Y-pipe, and long storage concerns,

[ADHDave]

Hi RR.NET! First time poster, long time dessert racer/ dirt bike guy, first time road bike owner. Recently purchased a 04 R1150R in red, 10k miles on the clock for 3000 USD. I have already purchased the BMW touring screen, touring seat, and dual seat luggage rack from a co worker. All services were previously performed at BMW until 06 when the PO purchased a GS, and parked this one. So one concern is long time storage with no use? Anything special about these bikes? I have already performed all fluid/filter changes(20-50 royal Purple in the motor, and 75-90 syn for everything else?)+valve adjust. Only thing out of the ordinary there was all valves were about an eighth of a turn tight at 5k miles since BMW did it last in '06 at 5k on the odo?

Secondly weight. I removed the charcoal canister already as it was wearing into the rear tire with the rear saddle bags on. But what about the Cat? It's bigger than the converter on most Hondas(bike makes more power than most Hondas to). I know you can purchase y pipes, but has anyone ever removed the exhaust, and had an exhaust shop quote a custom pipe? The y pipes seem so pricey. So I was curious what other options I Had.

Excited to get in to commuting/touring, and am open to any advice you guys have.

Thanks in advance
-David

[opposedcyljunkie]

I'm not sure you'll save much on weight by changing into a y-pipe. The cat chamber is really nothing but an empty chamber. At least this is what I saw on my 1100GS (but the 1150 is very similar). You'll probably save more changing your 11-lb battery into a lithium type. Besides, changing to a y-pipe means you'll spend the extra $$$ to also buy a slip-on muffler.

[AZBMWRIDER]

A couple of things that I have experienced in 14 years of ownership of an '02 R .
The wiring harness around the steering head is usually too tightly secured by tie wraps and can cause broken wires in the harness .
I had a front brake line failure at the splitter where the ABS would connect, I would suggest getting a set of braided stainless steel lines .
Unless they have been replaced, the plastic fuel line quick disconnects under a small plastic cover on the right side of the engine are a problem with breakage, there are metal replacements available .

[peels]

if saving weight is the goal... rated by ease of completion.

charcoal canister(done)
replace the muffler with a simple turndown pipe(not loud, cat quiets it)
THEN Y pipe. but youll want a pipe after it.
light battery(as advised previously)
remove the abs system. (instant 12 lbs)

now if were talking exhaust... I like that my bike is quiet. In fact, its on of my favorite things about it. It's a fun argument when people always ask "Why don't you put pipes on it?" um because it runs nicely and doesn't sound like a POS Harley tractor. I can concentrate on the road, not wonder if old wrinkly tattoed women with cigarette breath are turning their heads at me. adding pipes to a boxer engine doesnt do much, maybe at top end... youll never notice it, except in your ears. opinion of course.



here's an image of the pipe delete. this ones homemade, but gives you a basic idea. there's some nice ones you can buy. or you can fab one up yourself like this. Be wary of melting your side case though lol

[riceburner]

if saving weight is the goal... rated by ease of completion.

charcoal canister(done)
replace the muffler with a simple turndown pipe(not loud, cat quiets it)
THEN Y pipe. but youll want a pipe after it.
light battery(as advised previously)
remove the abs system. (instant 12 lbs)

now if were talking exhaust... I like that my bike is quiet. In fact, its on of my favorite things about it. It's a fun argument when people always ask "Why don't you put pipes on it?" um because it runs nicely and doesn't sound like a POS Harley tractor. I can concentrate on the road, not wonder if old wrinkly tattoed women with cigarette breath are turning their heads at me. adding pipes to a boxer engine doesnt do much, maybe at top end... youll never notice it, except in your ears. opinion of course.



here's an image of the pipe delete. this ones homemade, but gives you a basic idea. there's some nice ones you can buy. or you can fab one up yourself like this. Be wary of melting your side case though lol

You're unlikely to melt the sidecase if you have the Catalyser installed. There's generally enough space between the cat exit and the pannier.

I HAVE melted my pannier - by running a Y-piece and the OE (ie restrictive) can. As far as I can make out, the OE can trapped the hot exhaust gases and kept them hot enough so that when they exited - they were able to melt the pannier material.
See pics here : https://www.flickr.com/photos/rockburne ... 8110357035
The melted part is NOT where the pannier might make contact with the can - but it IS where the exhaust gases would flow over it AFTER exiting the can.

[ADHDave]

Wow! Thanks for all the fast replies everyone.

I really like the look of that. How is the sound without the muffler? I really like the quietness of the bike, but I wouldn't be entirely opposed to a little more noise if it meant less weight/better fuel range.

Also does anyone have any good top box options using the rack that replaced the dual seat?

[peels]

Wow! Thanks for all the fast replies everyone.

I really like the look of that. How is the sound without the muffler? I really like the quietness of the bike, but I wouldn't be entirely opposed to a little more noise if it meant less weight/better fuel range.

take off the muffler(leave cat), and run it without, for short time. if you like, go with it the mini pipe. I tried it when I Had mine apart. sounds good indeed, and still not OVERLY loud, but I ride with earplugs and dont care about noise, and prefer fuel economy.

for funsies, I also tried it with no cat, straight pipes only, when I was putting it back together. pure 1970's harley-esque crap. LOL

[gregor]

Change the hydraulic fluids - should be done every two years generally. You probably will need a new battery as well after that length of time.
I'd get it running first before throwing any more money at it . Standard exhaust is fine on mine. I wear earplugs to cut wind noise and a loud exhaust would not be noticed.

[ADHDave]

It's already running great. And yes I did have to replace the battery. I'll change the brake fluid soon. I'm definitely going to try the muffler delete.