Service
Service
RAY NIERLICH
TPM, TPM, TPM
Q: I just bought a repo'd 2014 BMW R1200RT. The bike has everything except TPM (tire pressure monitor), shift assist, keyless ignition, and locking bags. I have TPM in my cars and love it. I would love it on my BMW too. I need to know if I buy the BMW TPMs for my bike, will it be recognized by its computer? Or do I have to have the dealer load the TPMs into my bike’s computer? Guess what, I don’t trust the dealer. I am very mechanically inclined and do my own work. It is therapy...
WILLIAM BARROSO CYCLEWORLD.COM
happen Most likely to have not one gonna of the happen. few bikes If you that are TPM very lucky can be and fitted you to, it can be done. It will still require a dealer to check your VIN first to see if yours is one of the few and, after installing sensors, to program the computer. This conversion will not be particularly inexpensive. I would think an aftermarket monitor is the way to go instead.
BREAKER, BREAKER
a Reader problem Michael losing Huss all power says he on has his 2006 H-D Street Glide (Service, Jan./Feb.). I had a similar problem on a Dyna Police model; the main breaker was faulty. A trip to the local AutoZone fixed the problem. I’m not sure how the electrical system is laid out on the Street Glide, but on the Dyna the main breaker was behind the fuse block, which had to be removed first.
PAULALBEE
CYCLEWORLD.COM
A Thanks for sharing your insight. had a circuit breaker failure on my personal street special ’65 Triumph many years ago. Circuit breakers don’t like vibration or heat, so motorcycles aren’t the best application for their use. But believe it or not, Harley actually changed something that needed changing. In 2004, Harley went to a 40-amp “Maxi-fuse” (the big orange one) to replace the trouble-prone
circuit breakers. I would recommend the fuse upgrade for any older Harley. It’s a relatively simple retrofit. You can buy a “Stinger” fuse holder off eBay or Amazon for around $12.
COUNTERSTEERING CLARIFICATION
steering. another At what question point on during countera wheel’s rotation do countersteering principles begin to take effect? I have tried to discern when it happens on both my Bonneville and my scooter, but I haven’t been able to figure it out. What is it based on? Speed? Wheel size? Rotational mass? Another physics term that I have no business dropping?
IANC.
CYCLEWORLD.COM
We super-hard, are flattered complicated you save quesyour tions for CW. A proper discussion of the phenomenon is beyond the space my boss will allow. My briefest possible summary is that when
the gyroscopic effect of the rotating parts (tires, wheels, brakes, and hubs) becomes great enough, you lean the bike to turn it, instead of just turning the handlebars in the direction you wish to go, and countersteering begins. The larger the rotational mass versus the mass of the rest of the bike, the lower the speed when this begins to occur. When countersteering, you are upsetting the bike’s track and allowing the rear wheel to correct. There is a very long list of factors that affect the physics involved. If you feel the need to be humbled, I’d start with Motorcycle Chassis Design by Tony Foale and Vic Willoughby, ISBN 0-85045-560-X.
FREE YOUR VALVE
QJust new wondering gas-powered if motorcycles there are any that don’t require valve adjustment? Would really appreciate a list of said bikes, if they exist.
BLAKE H. WEATHERFORD, TX
A: Any thing fitted with hydraulic lifters won’t require valve adjustment, and there are quite a few to choose from. But what’s with the paranoia about valve adjustments? Had a bad episode with a desmo Ducati lately? Most new bikes have long adjustment intervals with 16,000 miles now the norm. Many don’t need any adjustment at all when checked at the recommended interval. Some, such as boxer BMWs and Honda Gold Wings, are very easy to adjust. It just isn’t a factor when weighing a purchase. My incomplete list includes most cruisers, including all Harleys, all Victorys, the Thunder Stroke Indians, most Stars (Yamaha’s cruisers), most Honda Shadows in various sizes, also Motus V4, and a few I’ve forgotten.
OIL BLOWER
Q: think I overfilled the oil in my 2004 Suzuki Katana 600. The first time after the oil change, the bike turned on like usual and rode perfect. After five minutes it turned off. The oil light is on and the green neutral light is off.
AL SMITH HARVEY, IL
A: hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it may be too late to help you this time. From your description, I’m guessing your engine leaked all the oil out and seized. Now, if an engine is way overfilled, it will build up crankcase pressure. It will keep running until it relieves the pressure by either barfing oil out the breather or by blowing a seal out of the crankcase. If you are lucky—it might be possible—it barfed oil out the breather and into your air cleaner and plugged it up, stalling the engine before any real damage was done. Whenever you change the oil and filter in your motorbike, car, truck, boat, snowblower, or whatever, you must run the engine for a few seconds until oil pressure is reached and check for leaks from the filter and drain plug. Turn it off, wait a minute, and recheck the oil level. If the level is too low or too full, adjust at this time, before riding off into the sunset.
GOT A MECHANICAL OR TECHNICAL PROBLEM WITH YOUR BELOVED RIDE? Perhaps we can help. Contact us at cwservice@ cycleworld.com with your questions. We cannot guarantee a reply to every inquiry.
