I paid too much for a crashed BMW R1150RT

[UnspeedySam]

Hi! I was a very active poster on here for a lot of the previous decade. I'm glad to see this forum is very much still here! However I sold the last of my bkes (my Honda Bros) in 2018, due to the same old story of kids and priority changes. I also now work remotely so my rusty old commuter bikes became unused and even more rusty, and got rehomed.

Anyway, I've missed bikes and wanted a project to keep me busy so naturally I bought a crash damaged BMW with no V5, sight unseen on eBay.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5638.PNG

Honestly I think I got pretty lucky with it not having too many hidden issues, but I did definitely bid a little too high.

Here it is on the day I got it home
https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5659_small.jpg

I stupidly got it insured on day one, as it is Cat-N but had a valid MOT until March 2025, so I didn't think I'd have any issues. However after I bought insurance they then tell me I have a deadline of less than a month to get a new MOT on it or they'll cancel my insurance.

Bodging on the mirrors/indicators wasn't too hard, but the main issue with the bike was that the throttle stuck open awfully. Given this was on a few previous MOTs I suspect it was what caused the crash.

To get to the "bowden box" (where the throttle cables all join up) on one of these bikes you have to strip off what feels like half the motorcycle and skin many knuckles. One of the fuel line quick disconnects also snapped in the process which made a lovely mess of my carport.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5701.JPG

I eventually got the thing fixed with a lot of fiddling and silicone lube and took it to my local friendly MOT tester.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5737_small.jpg

Only for it to fail on on bloody perished ball joint...to be fair it was quite perished.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5762_small.jpg

Bear in mind that this was only a few days before my insurance-imposed deadline! I had a busy month and just didn't have much time to spend sorting the bike out.

One next day part delivery from Motorworks and a late night of suspension dismanting later. I got my pass (and no advisories!).

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5764_small.jpg

I've since had the whole front end of the bike apart again to replace the front frame which the headlight and what seems like most of the wiring mounts to. Nothing lined up properly without that bent up frame replaced so it had to be done, even if it was a gigantic pain.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5803_small.jpg

Anyway this was it last night (I missed Loomies closing time ) after going to collect its new panniers from Bognor Regis 50 miles away.

https://f005.backblazeb2.com/file/bcf-images/r1150rt/IMG_5884_small.jpg

I just need a left fairing panel for it now as that still has a fairly large chunk missing from the crash.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Pete.]

You should have posted here I have two of those ball joints.

these bikes are very sensitive to carb balance. If you don't have balancers, get some.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[UnspeedySam]

[P.]

I thought I would hate these engines, but I love them. Got me an R1200RT and aside from the slightly more agricultural feel, I love it.

The front suspension is the funkiest stuff ever.

[UnspeedySam]

[P.]

It feels mega planted. Keen to see you document this

My model has grips/seat heater, electric screen, the comfort is second to none. The gearbox is proper clunky but it's something I want to overlook as it's just that decent. Avoided BMW tourers because I didn't feel old enough, should have gone sooner.

[UnspeedySam]

[jeffyjeff]

Welcome to the wonderful world of BMW R1150 boxers. I found that replacing the Bosch twin electrode spark plugs with a traditional plug helped smooth out the surging these engines are known for at around 40 kph. I used Autolite 3923 on my (2002 single plug) R1150R with success. If the hall-effect sensor is original, you would be better off updating it before you get stranded. The wire insulation on the original HE sensors breaks down over the years, allowing water induced shorts to ground and rendering your ignition system inoperable until it drys out. Doesn't take much water to ruin your day. I found EuroMotoElectrics in Denver Colorado to be a cost-effective source for parts, but you might have better options locally. You could take a look at my long-term review to see what other fun might be in store for you. Once you get it sorted, the R1150 is a good bike. Congratulations.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=333850
____________________
History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[UnspeedySam]

Great tips thanks! I’m about to do the plugs so I might try the ones you’ve recommended, I’m also trying to get a good set of vacuum gauges to accurately balance the throttle bodies. Maybe the combination will fix the issue.

I’ve pulled off piles of the biodegradable wiring insulation and redone it with electrical tape. I’ll look up where the Hall effect sensor is and give it the same treatment for the moment. I’ve got enough expensive bits I need to buy already! I may come to regret that decision but we shall see.

Edit: Those auto lite plugs are bloody expensive in the UK and I’ve yet to find a post talking about a brand we get here having the same effect. I’m going to Chicago in October so I might wait until then and pop into an O’Reillys.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88