Description
Here is a rare opportunity to own possibly the best remaining example of an R1150GS Adventure.
Likely the nicest, and lowest mileage one left anywhere.
Certainly, the nicest one for sale anywhere!
BUMBLEBEE Tribute colors.
Beautiful black and yellow is stunning.
Very near perfect aesthetically.
Solid 9 out of 10.
Better than new mechanically, with the short list of factory design flaws corrected.
See details further in the description.
Many believe the R1150GS Adventure to be the best GS ever made.
They have a well earned reputation for reliability and long life with lots of them still rolling along with 100,000 or even 200,000+ miles on them.
They weren’t the first GS, but it’s certain that they, along with Ewan and Charley in the Long Way Round series caused the explosion of popularity in the adventure motorcycle segment.
All this has made them exceptionally desirable.
They have earned their place in motorcycle history.
My plan was to set the motorcycle up to ride on a BDR/CDT loop of New Mexico in 2025.
2000+ miles, almost all off-road.
I purchased this motorcycle in November 2023, and built and modified it to be the very best it could be with that trip in mind.
But now that it’s all done I just can’t justify the amount of abuse it would receive on that route.
My mechanical sensitivity, the nearly perfect aesthetics, and the many many hours of labor I put into this motorcycle, now prevent me from actually using it for its intended purpose…
I know, But-
The more I cleaned, the more I polished, the more I refreshed, the more obvious it became that I had found a rare treasure, a true diamond in the rough.
It had been sitting for years when I acquired it.
The original owner bought it, loved it, but got sick not long after purchase and was unable to ride it.
It was finally sold in his estate sale to the guy I bought it from.
He decided it was just too big and too much motorcycle for the mostly off-road riding that he had planned. He only put about 500 miles on it.
Then I bought it.
Now, after being in my possession for about 10 months and countless hours of labor, it is thoroughly sorted, detailed and serviced.
With a list of the very best parts and accessories installed.
And it’s absolutely ready to go to a new owner.
And a new Adventure.
Modifications and Additions as follows:
Servo/ABS/linked brakes removed:
This is definitely the most glaring failure BMW designed into this motorcycle.
Power brakes on a motorcycle?
Almost 0 braking force without the motor running?
And the same almost 0 braking force when the system fails, which the vast majority of them have, or will, fail.
In my book that makes the most important system on the motorcycle, untrustworthy, and unsafe.
The return to conventional braking was accomplished by using the Motorworks UK adapter plate, and a BMW factory front brake union.
The stock mounting bracket for the servo/ABS module was modified to mount the Motorworks adapter plate, and the electronics that were removed from the module in their stock position.
Super clean and simple.
“ABS-ectomy” complete!
Now the braking system is strong and conventional, (not linked)
Safe!
And simple to service.
Left side cam chain tensioner upgrade:
The aftermarket tensioner has a stronger spring, and a check ball for oil retention.
This removes the annoying momentary rattle on start up.
Injectors upgrade:
This modification uses brand new and flow matched later model BMW factory injectors, and beautiful adapters to mount the injectors in the ideal position.
The later model injectors have several holes versus the single hole on the stockers.
The multiple holes greatly improve fuel atomization.
This modification improves rideability, reduces the surge symptom at steady throttle in the 3000 through 4000 RPM range, and said to improve fuel efficiency as well.
Removed charcoal “emissions” canister:
These are known to back up and fill with fuel and then send charcoal backwards into the fueling system-
Not good…
System now vents to the atmosphere. Simple, with zero possibility of failure.
These four modifications address the only real flaws in the otherwise totally bulletproof, original BMW design.
Maintenance performed:
Fuel pump and filter and all hoses inside tank were replaced.
All fluids replaced. Motor oil and filter. Transmission oil. Final drive oil, and of course brake fluid.
Valve adjustment and rocker lash adjustment.
Balance and synchronize throttle bodies.
NOW it’s ready to ride anywhere.
With only 8490 miles ridden since new, it’s just getting broken in.
What to do with the big empty space created by the removal of the brake module?
How about an onboard air compressor!
The high volume, all metal construction large compressor I installed, fits in the space made available by the brake module removal like it was meant to go there.
The air supply hose terminates at the left side crash bar, and has a quick disconnect for a curly hose.
It easily reaches front and rear wheels.
It has a key switch that is tucked in below the seat on the left side and allows easy access, and simple functionality.
The system will add 10 psi in about 90 seconds.
Perfect for getting back to pavement pressure after an off-road excursion.
A lifesaver when repairing a puncture- anywhere, anytime.
Brand new, Touratech Zega Mundo panniers and racks.
Did you know that Touratech actually made the factory crash bars for BMW?
It’s true.
They are all stainless steel and gorgeous.
When I discovered that fact, it made choosing the Touratech racks and bags easy.
The racks are also all stainless steel, and the blasted finish is identical to the crash bars.
It all looks amazing together.
I chose the Zega Mundo cases because they are simple and lightweight, and most closely resemble the original Touratech cases.
They look just right on this iconic Adventure Motorcycle.
They are perfect, brand new, and extremely well-made.
Quality all the way.
The Mitas Enduro Trail + tires were just installed, and have less than 100 miles on them. With a well earned reputation for long life, and great traction on all surfaces, they add to the true go anywhere nature of this motorcycle.
And they look aggressive!
But are surprisingly quiet and smooth on pavement.
SW Motech Engage tank bag, clicks securely onto the ring on the fuel filler, and makes no contact with the fuel tank. Functional and beautiful.
And no annoying straps!
It complements the rather Rubenesque lines of the 7.9 gallon fuel tank.
Looks like it was made specifically for this motorcycle.
If you are still reading this, thank you, and I hope you enjoyed hearing about my time with this fabulous motorcycle.
All the work was done by me except the final tune and synchronization of the throttle bodies.
That work was performed by Engle Motors in Kansas City.
The last task I have with this motorcycle, is handing it off to the next owner, who will hopefully love it, cherish it, and ride it often.
If I somehow didn’t cover a question you have, please feel free to contact me.
John Barnette
417 621 8885
BMWMOA Member # 54116