New to me low mileage R150R

[jpeck]

I just bought a 2002 R1150RA with only 4000 miles from the original owner. He said it was always stored inside and was not ridden in the rain. On the surface, everything looks just about perfect. The original Michelin tires still have a lot of tread and show no signs of checking. It's even my favorite color (red). Everything seems to work as it should. It is almost perfect, except that the owner was pretty vague about maintenance. He said he last changed the oil at about 2000 miles, which would have been several years back. The brake and clutch fluids have apparently never been renewed since new. The only records are for a fuel leak recall fixed by the dealer and a new gel battery in 2006.

I negotiated the price down significantly based on the lack of maintenance. I'm hoping that because it was stored inside and has so few miles, that no significant damage was done, and if there was I'll be able to fix it.

I plan on changing all fluids, checking valve clearances, plugs, etc. I'll replace the tires over the winter, because they are nearly 8 years old. Are there any other areas I should be looking at for this model in a case like this?

Thanks.

John Peck
Maple City,Mi

1993 K75S ABS Mystic Red
2002 R1150RA Metalic Red

[boxerr]

I just got a 2002 red one a month ago. Great bikes the R. This is my 2nd one.

As you intend, change all fluids, check tappets, sync throttle bodies(if possible).
Maybe drain the fuel tank, and have a look inside, if its been sitting. Check the fuel disconnects, they become brittle. There are brass ones available(Beemer boneyard)
Maybe drop the swing arm, and check the pivot bearings. The grease maybe a bit hard.

Really, a real good look around, check the routing of the wiring at the head stem area. It is common for cut wires because of the tie straps. I had a broken wire on mine.

No doubt others will come along, and offer good advise.

Most of all, enjoy it.

[Mika]

Sounds like a nice find. You seem to have the bases covered that will lead you to find anything specific to your bike. The fuel quick connects and hose clamps came to mind. The ’02 was part of the recall for them. As pointed out they do become brittle over time. I have a ’02 since new and need to replace one now. My dealer replaced parts under the recall but this time will change to the brass ones instead of the factory part.

Other than that the major problem with this model is the propensity of it to accumulate daily miles.

Enjoy

[PGlaves]

All fluids:

Oil and Filter
Final Drive Oil
Transmission Oil
Fork Oil
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
Hydraulic Clutch

[boxerr]

Paul, on the fork oil, what grade, and how much CCs of oil for the 1150R?
I have a leaking fork seal.

[Andy VH]

Fork oil? Really? The fork oil in the Telelever front fork is only there for lubrication, since the forks contain no valving or dampening components. Usually when fork oil thins out due to heating and working during operation the loss in performance merits changing the fork oil. But since the Telelever fork oil is simply a lube, if it doesn't leak due to a failed seal, is it really necessary to change the fork oil on a bike with only 4,000 miles of riding?

According to my serivce manual for my R1100RS, each leg takes .824 pint of oil.

[PGlaves]

I'm not very religious about fork oil but with a bike with unknown maintenance and storage I would change the fork oul. Moisture and corrosion are the enemy, not foaming or sludging. But I'd change it anyway. The bike is 7 or so years old by now.

[PGlaves]

Originally Posted by boxerr

Paul, on the fork oil, what grade, and how much CCs of oil for the 1150R?
I have a leaking fork seal.

My R1150R manual says .83 liters (830cc) in each leg - BMW Fork Oil - the 7.5 wt stuff they sell I suppose - it doesn't specify wt which isn't critical since all it does is lubricate.

[jpeck]

Thanks to all for your advice. It looks like I'll be spending some quality time in the garage this winter. Too bad.

It's pretty cold here, especially on a bike with only a small windshield, and our riding season is just about over. I've only ridden the bike about 50 miles so far, but it seems to run, steer, and stop great despite the lack of maintenance. Oil filters, etc. will arrive in the mail in a few days. I wonder if I will see a difference with new oil.

I'll likely be asking for more advice as I ponder windscreens, seats, etc. over the winter as I get ready for Spring.

John Peck
Maple City, Mi

[SeabeckS]

Originally Posted by jpeck

I just bought a 2002 R1150RA with only 4000 miles from the original owner. He said it was always stored inside and was not ridden in the rain. On the surface, everything looks just about perfect. The original Michelin tires still have a lot of tread and show no signs of checking. It's even my favorite color (red). Everything seems to work as it should. It is almost perfect, except that the owner was pretty vague about maintenance. He said he last changed the oil at about 2000 miles, which would have been several years back. The brake and clutch fluids have apparently never been renewed since new. The only records are for a fuel leak recall fixed by the dealer and a new gel battery in 2006.

I negotiated the price down significantly based on the lack of maintenance. I'm hoping that because it was stored inside and has so few miles, that no significant damage was done, and if there was I'll be able to fix it.

I plan on changing all fluids, checking valve clearances, plugs, etc. I'll replace the tires over the winter, because they are nearly 8 years old. Are there any other areas I should be looking at for this model in a case like this?

Thanks.

John Peck
Maple City,Mi

1993 K75S ABS Mystic Red
2002 R1150RA Metalic Red

Good advice all around...I had an '04 '50R, great all around machine.

One suggestion, you might want to check in with the R1150R.net site. Model specific and a gold mine of info on R's if you use the search engine.

Good luck with the new ride, you're gonna love it!

Cheers, Bill J