DUBLIN, Ireland – October 19, 2008
I purchased a 2001 BMW R1150RT with approximately 99, 400 miles on the clock.
This blog will chronicle my experiences (obsession?) with the bike, particularly maintenance issues. Browse the INDEX for posts.
My maintenance experience when buying the bike was zero – I’d never done any work on a motorbike before. The bike came with practically no service records or history.
Great blog! Must have a read through your archives later, lots of good detail there at first glance. Just bought a 01 R1150RT (blue) myself. Can’t wait to get it on the road once I get the paperwork sorted.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
Congrats on the new purchase! Hopefully you have as much enjoyment as I’ve been having. Let me know if you do any customization or repairs on it. I’m always interested in learning more about the RT.
Hi there, really like your blog.
Can I ask you a question seeing as you have so much knowledge? I have a 2003 R1150RT twin spark. Was hoping to change the spark plugs myself, I have no clue. I believe two of the plugs are behind the covers on the cylinder heads but have no idea where the other two are, there are four, aren’t there?
And what plugs would you recommend?
Thanks in advance and keep writing!
Gerry
Hi,
I took a quick look at my Clymer manual last night. Since I have a single spark I wasn’t too sure about yours. Turns out the procedure isn’t much different.
For the primary spark, pop the cover from the side of the cylinder, pull out HT lead, carefully remove spark plug with spark plug removal tool. Install new one – do not overtighten!
For the secondary spark, according to Clymer, it’s underneath the cylinder and is held in with two screws. Remove the cylinder head protector (black plastic cover that’s intended to prevent scratches and damage) if installed. Remove the two screws and then remove plug. Install new spark plug and replace all covers.
This is a kind of an edited version. Clymer gives more detail. I’ve never done a twin-spark, though it looks simple enough from the manual. In general, changing the spark plugs is one of the easier maintenance tasks.
According to Clymer, the replacement spark plugs are:
For dual-plug ignition:
Primary: NGK BKR 7 ECK
Secondary: NGK DCPR 8 ECK or Borsch YR 6 LDE
If you get the replacement spark plugs, I’d be happy to help you switch them out if you want to meet up.
Also, I thought it might be handy for us “Boxer” owners to have a facebook page where we can trade tips and stuff, so I set one up: BMW RT/GS “boxers” (Ireland).
Good luck!
I am really enjoying your blog! I just purchased a 2002 R1150RT with 113,500 on the clock, no records; and am just getting into the TLC this machine needs. It is in fairly good (maybe great) condition considering the miles. Your blog of your experience with this machine will be a fantastic resourse. Thanks very much!