1996 R1100RT Valve Clearance Adjustment

[oldcarman]

Many bikes ago I had a 1998 R1100RT and drove it for a few years, then something else came along and it was sold I missed it so last summer I purchased a low mileage 1996 R1100RT. It now has 17,000 miles on it. It runs nice at idle and smooth until I get in the 65-70mph range. At that point it vibrates through the bars quite a bit. So, my plan was to check and adjust the valve clearance, and sync the throttle bodies. Prior to adjusting the valve clearance I hooked up my vacuum gauges and decided to check the sync to confirm my suspicion. It was off a little at idle and also off at 2500 rpm. After it cooled I removed the Tupperware, found the TDC mark and removed the valve covers. See pic. After I had removed both covers I was looking at the right side and saw this rubber thing on the floor, just below the head. It is oily so I assumed it must have been in the valve cover some place, but I don't see where it could go. I checked the left side and don't see one in that cover or head. Any ideas what is it???? Did it come out of the valve cover or possible the Tupperware someplace. Thanks, oldcarman jim

 

[52184]

Part #11 in this diagram: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sh...9T-BMW-R_1100_RT_96_0413,0418_&diagId=11_1847

I recall finding one once on my R11RSL. I can’t tell exactly how to position it to insert it, but comparing it to the spaces available should reveal where to slip it in.

Mind the rubber “donuts” on the rocker covers, too-they like to slip out of place when reassembling.

Best,
DeVern

 

[Paul_F]

It hooks on the bottom, near the front of the cover. If memory serves me correctly, the thinner part faces the front of the bike. Keep it horizontal and the cylinder cover should slide on easily.

 

[52184]

This might help...


You can see the rubber bumper in the corner.

Best,

DeVern

 

[gsaddict]

.

 

[oldcarman]

Thanks guys. I did look at the pictures and parts drawing link. Also, looked at Max BMW parts fiche. Both pats drawings show "two" are required, so I assume one for each side. Mine only had the one, or possibly there is another one on the floor someplace. Off to the garage...……….. Again, thanks. Oldcarman jim

 

[scootrp125x]

I believe it is one per side.

Mark

 

[chrisinsc]

How important are those things? My bike does not have them. 1999 RT.

 

[Paul_F]

I believe it is one per side.

Mark

My R1100RT has one on each side. Never noticed them until one fell off last week when I removed the valve covers. Putting the cover back on was near impossible until I adjusted the angle of "the black thing that fell off".

 

[oldcarman]

I called a few BMW dealers hoping to find one of the rubber buffers, but no luck. I ended up back at my local dealer, who said he did a nation wide search and no one had them. He ordered two for me, coming out of Germany. Takes about a week.

 

[flhfxd]

So....what’s the purpose of it?

 

[oldcarman]

The more I look at it, I think it is to dampen noise, it is rubber and a snug fit. The one on my left side must have fell out a long time ago, when someone did a tune-up.