[Murray]

in reply to: R1100R Steering #7048

YJ,If it ain't the tyres then you're looking at a suspension problem I think. While the Telelever is arguably the finest feature of BMWs, its only shortcoming (IMHO) is the quality of the shock itself, which is easily (if not cheaply) rectified.CheersGarry

[Murray]

in reply to: Yep, I went to Kawhia #6764

Nice day up inKawhia by the look of it, Alex and nothing at all wrong with a solo every now and then  😀 I have an exhaust spanner if you need it and will be in Auckland Friday 9 -Sunday 12 Feb, sing out if you want me to bring it up  🙄

[Murray]

in reply to: Gravel to Gladstone #6716

Looks like a great ride. We were ready to go on a dirt ride on Sunday, but lucky the Police have a job to do.Hope to do it next time if we are not cordoned off for another shooting. 😀 😕Till next time.

Mmm, better luck next time  😎

[Murray]

in reply to: Blenheim to Havelock – the long way round – 28-29 Dec 2006 #6685

You should have your new bike by then.

One lives in hope  😀

[Murray]

in reply to: Blenheim to Havelock – the long way round – 28-29 Dec 2006 #6680

Great stuff Stephen, sorry I was not up to joining you for this. Looks like you had the pick of the weather and a pretty clear run through both Stations – MAGIC!!!!Thinking about another 5 - 6 day adventure to travel up for the Mangawhai KR adventure ride on April 14th - you up for thatl?Cheers,Garry

[Murray]

in reply to: Kiwi Rider Report #6676

Yah, second that  😀 😀 😀 😀

[Murray]

in reply to: Gravel to Raglan #6674

You didn't get down onto Ruapuke Beach then Alex? Great spot for a bit of fun  😀

[Murray]

in reply to: R80GS Basic brake light question #6663

I've had another play with the switch. By fiddling with the switch and the wires attached to it I could make it work. However, the switch appeared to be heating up, which has me worried. I am tempted to remove the insultation around the switch to get a better look. Is there a plug on the other end of the the wire? I couldn't see one, even after removing the tank.

Get a new switch!!

[Murray]

in reply to: R80GS Basic brake light question #6660

Thanks for the detailed reply Garry. I'll have another look at the switch, from memory the pin was blackish. With the switch removed I would have expected the brakelight to come on, which it didn't. So this seems to point to a damaged wire somewhere along the line. Can the the switch be disassembled?  I did notice the the wire did not swivel in the housing as I removed the switch, so I am concerned that I may have wrung its neck.

Bypass the switch (a paper clip will do the trick);- if the bulb lights up get a new switch, you can't disassemble and it's not expensive to replace.- if the bulb doesn't light up the problem lies elsewhere

[Murray]

in reply to: R80GS Basic brake light question #6658

I have just replaced the taillight bulb and found that the front brake does not activate the brake light, only the rear brake does that. Any ideas where to look for the fault first? I've lubricated the front switch, but that didn't do it. Cheers,Alex

Alex, it's probably a problem with the actuator switch. As I recall there were BMW Service Information Bulletins that were issued in the late 80s regarding the front and rear brake light switches on K series and airheads of the day. The bulletins advised a modification to be done to the front brake lever; and a cap added to the rear brake lever actuating bolt head.....excepting, I think, the R80GS REAR, for which it did not apply exactly the same way. Basically, the front brake lever itself was not contacting the switch actuating pin properly, the pins bent, and failed.  The switch was updated, and one was to also modify the front brake lever.  You needed to remove the front brake lever, a very easy job, and file down the lever in one place slightly so it did not 'catch' the brake switch pin.SO....how to tell if your bike was fixed? Inspect the actuating pin of the front brake light switch. WHITE pins are the bad ones. Black or dark Gray are OK.  Some R80G/S bikes used a different front switch....and if the switch wires can be unplugged, then it is not one of the bad recalled ones.    However, all should be inspected for condition of the pins, lever, etc. In any case, the small ridge on the front lever is to be sanded or filed off.It is not easy to describe, without a drawing, what is modified on the front brake lever....but, if the lever is removed, you will see the area around the pivot has some notches/cutouts.  There may be a very small very tiny notch on the outer curve, and it is the one to be smoothed.  If you put the lever into place without the pin-bolt holding it, you will rather easily see what portion contacts the switch pin, and why, if you have a lever needing modification, it should be done.Of course, you may just have a pinched wire somewhere that is earthing on the frame.Hope that helps.Garry

[Murray]

in reply to: what brand of seat to buy? #6558

In thinking about your last post I wonder how many riders that subscribe to this site have ever used a "Corbin or Sargent" seat.  I would hazard a guess  😕 at very few which is probably why no help.  You will of course get heaps of info from any one of a number of sites based around the world.  Good luck with your upgrade.

Ha, remember my first old R80RT Malcolm? It had a Corbin seat - really comfie, best thing that ever happened to it  😀

[Murray]

in reply to: Looking for a loud horn #6584

Sorry I can't go along with (you are not a motorcyclist till you have fallen off) The idea is to get around the corner, not fall off half way round. Sure offroad is something else, but you still need to finish, or else whats the point. To me is like saying you have  not had a good night out, if you can still remember it in the morning.    :evil:  Phil

Relax Phil - not equating falling off = being a motorcylist at all - frivilous humour specific to Alex and offroading (multiple smileys sort of give it away a bit). Now - what happened last night? I can't remember - so it must have been good  👿

[Murray]

in reply to: Suggestions for a Poor Lost Yankee? #6641

Mike1) Depending on how long you're going to be here renting will cost a packet over a long stay. I have a 2004 1150RS with 9,000 K on it you can have for $19,000NZ when you get here  😀 Seriously, if you're looking for a used BMW check in with Henry at Experience M/Cs in Auckland, if you've got two weeks mucking around up there (and you've gotta ask - why?) then he'll find something for you.2) Don't miss out on any of them - certainly fit in the Coromandel Loop and anywhere around the East Cape of the North Island. Having said that there's a heap of great riding if your a bit adventurous and have a GS. For my money (and IMHO) though the South Island (pretty much anywhere) is the place to be on any sort of bike. Get hold of a copy of Peter Mitchell's New Zealand Motorcylcle Atlas - 100 top rides, it's published by Hema.3) Bring a tent  😀 Out of the way places might not be so much of a problem. If you need a bed any stage your near Wellington give me a shout. There will be a few other OR members around NZ who'll offer similar hospitality I'm sure.All the best for the trip, you might not want to leave though  😎

[Murray]

in reply to: Looking for a loud horn #6582

I'll leave the falling off to others (knock on wood)

That'd be me then  🙄 Old story Alex, if you're upright all the time you're just not trying hard enough Alex  😀  😀  😀Merry Christmas and a very happy, safe and peacful New Year to you all, Mudbunnies or otherwise  😎

[Murray]

in reply to: Looking for a loud horn #6573

I fitted out my old R80RT with air horns, easy once you find a spot to hide the compressor. Motomail use to sell twin horns with a tiny compressor uitable for bikes. Just plugged the exisitng horn wiring into it. Sounded like a freight train passing through, scared the shit out of anyone in a car within about 10 meters and excellent fun at pedestrian crossings  👿 I'd put a set on the Dakar if there was room.

[Author]

Posts