Newbie with a Few Questions

[All4Blakey]

Hi All,

I got my new to me R1150R home just yesterday and haven't had time to read the owner's manual yet.

The ride home went well, but I have a few questions based on things I've experienced so far (I'm sure I'll have more as time goes on).

First, let me say that I'm new to BMW. My other bike (which will find a new home soon) was my first bike and a V-twin (Yamaha V-Star 650). So, everything BMW is completely new to me. I've tried to read as many threads on this board as possible, but there's still a ton to learn.

My first question is regarding idle. I noticed a lot of thumping while idling at traffic lights that I didn't really notice when I test rode the bike. Is the thumping normal or something to be conncerned about? I've never had a boxer engine, so I'm not sure what the norm is.

Second question, is there a starting procedure for the bike that I'm unaware of? I tried to fire it up this morning and it died a few times. I flipped the "choke" switch up and things were better, but I'm wondering if I left it on long enough. I usually try to keep it choked for as short a time as possible.

I'm going to read the manual after work today, but thought maybe you guys could help me out in the meantime. I have to ride home later.

Thanks!

All4

[garr2]

These are the cold start instructions (more or less) from my 2003 R1150RT rider's manual (similar bike just more plastic)

* Turn ignition on, check bike is in neutral and kill switch is in correct position.
* Pull the 'choke' lever all the way up and hold it there. (do not turn the throttle twistgrip when starting the engine}
* Press starter pushbutton.
* After the engine starts, turn the throttle twistgrip carefully.
* Push the 'choke' lever back to half way along its travel- where it will catch without you having to hold it there.
* Ride off immediately after staring the engine. 'Do not warm up the engine with the motorcycle at a standstill - risk of overheating or fire' I have a blistered fairing close to the header pipes to prove it!
* Return 'choke' lever to its bottom position as soon as possible (as soon as engine runs smoothly)

Works every time for me.

As for the thumping- Unless it's an obvious metal on metal grind I'd ride more with a view to getting better acquainted with this bikes idiosyncrasies. You'll come to love them!
And yes, read that owner's manual. There's lots of useful information in there.

[chibbert]

Just remember the 'choke lever' you speak of is really the Throttle Enrichment Lever - it does not reduce oxygen (choke) - it increases the volume of fuel.