BMW R1100S Canister?

Question

I just bought a '99 R1100S and it has a big metal canister suspended above the rear wheel on the ride side of the bike.

Does anyone know what happens if I remove it and run the lines into and out of it together?

It just looks out of place, but if it HAS to be there I guess I'll live with it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The canister is for evaporative fuel emissions control.  It is meant to capture evaporating fuel from your gas tank.  It can be removed but the hoses in and out need to be secured.

Answer 2

It is a charcoal filter used to absorb fumes from the fuel tank overflow. Bikes in Europe (e.g. my R1150GS) don't have the canister and the two pipes are simply tie wrapped pointing vertically downwards on the frame so any excess fuel runs out and onto the ground underneath.