For those watching The
the automotive archaeology is fascinating. Those crispy 15 year old wiring looms look ... interesting. There are now connector replacement kits for common GM and Ford looms where the connectors go to the injectors and ignition.I remember reading somewhere (two wheels magazine?) that air cooled BMW flat twins don't appreciate being stored and tend to eat their main and big end bearings when left for more than 6 months without a bit of oil circulation or some proper engine pickling. I have no idea why (new oil doesn't seem to help) and I've never tested the concept. I have a strong suspicion that the aero engine makers and the goop makers got this issue sorted a long time ago.
I am aware that this thread started in late 2010 and the engine could have been new in 2004. Is there is a good chance the OP engine hasn't run since then? Given the bun fight I got into with the Bavarian Money Waster stealership over a clutch cable 6 months after the R1100 I owned was obsolete, I am very interested to see how much support BMW Australia has for something over 10 years old.
For the record, the dealership broke a head stud, charged me to fix it then gave me the keys to a NSW Police K1200. When I told them the key didn't fit, this was the reply in the stealership show room:
"HTFU and turn the key harder" because they already broke the lock for me with it.
I kept the key and left the bike with them until NSW Police complained. Shortly after that incident they lost the Police MRO contract to another provider who was equally bad in a different way but that is a story for another bedtime. BMW Australia said "how bad for you, do let us know how you get on".
I am not over BMWs. I am over the Ming Mole retail non-service that comes with the product. I tend to ride stuff I can fix myself for that reason among others.