2. To lock the steering may also be a bit tricky. Depress the key when you try and lock it and wiggle the handlebar a bit.

3. Do you actually want to lower the bike or is the seat too high for you? If it is the latter, I know that you do get lower seats and from time to time they are up for sale both here as well as on e-bay.

Enjoy your ride

Johan

[Photoguy]

Yup...double clutching. Don't know the why's of it, but it is necessary from time to time. Seems that the gears are mis-aligned on occasion and pulling the clutch gets 'em lined back up. This happens only when going from neutral to first. I seem to recall having to do the same thing with my '62 VW bug.

Welcome to the club... I'm a relatively new owner of a used bike myself, and it gets a lot of high marks from me.

[Just-Beeming]

Hi John

In response to dropping the height.

I gained about 1/2 inch by having my seat re-worked by a custom seat guy here in Oregon.
But he gained me more than that by cutting the flare of the seat near the tank. By removing some of the width there, I can more easily get my legs straight down whch gained me well over an inch...maybe even two.

I would look at the seat options first, besides if you have not figured it out yet, you will want it re worked for comfort anyway.

If you look through the archives there are lots of posts on seats.
JB

[gregor]

Pumping the clutch lever is not necessary. Is there actually a problem with the hydraulics? Fluid is meant to be changed every 2 years and should be clear.
A certain degree of resistance is usual when going into first and I often hold the pedal down to ensure full engagement if I am pulling away at an awkward junction.