R80G/S montain passes-what's your speed?

batoutoflahonda · 09-05-2011, 09:27 AM

So never having an airhead, and before I go chasing my tail. I haven't done a compression check or checked float bowl levels (winter projects). Bike has 76K on it, accelerates fine and does 90mph easy on a flat run. That out of the way:

On long mountain passes I can barely make 75 mph, pinned (only me on it). Particularly Snoqualmie pass here in WA. Or Pocheco pass down in Cal, were with a head wind I was barely making 65. So, I thought I'd 'ax all yous all, how's yours do?

SOLO LOBO · 09-05-2011, 09:55 AM

Over Snoqualmie I can hit 85 without running out of stick, my last compression check showed roughly 160 Lb/in2 on both sides.

I'd say that struggling to hit 65 means there is some work in your future

fishkens · 09-05-2011, 10:53 AM

Hmmm, my '88 100 GS (w/ 9.5:1 Siebenrock pistons, 290 lbs if rider and gear) comfortably pulls 75 - 85 up Snoqualmie pass. It definitely won't rocket through to 90 - 95 up the passes but it's also not wheezing either.

Barely making 65 sounds a bit anemic.

I think you know the drill: compression check (or ideally a leak down test), rebuild carbs (worn needle and jets can cause it to be sluggish), clean air filter, etc.

batoutoflahonda · 09-05-2011, 01:23 PM

Yeah, that's what I thought. I had plans on a timing chain/top end for the winter as oil consumption is over 1/2qt/1K, and my timing marks are a bit erratic (plus the road side BMW prophet i met in Cave Junction OR, put his ear to my engine and said the chain was bad. And that I would win the lotto. He's 50% so far

)

Thanks

Wirespokes · 09-05-2011, 05:47 PM

It could be running rich - that'll make it sluggish. Needles and needle jets been replaced?

How about the float level?

With the low gearing, it should easily make it over the passes, even if the engine is getting tired (doesn't sound like it - a qt in 2K isn't bad). I've got bikes that use more oil than that and don't go anemic at altitude.

Sounds like a tuning issue to me.

09-05-2011, 09:27 AM	#1
batoutoflahonda ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Easton Wa Oddometer: 1,246	R80G/S montain passes-what's your speed? So never having an airhead, and before I go chasing my tail. I haven't done a compression check or checked float bowl levels (winter projects). Bike has 76K on it, accelerates fine and does 90mph easy on a flat run. That out of the way: On long mountain passes I can barely make 75 mph, pinned (only me on it). Particularly Snoqualmie pass here in WA. Or Pocheco pass down in Cal, were with a head wind I was barely making 65. So, I thought I'd 'ax all yous all, how's yours do? __________________ It's eight and a half gallons of gas; and an engine. What more do you need?-- BMW R80G/S Save lives. Legalize lane sharing. Cow eyes don't glow.

09-05-2011, 01:23 PM	#4
batoutoflahonda ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Easton Wa Oddometer: 1,246	Yeah, that's what I thought. I had plans on a timing chain/top end for the winter as oil consumption is over 1/2qt/1K, and my timing marks are a bit erratic (plus the road side BMW prophet i met in Cave Junction OR, put his ear to my engine and said the chain was bad. And that I would win the lotto. He's 50% so far ) Thanks __________________ It's eight and a half gallons of gas; and an engine. What more do you need?-- BMW R80G/S Save lives. Legalize lane sharing. Cow eyes don't glow.

09-05-2011, 05:47 PM	#5
Wirespokes Beemerholics Anonymous Joined: Jul 2002 Location: Jackson's Bottom Oregon Oddometer: 7,354	It could be running rich - that'll make it sluggish. Needles and needle jets been replaced? How about the float level? With the low gearing, it should easily make it over the passes, even if the engine is getting tired (doesn't sound like it - a qt in 2K isn't bad). I've got bikes that use more oil than that and don't go anemic at altitude. Sounds like a tuning issue to me. __________________ Wanted: Dead, smashed, crashed or trashed gauges BMW GAUGE REPAIRS - TACHSPEEDOCLOCKVOLT METER PODs & LIGHT BOARD*

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09-05-2011, 10:53 AM	#3
fishkens Further... Joined: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Oddometer: 5,146	Hmmm, my '88 100 GS (w/ 9.5:1 Siebenrock pistons, 290 lbs if rider and gear) comfortably pulls 75 - 85 up Snoqualmie pass. It definitely won't rocket through to 90 - 95 up the passes but it's also not wheezing either. Barely making 65 sounds a bit anemic. I think you know the drill: compression check (or ideally a leak down test), rebuild carbs (worn needle and jets can cause it to be sluggish), clean air filter, etc.