HP gains
Moderator: Moderators
Re: HP gains
Try typing "horse power" in the search box at the top right hand corner of this page. The results will keep you busy until someone replies.
Anthony
Member since Dec '03
2003 BMW R115RT-P
2006 H-D FLHPI
Member since Dec '03
2003 BMW R115RT-P
2006 H-D FLHPI
Re: HP gains
I think San Jose BMW has a 12.3:1 piston kit for the 1150R. About $ 800.00 plus install.
careful what you ask for
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boxermania
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 3644
- Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:37 pm
- Location: Baton Rouge, LA.....aproaching retirement
Re: HP gains
sjn
Since your question is open ended let me respond in kind......
How much HP do you want above the ~ 77 RWHP the typical R has?
Do you want external mods only? External mods will buy you about 8% to 10 % max HP
Do you want also internal mods? Internal mods can buy you (safely) about 25% to 30% increase
How much do you want to spend? Cost of external mods ~ $600 with your labor, less expensive if you shop around, cost of internal mods.....you name it but it will be expensive as at a minimum you'll need pistons and jugs, cams, headwork a fuel nanny and exhaust mods.
One other choice is, sell the R 1150 and buy an R 1200 R and you'll be 90% of the way there.
There , now you can make some educated decisions.......good luck......

Since your question is open ended let me respond in kind......
How much HP do you want above the ~ 77 RWHP the typical R has?
Do you want external mods only? External mods will buy you about 8% to 10 % max HP
Do you want also internal mods? Internal mods can buy you (safely) about 25% to 30% increase
How much do you want to spend? Cost of external mods ~ $600 with your labor, less expensive if you shop around, cost of internal mods.....you name it but it will be expensive as at a minimum you'll need pistons and jugs, cams, headwork a fuel nanny and exhaust mods.
One other choice is, sell the R 1150 and buy an R 1200 R and you'll be 90% of the way there.
There , now you can make some educated decisions.......good luck......
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
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ColumbiaBMW
- Basic User
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm
- Location: Missouri
Re: HP gains
Does anyone know what kind of horsepower gains can be expected from the piston kit that San Jose BMW sells? I called and talked to a guy in parts there, but he was not sure, and said he would have another guy call right back who was more familiar with that kit, but I have not heard anything back yet. Also, anyone installed this kit themselves? Or is it better to take it to a mechanic and pay them to do it? I'm getting married in a few months and I am going to register with Gateway BMW in St. Louis, so I figured I could register for the piston kit and see if some guests could chip in on it and have Gateway order it from San Jose, wish me luck!
Bryan
2010 R1200R
2010 R1200R
Re: HP gains
I am sure your new wife will love this gift!Columbia03BMW wrote: I'm getting married in a few months and I am going to register with Gateway BMW in St. Louis, so I figured I could register for the piston kit and see if some guests could chip in on it and have Gateway order it from San Jose, wish me luck!
Perhaps you could make her some earrings out of the old pistons?
Bob
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
2002 Atlanta Blue
Lifetime Member #74
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ColumbiaBMW
- Basic User
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm
- Location: Missouri
Re: HP gains
Hey that's not a bad idea about the earrings, but seriously it was HER idea to register with the BMW dealership because she knew I didn't want any silverware, or furniture, or pots and pans, so she said "Why don't you get some stuff for your bike." And that's why I'm marrying herrdsmith3 wrote:I am sure your new wife will love this gift!
Perhaps you could make her some earrings out of the old pistons?
So far I'm thinking I need:
-K&N Filter
-Brake Pads
-Tank Bag
-Piston Kit
-Carbon Fiber valve covers
Bryan
2010 R1200R
2010 R1200R
- CycleRob
- Honorary Lifer
- Posts: 2857
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:29 am
- Location: Enjoying retirement in Gainesville GA. USA
- Contact:
Re: HP gains
I say sell the R 1150 and buy an R1200R and you'll be 105% of the way there, with a newer, better, quicker, faster, more powerful, more agile, better MPG, better sounding, more modern bike!!
It's lighter weight also magnifies it's big power increase over the R1150R to a point where big dollar, small gain modifications to an older R1150R makes little sense to me. Besides, from what I see of the R1200R, it looks like it's a LOT easier to work on and it already has a low pipe for the default big left bag.
I'm glad I accidentally missed Marietta BMW's last open house where I had reluctantly planned my 1st R1200R test ride. I thought it was the following weekend, even though my big kitchen calendar was clearly marked. I really like that bike but gagged at the centerstand+hotgrips+bags MSRP. That testride could'a been depressing and maybe costly. I gotta wait at least until my SS payments start next year. At least I can still keep the same great chatboard.
.
It's lighter weight also magnifies it's big power increase over the R1150R to a point where big dollar, small gain modifications to an older R1150R makes little sense to me. Besides, from what I see of the R1200R, it looks like it's a LOT easier to work on and it already has a low pipe for the default big left bag.
I'm glad I accidentally missed Marietta BMW's last open house where I had reluctantly planned my 1st R1200R test ride. I thought it was the following weekend, even though my big kitchen calendar was clearly marked. I really like that bike but gagged at the centerstand+hotgrips+bags MSRP. That testride could'a been depressing and maybe costly. I gotta wait at least until my SS payments start next year. At least I can still keep the same great chatboard.
.
`09 F800ST
Member since Sept 10, 2001
"Talent, On Loan, From God" --Rush Limbaugh--
Member since Sept 10, 2001
"Talent, On Loan, From God" --Rush Limbaugh--
Re: HP gains
I have an '04 and made the following changes:
- Dunlop Qualifiers
- K&N Air Filter
- Techlusion TFI Fuel Mod
- Leo Vince Slip on
The sound from the Leo Vince is really nice. A throaty growl but not loud. As for HP, seat-of-pants-Dynometer, definitely more at the top end and the throttle is much more responsive.
I wouldn't want any more HP for this bike as I unless I changed the suspension it won't handle it. BTW the total cost for the above HP mods was $450.00.
- Dunlop Qualifiers
- K&N Air Filter
- Techlusion TFI Fuel Mod
- Leo Vince Slip on
The sound from the Leo Vince is really nice. A throaty growl but not loud. As for HP, seat-of-pants-Dynometer, definitely more at the top end and the throttle is much more responsive.
I wouldn't want any more HP for this bike as I unless I changed the suspension it won't handle it. BTW the total cost for the above HP mods was $450.00.
Re: HP gains
R1200R, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED! 
RIDE TOO PRETEND, PRETEND TOO RIDE. 
89 Oldwing, 07 WR250R, 14 KX250F
89 Oldwing, 07 WR250R, 14 KX250F
Re: HP gains
I have the K&N Filter plus the free intake kit, the change is noticeable, but in the end of the day I'm still riding a 2003 R with 70somethingplus HP
If your HP isn't enough, in the long run you will better off with a different bike, the new R has the extra kick the old one is missing...
Ride Safe !
Demetre
If your HP isn't enough, in the long run you will better off with a different bike, the new R has the extra kick the old one is missing...
Ride Safe !
Demetre
- towerworker
- Lifer
- Posts: 2371
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2006 8:11 pm
- Location: Staunton Virginia
Re: HP gains
I added the leather "tassles" on my bar ends and changed the gearing in my speedo. Makes me think I'm going alot faster and didn't cost hardly a thing.
The Older I Get, The Less I know. (in honor of MikeCam
'05 RT
'04 R
'03 R
CB750
KZ750
HD 350 Sprint
'05 RT
'04 R
'03 R
CB750
KZ750
HD 350 Sprint
Re: HP gains
towerworker wrote:I added the leather "tassles" on my bar ends and changed the gearing in my speedo. Makes me think I'm going alot faster and didn't cost hardly a thing.
Kristi
05 Granite Grey
05 Granite Grey
Re: HP gains
Make sure you have a black R, everyone knows those are the fastest.