Is It Possible to get More Oomph out of an R1150?

[Skybone]

Bit of a newbie question (especially seeing as I don't own a Boxer just yet)... Bear with me here...

I'm strangely drawn to the R1150R & especially the Rockster, enough to have me scuttling off & counting up the pennies in my piggy bank. I'd love to be able to afford an R12R, but that isnt going to happen unless I win the Lottery (which can be classed as "a snowball's chance").

Is it at all possible to acheive some power increases (in both overall power output & torque) in the 1150? Like an aftermarket pipe/de-cat/PowerCommander/etc?

Are there any aftermarket ECU mapping packages out there & associated engine maps? There is an aftermarket freeware package available for use with Triumph's ECU's and an OBD2 cable, where you can change maps and check functions/electronics/diagnostic codes etc.

Currently have a Triumph, which is a great bike, but getting that itch to change to something "a bit different" (it's my third Trumpet), and I'm really fancying getting a Boxer next (though the alternative's a Guzzi Breva/Sport). The R12 has a similar power output & more torque than the Triumph, where the 1150 has less power, but similar torque. Another reason is that SWMBO has just got herself a a V twin cruiser, and that got me wondering about the suitability of the more sporty Triumph on runs out.

I owned a TRX850 for a while, and that was a great bike that was deceptively quick, even though it "only had around 80bhp", it could still show a clean pair of heels to bigger sports bikes in the right situation.

What I'm trying to get at here is, if I went for an 1150, and then discovered I'd want a bit more "oomph", is it possible to acheive?

[andy griff]

IMHO the boxers all feel quick enough on the road ( as opposed to seeing figures on paper). I always felt that my 1100s was a really quick bike on the roads on terms of getting somewhere, as in A to B. The combination opt engine characteristics, fuel range, and comfort all added up to a great experience. Never seemed to need brakes, a simple tap down the box and roll off eased momentum into bends and rolling back on resumed progress. My 1200 is like the 1100, but with more oomph - I love it.

One thing I cannot comment on is the lack of wind protection on the R and its effect on all day comfort - but in terms of the engine and ride I do not think you will be disappointed.

I have seen previous posts that indicate that trying to eek extra power out of an 1100 or 1150 is not worth it compared to simply buying the 1200 in the first place. Good luck.

[Skybone]

Wasn't the 1100s tuned for a bit more power than the "standard" 1100/1150?

As my current bike lacks any kind of wind protection (apart from a clock surround), that's something that doesn't bother me. A good, aerodynamic lid really helps, but it's also a natural speed-limiter, you can still "make progress" on a naked bike, just not at warp factor 8+ everywhere.

[Fw190]

I had a rockster for about 3 years; it was a fun bike which was quick enough in a real world kind of way. I added a screen junked the whole exhaust system, chucked in a K&N and a solid solutions fuel thingy, mainly co's it just worked.

the good bits, they tour well with the screen, and if you add a set of panniers, you can carry plenty of stuff, mod the fuel filler with a 5mm drill and you'll get 180+ miles to a tank. I ran Michelin pilot sports on it, it has the same wheels as the 1100s, so plenty of folks here can put you right tyre wise. the seating position is comfy and the pillion seat not too bad either, however, my wife didn't like the position of the pegs, as they made her legs sore.

they handle pretty well, I put a 1150GS torque arm on it to make it turn a bit quicker, but if you do that you'll find the side stand needs a bit adding to it, otherwise it leans over a long way.

Bad bits; well not that many really, the matt paint on the tank marks easily, and you'll have to watch out for the usual corrosion on the engine (depends who had it, how it was looked after) Ohlins no longer make shocks for them as I think they were a particular length, however Wilbers will build you something usable. bear in mind the suspension will be a minimum of 10/11 years old, so not in great shape, no matter how many miles.

And a good one can be hard to find, shop around, the person who buys a Rocky, really has to want one, if you get my meaning..

hope all that helps, I sold mine co's it wasn't really floating my boat anymore, and I really had a hankering for a 12S.
photo is in touring mode, I had a tank bag as well, the panniers were £70 a pop from Motorworks, + the locks, not perfect, but then they only got used when I went somewhere and needed to carry lots of stuff!

they're cheap to service and look after (lots of independent service shops out there) and 2nd hand bits are plentiful..