1998 BMW R 1100 R Logo
Anonymous Posted on Nov 20, 2008

R1100 Handling Hey guys, I have a 1999 R1100R, which I bought used a few years ago. The bike has 92k miles on it, and i have put about 20 of those on. I've taken it from new york to california and back, as well as new york to georgia and back, but otherwise, use it daily in the city and for short trips around the area. the problem i'm having is that i'm scared to death of the way it handles. turning corners, i feel as though the bike is just going to slip out from under me and fall. in fact, i've felt the rear whee literally slip to the side when turning at lower speeds. this makes going on offramps on the freeway a very slow and shaky process. i used to have a '95 honda nighthawk, that i could toss a 200lb buddy on the backseat and cut through the twistys without flinching. that's about all i have to compare it to. and the difference is night and day. i replaced the OEM shocks with less-used OEM shocks when i got the bike. i noticed only a slight difference. my questions are: - is it possible that the bike's frame could be causing this? - would paying practically what the bike is worth for Ohlins fix this? - other R1100R riders i talk to say their bikes handle great. maybe they never rode a nighthawk? - maybe it's all just mental? i do love the bike and find it very dependable. it's a bit small for me (i'm 6'2"), but doing mostly city riding with the occasional long trip, that's fine for me. any suggestions would be very helpful

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  • Posted on Nov 20, 2008
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Enjine, R11xx bikes are generally regarded as well balanced, sweet handling machines. Indeed, it is one of their better attributes. Have you inspected the rear swing arm and final drive for free play? With the bike securely on the center stand grab the rear wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and attempt to rock it. Repeat this at 12 and 6 o'clock. If you discover flex you may have also discovered the cause of your handling problems. If you do discover flex you'll need to isolate it to the rear drive, the paralever bearings (at the rear of the swing arm and a well documented "weak link") or at the swing arm bearings. One more thought; what sort of tire pressure do you run, front & rear? I hope you can sort this out and start fully enjoying your oilhead.

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enjine, R11xx bikes are generally regarded as well balanced, sweet handling machines. Indeed, it is one of their better attributes. Have you inspected the rear swing arm and final drive for free play? With the bike securely on the center stand grab the rear wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and attempt to rock it. Repeat this at 12 and 6 o'clock. If you discover flex you may have also discovered the cause of your handling problems. If you do discover flex you'll need to isolate it to the rear drive, the paralever bearings (at the rear of the swing arm and a well documented "weak link") or at the swing arm bearings. One more thought; what sort of tire pressure do you run, front & rear? I hope you can sort this out and start fully enjoying your oilhead.
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I make about ± 18000km a year with one pare of tires. I always use Bridgestone, becauce in Belgium the weather isn't so good, (rean)And i always chance then in november just before the winter begins.
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enjine, R11xx bikes are generally regarded as well balanced, sweet handling machines. Indeed, it is one of their better attributes. Have you inspected the rear swing arm and final drive for free play? With the bike securely on the center stand grab the rear wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and attempt to rock it. Repeat this at 12 and 6 o'clock. If you discover flex you may have also discovered the cause of your handling problems. If you do discover flex you'll need to isolate it to the rear drive, the paralever bearings (at the rear of the swing arm and a well documented weak link) or at the swing arm bearings. One more thought; what sort of tire pressure do you run, front & rear? I hope you can sort this out and start fully enjoying your oilhead.
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