Boxerworks.com

Ok, this may just be me. I don't know. I got this bike just yesterday, it is a 1999 BMW R1100R.
It feels as though there is the slightest surging while riding. It is more pronounced at higher RPM's. Like right before I need to shift. It's not something that is making me think "Ohh...there is SOMETHING wrong!" It's more of a "hmm...I wonder if this is because it is a shaft drive.." or something of that nature. Not a head jerking surge, barely even noticeable. But still, I can feel it.
Is this something I need to get concerned about? Or is it one of those things that is just there?
Thanks!

Congratulations. You are the new owner of a BMW R1100. R1100's have absolutely no inherent surging problems. We know this, because BMW repeatedly told us this as thousands of owners complained about surging problems, both to BMW, and to each other.

Actually, the R1100R is know to have less of an issue with this than the RT and RS models. If you Google "R1100 surging" you will find that there is a wealth of information about various strategies to fix it. These strategies vary from different sparkplugs and very careful syncing, to chip replacement and aftermarket injection modifiers (Techlusion and PowerCommander).

I've found that very careful syncing under load (done with a TwinMax tool sitting in my tankbag) keeps it to a minimum, but, you're always going to have a little of it unless you go to something like a PowerCommander.

Thanks for the reply MS!
OK, well at least I know that it isn't my imagination. It doesn't make for a bad ride, and as long as I know that it's not something that is inherently wrong with the bike I can probably block it out. If not, I will definitely look into it further and see if I can tinker with it a little.
Thanks!

Surging can be a good thing...in the right circustamces...

I installed a Techlusion a number of years ago on my 2000 R1100RT. The results were very good. Its a complete plug and play installation. Very well thought through product. As Major Softie recommends, I've also sync'ed the throttle bodies with a Twin max. Prior to syncing, I was a good little mechanic and first set the valves, changed the plugs and THEN sync'ed the throttle bodies. There are a number of excellent posts on this procedure. It is quite simple, just a number of steps to do in order. Syncing the throttle bodies made a great difference.

If you're looking for nice minor mods, consider braided brake lines. I also added Ohlins front and back which dramatically changed the bike for the good.

DaveM
1975 R90S
2000 R1100RT