[caliform]

Off to BMW today for running checks and installation of a longer clutch line (just in case) and general hydraulics bleed, which I happily pay people $50 for. Hate that stuff.

Oh, we played in the mud...

Some more beauty shots:

and back to the shop to install the DB killer (it's way too loud) and a few 6k service items (gear oil, FD oil), get the rear rack off and tweak the fender.

 

[Parkblu]

...Wunderlich oil cooler:

This thing was so poorly fitted that I was honestly really surprised. This will be kind of a theme in this build, where Wunderlich parts just don't really line up or work properly. Not too happy about that.

I'm wondering about Wunderlich too. When I saw some of their stuff at their stand in Garmisch last year and at dealers in Munich I was scratching my head about it, and also if their pricing is possibly determined by rolling the dice.

 

[Mr. Lee]

Where did you get the Wunderlich products that are poor fit or quality? I wonder if you might purchased from a 3rd party or counterfeit product.

I have the Wunderlich one-piece seat and the quality is good but it's also a pricey item. I also have a Wunderlich side stand enlarger and I was a tiny bit disappointed in the fit and finish.

 

[caliform]

These come from Wunderlich DE, so it shouldn't be poor quality. But here I am, with various poorly fitting parts.

Today's fun: clutch lines! Did you know from 2014-2016 BMW used a different clutch line than in 2017+ models? Which means the Spiegler line I ordered and received today doesn't fit. They erroneously list it on their website as fitting 2017-18-19 bikes but sadly it needs a curved banjo bolt end setup at the master cylinder rather than a straight bolt.

BMW plugged in the poorly running beast and found that one O2 sensor isn't giving correct readings. They said they'll replace under warranty (it's a 2017 Scramb) but that according to corporate they shouldn't technically cover it because of the modified exhaust. Because... an exhaust breaks the O2 sensor? If that's the case they should probably use different O2 sensors.

 

[caliform]

Very good news: BMW SF got a reading from the bike and found the throttle bodies marginally out of sync and the O2 sensor faulty. After a check with another bike's O2 sensor it ran fine. I just picked up the bike and it SCREAMS. Runs incredibly smoothly. I was worried I'd have to remap it or get a Booster Plug with the new exhaust but it's spectacular. The power delivery is perfect. I am beyond pleased.

The only thing waiting now is the indicators, which I have to swap out on the back to fit the side cases. I will probably do that tomorrow, and then my friend is arriving sometime next week to start our ride. First North to Vancouver, then shipping out of there to Colombia. Yeehaw!

 

[LoRez]

First North to Vancouver, then shipping out of there to Colombia. Yeehaw!

What! You're not riding through the Darian Gap!! :sarcasm:

Fantastic build caliform! Best of luck on the adventures south.
I hope you post something in the R Nine T Adventures section about it.

 

[caliform]

Holan case + 38L panniers mounted! It is done. Expect images next week of being on the road.

 

[TX R nine T]

Nicely done and informative thread! Looking forward to seeing your pics and journey. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!

 

[BaldyDave]

Very cool looking bike, have a safe journey!

 

[caliform]

Thanks folks! See you at the One Motorcycle Show next weekend, maybe? After that, Seattle and Vancouver.

 

[Vandevjb]

Very inspiring thread, Caliform! Keep up with posts along your adventure!

 

[Parkblu]

Safe travels, Godspeed, and please let us know what worked and what didn't (hopefully nothing...)

 

[caliform]

Update: I've done some desert, sand washes, sand dunes, rocky trails, single track through cactus forests, jungle roads, donkey trails, muddy double track... crashed it a few times... still great! Now halfway through Colombia. This machine LOVES the dirt, and the luggage setup is comfortable and great.

Things that didn't work well:

- The header guards that everyone notices and complimented me on fell off before seeing any serious hard use.
- The exhaust is still very loud
- Cleaning the headlight is kind of a pain in the butt

Things I'd improve:

- I need taller handlebars still. Yes, with two risers. I need new lines, and a taller bar. Probably going to do that after this year, gotta get to Patagonia first.

Things I am going to try to fix in Medellin:

- Slow oil leak from the alternator cover at the front (???) gonna hope that's just an O-ring or gasket replacement.
- Pull off cylinder heads to check out a few drops of oil at the cylinder head bolts. Might just be because I dropped it a few times...

 

[Timmy Nizzle]

Man you look like your having a blast! Love this adventure - Im sure I speak for many of us sitting at home reading this, I'm super jealous at the moment of your travels!

 

[buttburp]

Super cool build, caliform! Thanks for blazing a trail, pun intended.

 

[MauiBreeze]

Just found this

Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[BlueFire]

This is the goal I have for my bike! Awesome mods dude, maybe ill catch you around the way one of these days. Hope youre safe!

one question, were those covers the cheap ones off of eBay? I noticed that they look like the Machine Art ones without the logos. Considering getting them myself, cant beat the price.

 

[Mooseiah]

Extremely cool build, turned out awesome. Gotta love seeing it be put to good use immediately as well. Keep the updates coming.

 

[renegatorade]

Quality project / photos / thread.
I would like that arrow exhaust ........ just need to source a scrambler rear sub frame.....

 

[caliform]

This is the goal I have for my bike! Awesome mods dude, maybe ill catch you around the way one of these days. Hope youre safe!

one question, were those covers the cheap ones off of eBay? I noticed that they look like the Machine Art ones without the logos. Considering getting them myself, cant beat the price.

Thanks! They're the real ticket, I guess the logos just don't really show up in photos. They're pretty subtle.

This bike is awaiting the Ecuador / Peru border opening in Ecuador. I miss it. I should really go down there soon to go ride it around a bit at least. Covid really ruined my plans with this one!