Misc info request

[gannonfamly]

I recently purchased my first BMW. I love it. It is a 2002 R1150R with under 30k miles. It runs like a top and was well taken care of. I do have a couple of questions for the more experienced owners in the group:

Is there a set of recommended RPM shift points? I have not been able to find any. My previous bike (Honda Magna cruiser) did not have an rpm guage and did it all by feel and sound. The R1150R is a whole lot quieter and doesnt not shake nearly as much so it is harder to feel and hear. I have been shifting at about 3-4k rpm. Is this a good range or should I be higher.

Has anyone experieced numbness and tingling in their fingers after riding for a while (30min +)? I think it is from the vibration and riding position. I have heated grips and was wondering if there is a set of grips that add more cushion and still retain the heating ability.

These are issues I have nevere experienced before with other bikes. I welcome all opinions; good, bad, and sarcastic.

Thanks.

[towerworker]

gannonfamly,

Welcome to the board!

If you hang around here long enough you will find a wealth of very useful knowledge and experience on how to care for your R. To try to answer your questions.....

Your shift points are fine----pretty much up to what you are comfortable with. 3-4K is a good range for the boxer engine and at those rpms there is lots of torque. Running it up higher won't hurt it either. Lugging the motor (alot!--(low rpm/high throttle settings) will ultimately give you some carbon buildup so keep it wound up a bit and you won't have any issues. The wrist/hand tingling is a fairly common issue. I had it when I started riding an R in 2003. I installed a set of bar-backs made by Mototechnics (might be Mototechniques) for $40. Helped tremendously. You can google a search on R1150R bar-backs and find several alternatives. Padded gloves might help but it's been my experience that thick gloves in the winter don't transfer the heat from the grips so my hands get cold. I use basically thin leather gloves and GS style hand guards and my hands are comfortable down to 10 degrees or so.

There are some really sharp riders that hang out here so you're bound to get some very good advice.

Good Luck on your R----they are great machines!

Wayne

[towerworker]

I should have clarified my response on the bar-backs. They are machined devices that set the bars up and back about an inch or so. There are various amounts of setback depending on the brand you choose. A brand called Verholen are quality but very pricey. The Mototechniques I bought were very good quality but much more reasonable in price. They allowed me to have a more upright riding position and therby taking some of the weight off my forearms. Helped my hands and my neck.

Wayne

[Biff's R]

I generally shift in the 4000-4500 rpm range, but on occasion I end up in the 7000 RPM range.

I get a few vibes in the handlebars. Sometimes a TB sync can help.

Thicker grips will not transfer as much heat.

[snowprick]

I shift at 4500 to 5000 for a bit more fun. In traffic I keep the revs up for safety.

Bar backs as already recommended will almost certainly help.

Have you tried balancing your front wheel? Its very easy with the Marc Parnes device or similar.

Welcome aboard the forum

[zeke]

I have been searching for some bar backs also. Towerworker what size did you buy from Mototechniques the 5/8 set back or 1 1/4? Did you have to replace the brake line? I have heard that sometimes that is required. Any other suggestions? I definitely understand about the Verholen's...pricey in comparison to others.

[awagnon]

I have been searching for some bar backs also. Towerworker what size did you buy from Mototechniques the 5/8 set back or 1 1/4? Did you have to replace the brake line? I have heard that sometimes that is required. Any other suggestions? I definitely understand about the Verholen's...pricey in comparison to others.

The 5/8 inch bar backs will make the handlebars about 3/4 inch closer and the 1 1/4 bar backs make the bars about 1.5 inches closer. Wunderlich touring bars make the bars 2.5 inches closer (without bar backs) and 2 inches wider ( 1 inch on each side for perhaps a little better control. ) I was quite happy with the 1 1/4 bar backs, but am trying the Wunderlich bars now to see if I like them better.

I shift around 4,000 - 4,500 RPM, and as mentioned, carry a bit more RPM in traffic for more power.

Welcome to the group to gannonfamily.

[wncbmw]

3,000-4,000 is OK for putting around but the fun zone starts at above 4K! Twisty rides, I seldom get below 4K!

[gannonfamly]

Thanks for the help and welcomes.

It has a set of riser backs but I am unsure of the size. I bought a set of gel padded gloves that are supposed to be "anti-vibration" so we will see how that works.

Again thanks!!