Advice on an R1150GS

[Tom_Becker]

This might not be the correct forum for this subject so I understand if its moved.

Nevertheless, does the r1150 model suffer from the same rear-end bearing issues as the LT? Was the 19 to 17 ball bearing issue applied to the 1150 about early 2003?

I'm evaluating used 1150's and I'm wondering about this since I want to be careful about the age of the bike relative to the bearing issue.

Any thoughts?

Tom

[BobW]

You can also go to www.advrider.com and post this question. They have a section for GS's. From what I've read they do have the rear drive issues same as the LT. But, like the LT, not in great numbers.

[amarider]

The rear drive on an RT is the same as the LT. One difference is that in 02 the LT moved the speed sensor to the front wheel but the RT kept it on the rear drive through the 1150 series.
With that being said the RT is 200 lbs lighter and has not had the rear drive failure rate of the LT. But I have heard of a few that have failed.
I have not heard of any talk of the bearing count being changed on the RT, now that you mentioned it I may check up on that.

My record is two RT's and zero failures, I change the rear drive fluid every 6K and it always comes out clear and clean.

check out http://bmwsporttouring.com/

[bikesnumbnuts]

On the 1150 series you will find the speedo drive on the front wheel and on the Lt it comes off the the abs sensor on the rear drive.

04 your 05 in blighty
graphite.

[mneblett]

One difference is that in 02 the LT moved the speed sensor to the front wheel but the RT kept it on the rear drive through the 1150 series.

Minor correction for the archives --

The RT has always had its speedo drive (mechanical) on the front wheel.
The LT has always had its speedo drive (electronic) on the rear wheel.

In '02, the LT's separate speedo drive sensor was removed from the final drive, and the rear ABS sensor on the final drive is now used for speedo, as well as ABS.