New R1200GS, what is this???

[GuyTimes]

I've been lurking around this site and have found some good info. Thanks to all of you who answer posts here.

I picked up my R1200GS yesterday. 2005, only 1200 miles on the clock. Bike is like new condition, 1/2 the cost of a new one so I'm pretty happy. I've been tinkering with it and found this thing that I can't identify. Anyone know what this is?

[marc]

Charcoal evaporative canister. It catches fumes from the tank vent. At start-up the bike will switch on a solenoid that sucks the fumes from the canister into the left throttle body.

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your bike.

[GuyTimes]

Originally Posted by marc

Charcoal evaporative canister. It catches fumes from the tank vent. At start-up the bike will switch on a solenoid that sucks the fumes from the canister into the left throttle body.

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your bike.

Thanks, Marc. I have done some research on this and it looks like most people remove this canister, as it COULD POSSIBLY do more harm than good!

Do most people here remove it? Or should I just leave it in place.

[cmartin]

I removed the one on my R1200GS.

Also removed the canister from my 2002 R1150GSA.


Never had a problem with either bike after removal

[marc]

Opinion time. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. Yes, if you constantly over fill your tank and/or make it a habit of giving your bike a nap on its side then gas can get into the canister. This can cause problems with chunks of charcoal getting where they don't belong and/or rough engine use when the solenoid opens to purge the canister. My advice is to be aware of what can go wrong so you can work around any possible issue, but otherwise leave well enough alone. Most folks don't experience any problems.

That said... mine is gone. I added after market shocks and the preload adjuster went where the canister used to live. On the newer bikes the canister has been relocated to the front right of the fuel tank. If I had one of those bikes I'd probably still have the canister mounted since it wouldn't be in the way.

My canister is stored in a plastic bag in the garage. Some day in the future when I get ride of the bike I'll put it back, along with the stock shocks also stored in the garage.

[jamais]

Under "How to", scroll down to Fuel System and select "Canisterectomy". Easily done.

Congrats on your new machine. Amazing find with such low mileage.

[Fudmucker]

Originally Posted by marc

....On the newer bikes the canister has been relocated to the front right of the fuel tank. If I had one of those bikes I'd probably still have the canister mounted since it wouldn't be in the way...

It just happens to be exactly the right place to fit an air horn!