Several weeks ago I bought a very clean 2004 R1150R with 19k miles on it. On my test ride, it ran a bit rough but after inspecting the bike and feeling comfortable it was in great condition, I figured I'd be able to chase the problem down in short measure.
Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been chasing this rough running gremlin down ever since and have gone through the following steps to fix it:
- synced throttle bodies twice
- new spark plugs
- new fluids
- charcoal canister-ectomy
- Motronic reset
- adjusted valves
- Seafoam in tank
- upgraded cam chain tensioner
- pressure cleaned injectors
- checked alternator belt
- cleaned big brass screws
- new fuel filter (old one was original stamp 2002)
- new air filter
While many of these maintenance items were things I planned to do in the first place having just purchased the bike, it still was running rough.
Finally, it dawned on me to check the coils (after watching a Chris Harris video). To my surprise, when I checked the left side main plug, I could see immediately that the electrical connection was loose. While it wasn't completely obvious to the eye that it was disconnected, the terminal was pulled out far enough to break the connection. How I didn't notice this wasn't fully attached when I changed the spark plugs is beyond me.
After connecting it properly, I hopped on and it ran like the proverbial zipper. I now have a properly running oilhead boxer, which, admittedly, is not as smooth as some other bikes I've owned, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been chasing this rough running gremlin down ever since and have gone through the following steps to fix it:
- synced throttle bodies twice
- new spark plugs
- new fluids
- charcoal canister-ectomy
- Motronic reset
- adjusted valves
- Seafoam in tank
- upgraded cam chain tensioner
- pressure cleaned injectors
- checked alternator belt
- cleaned big brass screws
- new fuel filter (old one was original stamp 2002)
- new air filter
While many of these maintenance items were things I planned to do in the first place having just purchased the bike, it still was running rough.
Finally, it dawned on me to check the coils (after watching a Chris Harris video). To my surprise, when I checked the left side main plug, I could see immediately that the electrical connection was loose. While it wasn't completely obvious to the eye that it was disconnected, the terminal was pulled out far enough to break the connection. How I didn't notice this wasn't fully attached when I changed the spark plugs is beyond me.
After connecting it properly, I hopped on and it ran like the proverbial zipper. I now have a properly running oilhead boxer, which, admittedly, is not as smooth as some other bikes I've owned, but enjoyable nonetheless.
