Welcome to my channel! I've been riding motorcycles for about 25 years and have a 2002 BMW R1150RT and a brand new 2023 BMW F850GS. My RT and I have ridden throughout most of the Western United States, and we'll be taking more motorcycle adventures in the future; road trips, camping trips, and trying new and different things. I'm still breaking in the new F850GS and loving every minute of it!
Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE to join my adventures.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon: patreon.com/twowheeltim
Check out my eBike channel, Adventures of Two-Wheel Tim: www.youtube.com/@twowheeltim
For affiliate programs or collaborations, please feel free to email me.
*Compensation may be received by using the links in video descriptions.
It's a coolant by Maxima. Here's a link to the Revzilla site where I purchased it. I also use Maxima oil for both my motorcycles. www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/maxima-coolanol-coolant?sku_id=166917
i just bought a 2003 1150rt. i trailered it home today. i am really looking forward to riding the wheels off it. Can I ask what seat you have on your bike
Sure! I bought a custom Corbin saddle back in 2007 and I love it. So much better than the stock saddle. www.corbin.com/projects/ Enjoy the RT! I love mine and could never part with it! 👍🏻
is your bike silver? or blue? it looks blue but it may be the lighting.. the only blue one i've seen is dark blue.. i have the red one.. i like the look of this color.. i m ay need to wrap mine.. i want a change..
It's a light blue color, and they called it aquamint. It was a pretty rare color option for the '02 RT; I bought it in '04 with 4,000 miles on it. I've only seen an aquamint RT two other times in 20 years. Unfortunately, I don't believe you can find aquamint panels any longer.
Just ordered new battery. My charger has two types of connector, clamp and O ring which both plug into the charger, so when I fit new battery I will put the O ring on at same time that way I can trickle charge the bike and not have to worry about flat battery. Good post, most people take both sides off, nice to know you only need the one.
There's a single M5x12 drain bolt on the right side of the bike, directly under where the radiator hose goes into the engine. It's visible at 4:08 at the bottom of the screen, just above the crash bar. If you also want to drain the expansion tank you have to take apart a bunch of stuff to get to it, and it varies by what options you have.
I just got an '03 R1150RT. Spent about 45 min yesterday trying to get to the battery. Found your video and it saved me a lot of headache. Do you have any suggestions for replacing the stereo with a modern Bluetooth enabled one?
Great! I'm happy the video helped! I don't have any suggestion regarding replacing the stereo. Mine didn't come with the stereo and I've always used the compartment to store my insurance/registration info, my brake lock, and other miscellaneous items. I've also never tried to pull out the stock speakers to see how they attach and how much room is available. Sorry. I actually have a bluetooth communication system in my helmet and usually just play SiriusXM on my phone. 😆
Definitely not a silly question. The RT is a pretty heavy bike, for sure (close to 600 lbs wet weight). If you're running the stock saddle it's adjustable with 3 height settings. I'm 6'-1", so I always ran the stock saddle on the high setting. If you put the stock saddle on the lowest setting the height is listed at 30.7 inches. It should be noted, however, that if you replace the stock saddle with an aftermarket saddle you might lose the adjustability. The stock saddle is sloped in a manner where I was being pushed forward just enough to cause tension in my shoulders and neck reducing my riding longevity. I bought a custom Corbin saddle after about a year and it has been amazing these past 18+ years. The Corbin just doesn't accommodate the different seat height adjustments, but being a custom saddle company I'm sure Corbin can customize a lower seat pan. Best of luck! 👍🏻
Thank you for the positive support! I wish it were as easy as on my GS, but anything worth doing and/or owning is worth the effort. 🙂 Keep the rubber on the road! 👍🏻
So I need a new battery for mine. Was thinking about getting an antigravity. Have them in all my dirt bike and loved them. Why did you remove it for an OEM? Want to place my order asap! 😂👍
The Antigravity batteries are nice, but they're too small to fit in the battery compartment; thus, you need to stuff the styrofoam around it to secure it. I just kind of got tired of that. The other thing I noticed is that the RT needs a lot of cranking power, and the Antigravity battery drags a lot when cranking the engine. All in all, the Antigravity was fine, but it was just easier to run over to the BMW dealership when my last one died. But that was just my experience. Others may experience something a little different. 👍🏻
@@twowheeltimmc thanks gotcha, any idea what antigravity model you had? I noticed there isn’t a direct size match trying to see the biggest that will fit. Might just keep it simple and go oem
Damn! I actually found the order details. I bought the last one in 2019. 😆 I bought it from Bike Bandit. Antigravity Battery YT12BS-16 Qty. 1 $262.15 YT12BS-16, 5.8" x 2.75" x 5.12", For motors up to 1700cc., 1.36KG Part Number: 3176697
I also ride this route on my 04 r1150rt. My recommendation is to go from south to north this late in the year cause the sun blinds you on much of the ride.
Thank you for the support! 🙏🏼 Replacing the battery in the 1100RT should be nearly the same. I’m just not 100% certain of the number of bolts and their exact locations.
@@twowheeltimmc It sounds like you know much about these bikes. I let mine sit for 2 years since I bought a GSA and rode that. Tried to jump start the RT couple of times using jumper cables from the car. It will not start, it turns over but not start. What do I need to do to get it started? Did the fuel turn to gel over time ? Thanks much.
The RTs pull a lot of amps when cranking over. You can try to siphon the old fuel and put in fresh fuel, or just add fresh fuel and try it. But my money is on the battery being too weak to crank it over. I’ve tried different batteries over the years, such as an Antigravity Battery (it’s a brand that is compact and light), but nothing works as good as the BMW gel batteries. They run about $200 USD.
I’d also recommend an oil change. It’s not too difficult to do, but I haven’t done a video on it… yet. 🙂 I should note that I’m not very mechanically inclined. I just stick to the simple stuff and let the pros do the hard stuff. 👍🏼
@@twowheeltimmc I had the bike connected to the car's battery via jumper cables. This was not off the old bike battery, that battery was still in place on the bike but I had jumper cables connected to the car's battery. Yes, oil and filter change are easy to do.
Great video. CA has some great motorcycle trips such as the PCH and the road between Fort Bragg and Leggit. My first bike in the US was a 2002 BMW 1150 RT. The only thing I didn't like about it was the location of the battery a part from that it was a great bike. I now ride a K1600GTL. Stay upright mate
Thank you so much! I agree with your displeasure the battery location; not sure if you saw my video on replacing the battery. Ugh! Keep the rubber in the road my friend! 👍🏻
Well done. Enjoyable ride. Do you still have the R1150RT? What can you say about the oil consumption? Drop by, you may like may content. Cheers. Keep going bro.
Thank you for the positive support! I'm actually working on another video where I rode north on the PCH up to Monte Rio. I still have the RT, and I don't think I can ever part with it. I've had it since 2004, and it has been so amazing! My new GS is just the mid-life-crisis coming out of me, I think! 😆 As far as the oil consumption in the RT, I find that after topping it off it's good for between 300-500 miles before I need to top it off again; it depends on the type of ride, conditions, load, etc. I generally replace the oil and filter at around 3,000 miles. I'll definitely check out your content. Thank you for dropping by! 👍🏻
The view to the most interesting parts of the job like hidden screws and the connection between side part and tank (in bothe directions) are not well covered.
I have the identical bike in that "Aquamint" colour. I can strongly advise the following mods: extra large case lids which really add a lot of volume for gear, Hyperpro or other improved shocks which give a much more stable ride; an extra tall Cee Bailey windshield which really improves the ride in cold weather and rain, heated gloves which allow the back of your hands to get warm too, an afermarket seat to save your butt from long rides, fork lights for "conspicuity" and a really nice tankbag for sunglasses, iPod, maps and such and finally a "Techlusion" or similar injection modulator which in my case eliminated the surge which this bike is know for. I could go on, but this bike has endless potential and is a joy to own.
@@twowheeltimmc I bought mine in 2006 from a Vietnam veteran in Logan City Utah and rode it home to Victoria BC in mid October. By the time I got to BMW in Fife I knew I needed the big windscreen and heated gloves if I intended to ride up north. I've been back and forth to San Diego twice and took my second wife to San Francisco too. I knew she was a keeper because she was fearless on the back and happily took pictures while we rode down the coast and up the inside on the way home. On one trip south I overshot a curve in the snow in Northern California and plowed into a snowbank, fracturing my right ankle. I completed the trip to San Diego with ice in my boot and then got an air cast. I rode home with crutches strapped to the back of the bike. I was thankful for the linked brakes 'cause I never had to use me right foot to get home. My motto on the RT..."Have left foot...will travel" Cheers! Peter Southam...Salt Spring Island BC
@@Sidmariner Yes. It’s definitely a great bike. Back in late September and early October of 2007, we rode to the south rim and north rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Mead, Death Valley at 120 degrees, two days later got snowed in at Bishop, California, and then had to bypass Yosemite and Tioga Pass because it was closed due to snow. Instead we had to ride over Sonora Pass where there was only about 8 inches of snow left on the ground. It was quite the epic adventure of about 2,400 miles over two weeks, and the RT handled like a champ. Mine has the tall windscreen and extra large top case to carry a lot of gear, etc. I also purchased a custom made Corbin saddle before that trip because the stock saddle was not great. Everything is holding up immaculately. Sometimes I think about selling the 1150RT and buying a new model, but I just can’t bring myself to part with it. So, back in February I went out and bought a 2023 850GS for a little dual sport action! I call my RT Artie, and I call my GS Gus. 😆
So far, so good. Good traction off road, and virtually no vibration about 10 mph. They were OEM. Not sure what I'll run when it's time to replace them.
Sorry, but I hope I'm understanding your question. On the top of the left side valve cover of the Boxer twin there is a small oil cap where you put the oil. There is a small circular window below the left side valve cover where you can see the amount of oil in the engine. With the engine warm, the oil should be between the middle of the circle to the top if the circle. If you're wanting to know where I stow extra oil on a trip, for a long trip I would keep an extra quart in the top case.
@@twowheeltimmc I replaced the battery in mine two days ago and it was a total pain in the butt! I only have to ride my 2001 another 400 miles and it will hit 100,000 miles! I am NOT the original owner.
Nice video Can I suggest a editing technique? Dont film while following trucks campers etc because it takes away from the ride. If you have open road it really draws the viewer in more. Either pass the truck then start filming or pull off for a few minutes then pull back out with nothing in front of you. Viewers enjoy the ride and not staring at the back of a camper or dump truck
Thank you! I also want to thank you for your perspective on the Holy S**t comment in my other video. I didn't think about how that could be perceived by some, so I went in and clipped the video to remove that comment. I should have done it in post, but I failed. My apologies if you found it offensive. 🙏🏼
@@twowheeltimmc wow. You are now my favorite adventure channel. Good clean uplifting adventure. I have the same bike. Retired. Been thinking about going through Yosemite to I 395 back of eastern Sierra. Thanks again...
Aww! Thank you! I highly recommend Yosemite and Hwy 395. I rode my 1150RT over Tioga Pass and camped at Mammoth Lakes back in 2007 before I had a RU-vid channel. Absolutely amazing!!
Ive got an 1100RT a little north of you, Vacaville. I usually shoot down PCH down to Monteray and then back up, sometime go up to Dillon Beach area. Im new to riding, had the bike for about 2 years now, I love it. Here is my first video I made with my GoPro took ride to the Golden Gate Vistors Center and then down into Sausolito ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JNtZxUlB-Fs.html
Great! Thank you for sharing. I just rode up the PCH to Monte Rio a couple weekends ago. I'm still working on the video of the ride up and back. I used to go camping at Dillon Beach every summer and drop crab nets off the little pier near Lawson's Landing. Haven't been in more than 20 years though, as that was with my ex-wife. 😆
Nice combination of narration and background music, Tim. La Gloria Road looked perfect for (re)entering the ADV segment. Not technical but requires a different level of awareness than pavement. That area of higher elevation with oaks and digger pines was nearly therapeutic - much like my area over here in the Sierra foothills and higher - to Lake Almanor. I forget where I saw it but there's far more unpaved roads than paved in the world so plenty of opportunity to explore the roads less traveled.
Thank you so much for the positive support. I love the Lake Almanor area. In 2013, I rode the Mile 100 bicycle century and camped at Almanor. My in laws used to live in Susanville, and we periodically camp at Eagle Lake. We're heading up there in July, I think, and I'll be riding the GS to go and explore a lot of the forest roads up there. 👍🏻
@@twowheeltimmc So, you're a fellow cyclist, too? I haven't ridden much in the past 5 years but plan on resuming as work tapers off. The Chico Wildflower century was recently conducted and was inspiring to see the riders pass through Paradise. To Lake Almanor I take Skyway to Humbug Summit Road (gravel) to the Lake. The Dixie Fire swept through there in 2021 so the scenery is quite stark but still a good ride. Maybe we'll see you up here some time.
I am! Although, I, too, haven't ridden my road bike extensively the past few years. My partner and I have a combined 10 bikes, which includes two ebikes. I also have an ebike adventure channel that's a bit bigger than this one. I only started my motorcycle channel a few months ago. I just love everything two-wheeled! 😆
And I was very saddened when the fire swept through that whole area. I have such vivid memories riding around Almanor and down the pass to Greenville and around the perimeter of the valley to Taylorsville. The climb back to Almanor was pretty intense.
I'll never give up my 1150RT as I just love it! I really wish I could make the MOA rally, but I'm about 3,000 miles away and can't get that kind of time off work. Keep the rubber on the road enjoy the ride! 👍🏻
Thank you. It's called Aquamint, and I've only seen this color a couple times over the years. Since I made this video, I've purchased several items of compact camping gear to take on future motorcycle camping trips. Oh, and I also purchased a brand new 2023 F850GS since this video! 🤣
Thank you so much for the positive support! I did not retire the 1150RT; in fact, I'll soon be editing the video for little road trip I took up the California coast on the RT a couple weekends ago. I definitely plan to keep the RT, which I call Artie, for touring with Elaine and our dog, Hazel. We're just trying to get Hazel accommodated to the Grand Pet Palace I bought to mount on the rear rack. 👍🏻 At this moment, I'm editing some video were I installed new adventure pegs and a mudguard on the GS, which I call Gus. 😆 Stay tuned!
Thank you for the positive support, and I'm happy it helped! 👍🏻 That's interesting, though. Your's does not have the mounting screw on the dash just below the left speaker where the side panel secures to the dashboard?
I actually used hex wrenches; I believe a 4mm for the body, and a 6mm for the air intake tube. As long as you have a set of hex wrenches, you should have it covered. I also used a Phillips head screwdriver for the air filter cover, and a 10mm wrench for the battery terminals. Remember, a Torx head is star-shaped with 6 notches, whereas a Phillips head has 4 notches. 👍🏻 Torx heads are what I need to use on my 2023 F850GS! 😆 Fortunately, on the GS the battery is simply right under the saddle. 👍🏻
@@twowheeltimmc Thanks Tim! That will definitely help! I also have a 2008 F800GS (♥️), but its battery is under the fake gas tank panel, so requires some unscrewing, but not as much as my 2004 1150RT! Hopefully I can do it as fast as in your video! 😅Cheers!
Thank you! I wish I could actually do it that fast!! It's so tedious! It's my fault, though, because I neglecting the poor thing for too long. My 850GS actually has a trickle plug for a battery tender. I wish the RT had that!! All the best, and thank you for the sub! 🙏🏼
Thanks for this. For clarity. To get the number seven bolt, the mirror has to be popped off by pushing the outside corner while holding the back of the mirror. The bolt is under the mirror.
That is correct. You can gently tap the corner of the mirror with your hand until it pops off. The turn signal light has slots and you can turn it to the left to remove it to pull the mirror away completely. When you pop the mirror off, you will see three metal slots on the bike, and on the mirror you will see the three metal protrusions that fit into those slots, which is how the mirror is held so tightly onto the bike. I hope that makes sense. I guess I should do a short video explaining how it works. 🙂
Nice little piece of info to have. That is the last one I lack, and I was thinking that was what I would have to do. Thanks for clarifying. I am past ready to ride.
Nice video Tim, beautiful California roads., am jealous. We have lots of deer and wild turkeys here in my area of Eastern Ontario and I certainly don't want to hit one. Safe riding from a fellow 850 rider, on a 2019.
Awesome! Thank you for the positive feedback. We have great roads here as long as you stay away from major cities and large interstate highways. It can get pretty chaotic at times. With that said, we do have a diverse infrastructure from oceans, to valleys, to mountains, to deserts. I once rode through Death Valley at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and then got snowed in near Yosemite 2 days later. 😆 Keep the rubber on the road, my friend! 👍🏻
Cool video, nice bike. I have a 2019 F850GS its a joy to ride. Suspension / handling is amazing. It’s fairly quick. Great off road. Good tourer too. 👍🏻
Thank you for the positive support. I've had my RT for about 20 years and have been wanting a GS for nearly as long. I finally asked myself, "If not now, when?" Keep the rubber on the road. 👍🏻
Thanks for putting this together… have you tried tent camping yet on the RT? Any thought as a solo rider if you replaced the hard case for a large format duffle? (Im looking to purchase an RT/GS this fall… but leaning on the RT). Looking fwd to part II. 👍
Thank you for the support. I have been tent camping before up in Mammoth Lakes with my girlfriend riding two-up, but that was around 15 years ago. I had our gear in the three hard cases and strapped the tent and our two sleeping bags on top of the side cases in dry packs; it worked pretty well. We always have trouble packing too much stuff, though. 😆 I haven’t considered swapping out the top case for a soft case with the exception that I bought a “Grand Pet Palace” to take our dog along. That was what prompted me to buy the backrest you may be able to see in the video. If I do pull the top case off, I want my girlfriend to still have a backrest. We haven’t actually tried the Pet Palace yet, though. I just published part 2 of the video a few hours ago and I hope you enjoy it. I also made an exciting announcement about future adventures, so be sure to watch until the end. In terms of the RT vs. the GS. The RT is amazing, solid, and a great ride for the long haul. If, however, you want the option for dirt/gravel roads for any distance, you’ll definitely want the geometry and suspension of the GS. Best of luck, and thank you, again, for the positive support! 👍🏼🙏🏼
