Switching pre '04 R1150R to Twin Spark

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:43 pm

Anyone have any idea what would be required (if its possible) to convert a pre 2004 R1150R to twin spark? I know different heads, coils, leads, etc. Didn't know if the CPU would need to be swapped or just re-programmed, harnesses, etc. Maybe just too much trouble...so go buy a 2004; or maybe it can be done for reasonable $$$$, some parts searching, and some elbow grease.

priapismic · Post by **priapismic** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:52 pm

San Jose BMW sells a twin-spark conversion kit for $495. Check it out at http://bikes.sjbmw.com/docs/service/specials.asp

Worth it? Only you can decide ...

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:14 pm

Maybe just too much trouble

I agree.

Why..Why..Why..........I'm glad that I have a single spark.

DJ

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:22 pm

Also, thanks for the link. Priap.

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 6:24 pm

$495 definitely falls into the reasonable range.

As for the last reply, why wouldn't you want twin spark? Surge elimination, better mileage are my two compelling reasons to do the mod. But I can't think of any reasons why not. Please enlighten me.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:59 am

$495 isn't too bad if that's the total price, but why would you have it done? It will not give you any noticeable power increase, and I doubt you would see an increase in MPG. BMW stated it was for emissions/MPG, but the truth is, it was to help eliminate the surging problems that existed in some bikes (which BMW never admitted . A Techclusion is a little cheaper and can also eliminate a surge problem, with a lot less work.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:40 am

As for the last reply, why wouldn't you want twin spark? Surge elimination, better mileage are my two compelling reasons to do the mod. But I can't think of any reasons why not. Please enlighten me.

I have an 02 single spark..I can think of heaps of reasons why not.

1...Surge...what surge...I have none at all...yet I've heard of many twin sparks that do surge???..

2...Better mileage....I don't think you will get any better mileage after converting your bike to a twin spark..(only my opinion)..

I'm sure there are guys here that have had both that might know for sure.

3...Different heads..different coils..the wiring hassles..and who knows what else you may find..

CycleRob might know more about all this..it sound like a big job to me.

4...Twice the cost when it's time for new plugs..

I think BMW put the extra plug there more for an emission thing.

5...$500...geees!...and maybe get 2hp....plus it looks like a kit..so do you do all the work yourself..or pay even more..

It's only my opinion...if you really want to do it..cool...let us know how it all goes.

DJ

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:09 am

Thanks DJ. Any other owners have input? I'm buying an R1150R for sure but would rather be able to buy an '02-'03 for less money if the twin spark is not such a big deal..or if upgrading was reasonable. If these are not the case, I'll ante up for the '04..but no use spending more on an '04 when I could use that money for cases or windshields, or tires for an '02-'03 and be just as happy or more so.

Post by **mcollect** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:15 am

I recently bought a 2002R it surged right from the day I bought it from the dealer. Thought about the twin spark conversion. Well being cheap and reading this forum I decided to do the valves and sync the TBs. NO surge. I used that money to buy a new Riding jacket and pants.

popgazer · Post by **popgazer** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 12:15 pm

mcollect wrote:I recently bought a 2002R it surged right from the day I bought it from the dealer. Thought about the twin spark conversion. Well being cheap and reading this forum I decided to do the valves and sync the TBs. NO surge. I used that money to buy a new Riding jacket and pants.

This would be my choice , too.
To second DJ and others, the best investement is to learn how to fine tune the valves.

Post by **ProductUser** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 2:49 pm

I have a twin spark ('04) and it surges just like some of the single sparkers. However, proper maintenance (read: valves, TB sync...etc.) will reduce the surge in most cases.

ProductUser

Post by **CycleRob** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:18 pm

Having SJBMW machine your heads for dual plugs means a lot of down time, so this should be a winter or my-other-bike mod. If you're unable to remove/install the cylinderheads (like most people) then you need to add the considerable cost of hiring an experienced Metric mechanic with a clean workshop and at least the BMW CD manual as a guide. If your chosen wrench has a toolbox drawer with over 6 hammers in it, or any hammer over 2 pound headweight, that's an H-D wrench and you should pass.

They ask . . . Why would you? If it coincides with a Winter DeCarbonization teardown -or- maybe a less GreenPeace, less lame, less tame camshaft & valvespring performance hop-up kit . . . then the additional $550+ USD given to SJBMW you'll end up spending (+head gaskets) will be very rewarding every time you ride your bike. Doing just the dual-plug mod alone will give you less erratic running at all engine temps and they claim 2 more HP. To take it apart just for a dual-plug upgrade IMO almost falls under the too rich, too anal, too much free time catagory.

priapismic · Post by **priapismic** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:48 pm

Rob just touched on something above that I'm surprised hadn't been mentioned before: carbon build-up in the combustion chambers.

A very good technical article in the BMW Owners News (a publication by BMWMOA - you have to join the club to get the mag) about a year or two ago gave a nice description of the twin spark concept, how it works, and why, etc. Basically, what has been stated is correct - the move to a twin spark head WAS done to comply with tighter Euro emissions standards that couldn't be met with a single spark head. However, one big benefit/side effect of the move has been reduced carbon build-up in the combustion chamber. Sorry, I don't have the article handy to give credence to the reference, but, if you want to keep your bike a long, long time, and you don't enjoy winter de-carbonization projects, and you don't want to screw around with Sea Foam or other additives that are supposed to help reduce carbon build-up, then that alone *might* be compelling enough reason to make the twin spark conversion.

Still, it's ultimately up to the owner to decide if it's worth it.

Post by **Biff's R** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:03 pm

I have had both single and twin spark R1150Rs and I could not tell the difference while riding. Mileage is the same.

There are other things that I would spend my money on like riding gear, tires, saddlebags, and fuel.

Oilhead · Post by **Oilhead** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:07 pm

I think the valve covers look better on the single plug too!

I think the early production 2002 with the aluminum valve covers(instead of the magnesium) are the most beautiful IMO.

jbuzbee · Post by **jbuzbee** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:26 pm

I have a dual spark: valves done at 600 miles and then not done until 20,000 miles. NEVER had a surge problem. I seriously doubt valves / TB is the cause of surging.

Hey, I'm just reporting my experience.

Post by **iowabeakster** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:50 pm

for 500 bucks i would buy boots, gloves, jackets, helmets, etc... or maybe take a day off work. not just a pair of plugs.

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:12 pm

Well gentlemen. I believe you have made the decison for me. Thanks. I'm handy enough to do all my own wrenching (except machine work) annd if some "blueprinting" is all (and I use the term all very loosely) I need to avoid the conversion cost, etc. then I can live with Sea Foaming my bike once or twice a year. I don't mind buy the '02-'03...you all take care of your bikes like surgeons (or most of you seem to). I'm sure I'd spot most of the lemons anyway. You've just made the right bike a little closer. Now....read the next post for my question that will fix me for good.........[/i]

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:12 pm

Just for the record, some '03's have the twinsparks, mine was built in 03/03. Also, has the SS lines, not sure about other differences.

Post by **OU812** » Mon Aug 14, 2006 5:09 pm

I have an 02 for sale in Chi-town, if your looking!

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Switching pre '04 R1150R to Twin Spark

Switching pre '04 R1150R to Twin Spark

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