Updated Cam Chain Tensioner for RT side?

[Paul De]

I have a '99 R1100RT and it had that nasty start up rattle. I put in the updated tensioner on the left side and Wha-La, no more start up rattle....... Also, I swear it now idles smoother as well. Damn near like the sewing machine put-put-put you get with the CV carbureted Airhead motor.

 

Well on to the burning question. Did BMW update the Cam Chain Tensioner on the right side as well?

 

Am I deluding myself over the thought the new left side tensioner improved the idle? If not, and the right side tensioner was updated as well, I may be able to get my oilhead to idle a little more smoothly by doing the right side as well.

 

My H-D riding buddies make fun of the beemer sound and to be sure, the Potato-Potato idle of an HD is one of the most notable characteristics of the hog riding experience, but I’ve always loved the clock work idle of a well tuned boxer motor and sort of missed it when I got an Oilhead

 

[Mr. Frank]

The one on the right side is upside down and does not drain when you stop the engine. No need for a fix.

[bud66]

Was the updated tensioner a BMW part or aftermarket? If was a BMW part, what was the number?

[moshe_levy]

See http://www.mklsportster.com/Articles/mcncct.pdf

 

-MKL

[DonW]

Hi all- is this issue just for R1100's or does a '04 R1150RT also need the K-bike tensioner?

 

Thanks

[4wheeldog]

Hi all- is this issue just for R1100's or does a '04 R1150RT also need the K-bike tensioner?

 

Thanks

 

It is actually an R1200 part, not K bike, and yes, your 1150 can benefit. If it rattles for a moment when started, either hot or cold, it is likely the original left hand tensioner is bleeding down. Most of them do. New one maintains tension while not running, so it cures the start up rattle. Simple, relatively inexpensive fix, well worth the effort. Good Luck.

[DonW]

Thanks! Read the link right after posting (typcial ADD thing for me...) and realize it is a R1200 part.

Don

[bud66]

Great information! thanks again

[E30TECH]

See http://www.mklsportster.com/Articles/mcncct.pdf

 

-MKL

 

Thanks Moshe

[moshe_levy]

No problem. Don told me about his sweet new ride. No cam chain tensioner issues there - just the hole in his bank account from all the inevitable speeding tickets!

 

-MKL

[Selden]

I ordered mine from Rubber Chicken, after waiting about a month after Moshe's article appeared in MCN. They confirmed that keeping the parts in stock was difficult the first few weeks after the article appeared, but they should be able to ship immediately now. I'm thinking of tackling the replacement this week. Thanks to Moshe for the clearly written and illustrated article, and to Rubber Chicken for gathering together all the components.

[E30TECH]

No problem. Don told me about his sweet new ride. No cam chain tensioner issues there - just the hole in his bank account from all the inevitable speeding tickets!

 

-MKL

 

We took a short ride yesterday. Definitely a sweet ride. Sounds like it has a lot of snot too. I'll have to take it around the block to see for myself

 

[moshe_levy]

Yeah, I can see his expression now when you ask!

 

I rode the K1200GT before, and that was a rocket ship.

 

-MKL

[RPG]

My H-D riding buddies make fun of the beemer sound

 

And my Ducati riding buddies make fun of the Harley sound.

 

As others have said, the right side needs no attention and yes your idle should be smoother as I noted the same on my 1150RT.

 

Back to Airheads, if you want to hear a phenomenal sounding motor, follow around a well tuned R90s (with Dellorto's of course) at your next Track Day.

 

RG

[Bologna]

Just replaced mine and took it for a spin yesterday, worth every penny!