For others interested, the "779" belt referred to is the 4PK611779 61mm belt from Continental (Contitech). Most places I found referring to it called it the 4PK611. It took me days to figure this out but your vid was the most helpful of the videos. My bike is an '04 R 1150 RT. Thanks for the helpful video!
I have been watching your videos for the past several weeks, and researching other maintenance tips for my 2004 R1150RT. I am doing the alternator belt tonight to finish up a service that includes new brake pads, brake system bleed (Wheel and Control circuits front and back), fuel filter, air filter, fork seals and alternator belt (pending). You are the man!! and now I feel like the man. Again thanks :-) you probably saved me big bucks.
Just about to hit 50K mi on my GS, and was figuring it was time to do this service along with the other things I have slated. It looks a lot easier than anticipated. Thanks again.
Hi Chris, greetings from Ireland, thanks for your very informative videos, they're such a great source of info and confidence when maintaining my (new to me) R1150RT. Right now I have it up on the stand with the guts stripped out of it! Major service and alternator belt. You're my number one reference for all these jobs, thanks you so much. I was up in your neck of the woods just 18 months ago on my way to Laconia. I have some fuzzy memories about that trip : ) I actually stayed over in Manchester. Pity I didn't know about you then, 'cos I could have dropped in and taught you a few new swear words. Keep up the great work!
Chris, thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone. Just for your notes, at the 36,000 inspection, the tech decided to push off the belt to the next inspection saying they just did not fail early. Just tore down my 2003 1150 RT and the belt has one of the V's shredded. Mileage: 39,536. At least no damage.
Thank you, Chris. Much appreciated. With the additional crash bar on the r1150rt-p, I had to move the exhaust forward until the cover dropped clear. Seven nuts. Pretty easy.
Chris you are the master! My Father and I have enjoyed watching your videos and really enjoy learning about your tips and tricks. We work on his RT together and have for years. Your videos have given us insight and confidence to more intensive services and repairs. Thank you!
Nice video! I live in fear that one day the alternator on my 2004 BMW R1150RT will go. So far there are no issues at 34,000 miles and counting. Any chance of a video/some pointers on what is involved in replacing the alternator?
absolutely fantastic videos a great help for BMW bike owmers. Chris is a true master at his trade and has helped me save a small fortune on repairing my r1150rs which is great as i hate handing over my hard earned money to dealers who love to rip you a new arsehole for the smallest of repairs let alone major jobs which chris and amazing videos shows you how it can be done for a lot less. so thanks chris and crew keep up all the good work and all the best god bless you.
Love the videos.since I've had mine.zero issues but jeez what a job is for anything but your the man and I'm a car mechanic but your teaching me alot of preventive maintenance
Thanks for making this helpful video. On my 1100GS, I was able to remove the cover by dropping it straight down- the headers must be different. I was just barely able to get a torque wrench to work without removing the tank. Nice! Regards from Michigan USA.
For some reason on my alternator lifting screw, it wasn’t stopping when using the reverse mode on my torque wrench at 8nm. The “reverse nut” was still spinning counterclockwise.
Thanks Chris, I've learnt a lot from you about my old 1996 R1100RT. I've just checked my alternator belt and it seemed to be in good nick but I noticed what looks like an oil feed pipe running across it which does not appear in the R1150RT you're showing. Do I have to take the pipe off to change the belt?
Chris, awesome video. I have a 1999 BMW R1100R with about 38k and have an issue that I was wondering if you could give input on. It is in storage now but before this I put in a new battery, an Odyssey, and it died very quickly. Now when I got it started last I had to jump start it using a running midsize sedan to jump start it jump start, it wouldn't start if the car wasn't running. I then would pull the cables once it started and it would die right away. So I think that there is an alternator issue, but could it be only the belt or the whole alternator? Thanks for your help!
nicholsonj2252: Hi, The problem that you've described sounds like the alternator housing is stuck to the support tower. If you gently tap with a soft mallet / rubber hammer you should be able to free it. If the belt was OK just continue riding it until 48,000 miles. Then plan on spending some time breaking the alternator free. Good luck & Happy New Year, Chris
Hi Chris, I have one of the later 2004 models that was switched to the ELAST belt and the "free wheel" pulley system. After doing some research, I've learned that you need a special tool that measures the distance between the two pulleys (116mm). My original belt was the 841 belt. However, the new replacement belt doesn't even come close to fitting over the pulleys (Alternator is dropped to the lowest setting). Should I go to the longer belt in this case or stick with the 841 ELAST belt since that's what was on there originally? Any suggestions for this?
igor; Those last couple of years were a mess! Use the belt that fits. The tensioner is a ridiculous expense, I own one. Adjust for the same tension, basically. You'll know if it is loose, it will squeal when cold at start-up. Good luck, Chris
Chris - another great video which has been helpful . Quick question - got a 2000 model R1100S , 36000 miles . When I get the belt cover off and slacken the 3 bolts the alternator pulley does not drop and the belts stays tight - any thoughts what the issue is . The belt is in good condition so I just re-tighterD everything and left it
My R1100RS has a engine vent connecting line in front of the v belt. In order to replace the belt I need to remove it. What is the torque for the bolts holding this line in place?
Chris on my 2004 r1150rt I have another Allen key bolt there below the bolt is that the one I torque as mine just keeps tightening when I do. Goes way above 8nm. :-((
Chris can I remove the engine front plate on my 2010 gas without disturbing the generator, the front plate is very badly rusted and I could do a good job reprinting if I could get it out. Thanks Duncan Miller
I just bought an '03 1150rt and the previous owner said he just changed the alternator belt. It squeaks for a little while upon starting until the engine gets warmed up. Is it most likely a loose belt? I'd appreciate your advice. Great videos by the way.
I just got a 2004 R1150R with only 5,100 miles. Should I replace this belt just because of the age? The bike has been stored in climate controlled indoor storeage and seems to be in top notch shape otherwise.
I was changing my hall effect sensor today on my 2000 r1100rt and when i removed the alternator belt lower pulley the inner cup was seperated fron the pulley -what do i do now ?
No worries, this is common. Glue the two parts together with anything (Shoe Glue, silicone, JB Weld, or Elmer's) and assemble immediately while the glue is still soft. The rotational position does not matter as long as the 'cup' is centered. If not centered the cup edges will contact the hall effect magnets and you'll need another hall unit. Good Luck, Chris
+frika frikus Hello, belt breakage will not harm the engine as the belt merely drives the alternator. The engine can be operated without the belt but your 'charging system' will not function and your battery will become depleted from use. Thanks.
Thank you very much Chris, i wana change vbelt now but dont know befor wana fix the wheels from motor or not, but if it moves just an alternator wheel i mean dont need fix it befor changing the vbelt, thank you have a nice day
I finished it and it wasnt bad. You just need to pull out the ECU , ABS and wala there it 3 bolts , couple of connectors -out comes the alternator. but now i need to bleed the ABS System 🥴
Chris, as always, thanks for the great vids! I just picked up a BMW R1100S 2004 with only 8k miles. In the past four months, I've put on an additional 4K and am preparing to do the 12k service myself. As the alt belt is 10 years old, should I change it now or wait for the full 24k or 36k service? I'm guessing that the procedure will be the same as the above R1150RT. I'm using your R1100/R1150 videos as guides. Thanks!
I have the same question. Picked up a 2004 Rockster with 3K miles. I've ridden almost 3K more. BMW shop sales to just replace it because of age vs adjusting it. They also said that the instructions for needing to adjust them is no longer needed and the belts will last longer than the instructions say. Any thoughts are appreciated
Thanks for this video! My 99 R1100RT with 87k miles had the belt go out. Had to order belt from germany. The belt separated into 3 loops and there was a piece stuck behind the pulley which came out easily. The bike runs fine so it appears there was no damage to any of the pickups. I am thinking I can just blow the particles out and reassemble. Should I remove the drive pulley and inspect? If so, does the crank bolt loosen CCW? Thanks again!
Oh yes, like a stuck pig! That is the first indicator that the belt is worn or not adjusted properly. Squealing while warm or a burnt rubber smell indicates that the belt is coming apart and will fail very soon.
Hello, I can not turn on the motorcycle. In my bmw r1100rt the maximum oil temperature and 1st gear (but dispay neutral "N")is displayed after turning the key on the FID. The starter is spinning, but the fuel pump does not turn on. What could be the reason? I heard from a mechanic friend that it could be a hall sensor or prevent rotor under v-belt pulley (change possision "tongue")?? Have you any idea ?
A failed hall sensor will render you spark-less. No fuel pump means the pump is not powering up. Is there power at the connector for the fuel pump? Test with a test light. If power is there you'll need to get inside the tank to see if the fuel pump will work or not. It could be seized like the K1200RS video I recently posted. I wish you great luck, Chris
My R1100RS has a engine vent connecting line in front of the v belt. In order to replace the belt I need to remove it. What is the torque for the bolts holding this line in place?
My R1100RS has a engine vent connecting line in front of the v belt. In order to replace the belt I need to remove it. What is the torque for the bolts holding this line in place?
