Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
twinmax twinmax
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
twinmax
I am starting to maintain my own bike and I am interested to see what you guys think about the twinmax.

Hendi
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Feb 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I’ve never used a Twinmax, but you can make one yourself which is cheaper and more accurate:

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
twinmax
looks pretty simple and interesting but not easy to take with you on the road
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Feb 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
For road-use you only need 2-3 meters of the pipe.
Last edited by AliBaba; 8 Feb 2009 at 20:52.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
Only heard positive comments about the twinn-max.

It works apparenlty in a very similare manner to the stationary hyradraulic homemade balancer, which Alibaba presented above.

The hydraulic (see pic in Alibabas reply) is stated to be more accurate than the BMW mercury gauge, and it sure superceeds the analogue gauges/clocks since these are... I use the ananlogue and can testify that the hydraulic is way more accurate, so much infact that my expensive, professional, gauges are only to classify as crap!

You will not be dissapointed, as far as I can tell from comments on the twinn-max from all over the globe that I have read during the last 3-4 years -
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Posts: 131
Greetings Hendikaf

I ended up taking a Twinmax away with me on our trip and it worked very well, it's more expensive than the tube balancer but on the road it's much simpler and quicker to use

It's (relatively) small compared to other units I've seen (Carbmate) and it runs off a 9V battery (disconnect the battery after you have finished using it).

I decided to get one as I found out how much much changes in altitude affected my bikes idle speed (ok at sea level, stalls at altitude, ok at altitude over revving (and over heating) at sea level). I have a r100gs.

Coming from Australia idle changes due to altitude are not generally a big issue.

Alibaba, I did try to use a tube balancer but I only had engine oil available and due to it's high viscosity and a relatively narrow piece of tubing it took a loooooong time to settle. I remember reading somewhere about using brake fluid (low viscosity) but I wasn't going to test someone elses theory. What do you use?

Hendikaf, I'm not sure what bike you want to use a balancer on but this link

Synchronizing BMW Airhead Motorcycle Carburetors

Has a very extensive write up on syncing carbs using both balancers and the shorting spark plug method.

Hope that helps

Regards

Ian
__________________
Always have plan B, and maybe plan C
www.travelswithkitty.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Twinmax:
I use it on my Ural (750 aircooled boxer twin). Makes the job so much easier!! Really nice piece of kit IMO.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Feb 2009
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by IanJ View Post
I decided to get one as I found out how much much changes in altitude affected my bikes idle speed (ok at sea level, stalls at altitude, ok at altitude over revving (and over heating) at sea level). I have a r100gs.
When I adjust because of change in altitude I never use an instrument. The adjustment only affects idle speed so I only turn the screws the “same” amount. It doesn’t matter when driving so I don’t really care.

Quote:
Originally Posted by IanJ View Post
Alibaba, I did try to use a tube balancer but I only had engine oil available and due to it's high viscosity and a relatively narrow piece of tubing it took a loooooong time to settle. I remember reading somewhere about using brake fluid (low viscosity) but I wasn't going to test someone elses theory. What do you use?
Most people I know use ATF.
I use coolant, it’s easy to fill and have color (easier to see). On the road I would have used water or some kind of oil.


Quote:
Originally Posted by IanJ View Post
I’m considering testing the shortening method – maybe next time…
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
I use the Twinmax and like it. Portable, simple, clean and fast. I'm in the process or building an adapter to use the shorting method on E.Ignition bikes without risk of damaging the coils. I believe this is the most accurate way of balancing the bike. Balancing my old /2 was a dream using this method.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
twin max
Thanks a lot guys, I will be trying the twin and also alibaba tips on my 1150GSA, I am staring to build a tool box for my RTW trip an space / convience is +.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: London
Posts: 14
My business is working on BMW's , and the twin max isn't as good as everyone suggests. maybe a case of spending a lot of money and not wanting to admit it .

I too Saw all the praise for it, so bought one. After using it i had to put my 20 year old mercury gauges on the bikes to get them spot on.

It's very fussy to use, so i sold mine. There are much more efficient and cheaper options out there
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
twin max
OK Steptoe , give us some name???:confused1:
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Hendikaf, why bother? To adjust the carbs to prevent your idle speed dropping at altitude is a waste of your life.
It just happens and will return to normal when you descend. No big deal.

If you want to "fiddle", do what Alibaba suggest. I just left mine as it was and it stalled when I stopped in the mountains with the throttle shut.
Not that much effort involved in giving the twistgrip a little nudge

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
twin max
I am just interested to maintain the bike to the best of my knowledge and was thinking that during my RTW this could help , was I wrong ??, I am noramlly travelling on single but this coming trip will be two up on a 1150GSA so I was thinking this was really necessary, I am not the kind of guys which love to work on bike ,riding is way more fun .
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11 Feb 2009
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by HendiKaf View Post
...was thinking that during my RTW this could help , was I wrong ??, I am noramlly travelling on single but this coming trip will be two up on a 1150GSA
The 1150 is fuel injected. I would have thought that the EFI would be capable of looking after itself in all but the very extreme.
Steptoe would know

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:55.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top