If you spent the 18 minutes of this video actually doing the work you say you need to do, the clutch would be half way stripped down. You seem to be creating fake drama and TV style jeopardy. Get your sockets out and do some work. Less chat.
Probably no good to you but I had a 2008 GSA 1200. I have a brand new starter motor you're welcome to if it fits. I'll leave you to research if there compatible. Good luck. You'll get there.
Yes you can! I rode a 1989 CBR1000F with 200k on the clock from London to Beijing taking the long way. Brace the subframe with triangles is my only advice...
I recently did a very similar journey. I rode from Andorra between Spain and France to Cornwall, around 1200 miles as I had to avoid the same roads on my VFR. Did it in 22 hours, one stint. You can do it!
No no no! You’re doing it wrong. A Suzuki Vstrom would be a better choice. Everyone knows that only show offs ride BMW GSs They can only be used for coffee shop rides.. (Thought I would beat them to it this time)! Great adventure you’re really testing the old girl!
I lived and worked in Gibraltar for the last 32 years, will keep an eye out for the big yellow,, BTW the clutch is a BIG job on one of those, might be an idea to change the crank and gearbox seal while you are in there. Look forward to watch you get through your to do list, All the best.
I have the 1999 Model...Exactly same colour... Did a 5 Week, 15,000 km half lap of Australia, this time last Year...The Bike never missed a Beat... Took on all Weather, Road conditions from Tarmac to Sand, loose Gravel/Shale, Rocks and River Crossings...Full luggage and often 2 up aswell !! Totally amazed at it's reliability, comfort and the immense Pleasure it gives me always... Never pass up, on any Adventure with this Bike mate...They're built for it ✌️
It will be well worth it mate and you're saving a ton of money by doing it yourself. You'll have a great time riding down there and i'm looing forward to seeing the videos
Incredibly ambitious but if there’s one man that can pull it off……. it’s that guy from The Wurks channel!🤣 Love it mate. Looking forward to the build series and will check out the merch💪
This is going to be epic. Maybe check the valves and just a quick easy suggestion, put lock nuts on the battery cables. They always loosen (leaving you in a lurch) at the wrong time and it’s an easy fix. I’ll be following…I wish right behind you on my 1997 BMW R850R w/ 100,000 miles. It’s going to be an adventure. 👍👍
Best of luck with the preparation! Looking forward in particular to the clutch replacement and throttle body sorting out 🙂 (PS: Don't how you can even ride in the UK without heated handgrips! 😯 Hands of steel!!! )
Don't wish to dampen your enthusiasm, but you're giving yourself a serious amount of work to do, over a very short time. I would split your list into 'must do items' and concentrate solely on getting those done for the trip. The 'nice to do items' can wait until you get back home. I also agree with some of the other comments, advising that you cut out the French leg and get a ferry direct to either Santander or Bilbao. Finally, I'd invest in some european breakdown cover for your journey through Spain and Gibraltar. I'll be watching your next uploads with interest.
Hi mate, quality video. Ive just been on a similar journey in regards to bringing an old gs back to life. It stood for 8 years unused. Took a phenomenal amount of work, hours and parts to get it running again. Ive since done 2 European trips on it. I love it and hate it in equal measure 😂.
Nice to hear you’ve bought one back from the grave. I really enjoy bringing bikes back to life and using them when others wouldn’t. I’m hoping this one has a lot more trips in her yet.
If your doing the clutch just have a check at the rear main seal they do intend to go at the worst possible times my two sence change it. And when you doing your alternator check the wires to your hall efects sensor (ignition sensor) as the plastic shielding intends to be bake to dust if so replace with oem don't get generic as I know first hand and had one fail after 2 years and it's replacement was doa so got good secondhand from bootstrap parts in Holland and all is well. The ticking on these bikes come from two places cam chain tensioner or worn throttle bodies. The easiest way to check if the tensioner has been changed is if the bolt size is a 15mm socket.
Also the adventure bike rider forum has an almost unlimited amount of information and knowledgeable folk on there, all willing to share their knowledge.
Sounds epic mate im looking forward to seeing how it goes! If you change your mind there's a ferry from Plymouth to Santander, takes 48 hours & then you'd just need to cross spain north to south in the final day 😎 you have it all planned anyways
Man, I'm very envious of your planned trip, sounds epic. Is this turning out to be the most expensive 2nd hand bike ever???? Eventually it'll be like Trigger's Grandfathers broom, the only part that will be origional will be the handlebar! 😂🤣😂
You would be more than welcome to come along Mr B. You know it will be 11/10! 😆 I’m hoping this bike doesn’t turn in to another Frankenbike but who knows!!
As far as I know you can drive the peripherique around Paris without any problem, as long as you don't go into Paris. I never have any problems with my old 1100GS without cat. But why not take the ferry to Santander? You can skip all of France and get some rest before you start your trip.
I will look closer at the exact areas I can go to nearer the time but their are a lot of French cities now that have the same. I did look at the ferry but the timings don’t really work. When the ferry arrives in Spain would leave me with very little time to get to Gibraltar.
I have looked into the french ulez stuff and apart from paris i cant work it out. You need a sticker for your bike if its post 2000. My bike is 1995 so i have no chance so will avoid the cities while im there in september. If anybody knows anymore please let us know.
@@alanworkman3040 The way I read it, you only need a sticker driving inside the area enclosed by the peripherique (1st or 2nd?), not driving over it. Further more, the sticker would only be needed within certain hours.
WOW.... that's going to be some ride. Nice to have a whiteboard list but scary to consider the cost, which is why I don't have a whiteboard list for my Triumph.... too long. This is going to be a really interesting series.
@@SidekickSolo no, best not. I have a file with all the receipts for parts I have bought for the Triumph, I have never added them all up..... and I never will!
I had a similar issue balancing my throttle bodies, tracked it down to a broken rubber O seal where the air box tube joins the throttle body. Once replaced no problem balancing, Hope this helps
I'd go to Santander if I was you, There is too much boring straight stuff crossing france unless you have time to go the scenic routes. Basque land is great on a bike and you just head south to Madrid and then cordoba and malaga.
I was looking at doing that but due to when they sail and arrive in Spain it doesn’t leave me the time needed to get to Gibraltar. I don’t really want to drive across France, having done it before in a van I know it’s no fun.
I think it'll be fine with the work you've done so far but you might want to have a look at the clutch before you go. Better to do it now unless you know it's been changed
Gov. No worries , the Yellow beast , ( she needs a name now) show use all the spares u plan to pack for a trip of a life time....u go have fun and enjoy mates...
Something you might want to consider is to check the rear paralever bearings as they are tapered and can fail. Also if funds allow replace the rear wheel bearing because if it’s on 90k the last thing you want is a failed bearing. I have an identical 2001 1150 in the same colour, I replaced the clutch, pushrod and slave cylinder at the same time. I removed the rear frame completely and had it powder coated. Recently I took it Italy covering 3000 miles and all it needed was the oil topping up! Good luck.
@@SidekickSolo If it is slipping you are probably correct however another problem such as an oil leak at the rear main seal or an improperly adjusted clutch could be your problem. The clutch plate thickness can be easily measured when the starter is removed. A new plate is 6.5mm while the minimum thickness is 4.5 mm. I use an appropriate-sized Allen key to measure the thickness. If you do change the clutch for the uninitiated, I suggest you put aside two days for the job. It is not difficult just tedious as much has to come apart. Also, be forewarned, BMW likes to use lots of thread lock on the fasteners. Keep a heat gun + infrared thermometer handy; thread lock releases at between 100 and 125C. The two large bolts that are located at the two swing arm pivot bolts are good examples. If you try to take these two fasteners apart without heat you stand a good chance of permanently damaging the threads in the swing arm. If it turns out the clutch is ok use the money to replace the fuel tank with one that has not been coated inside. The coatings are never permanent and the existing fuel tank represents the greatest risk to your trip.
@@livewire.. thank you for the advice it is appreciated. When I got the bike the original lining had come away and the inside of the tank was terrible. I have already clean the tank and relined it. New fuel pump and filter so I am hoping this shouldn’t cause me any issues on this trip.
You are probably correct in you calculations on costs how ever the himmy would be painfully slow over those distances and riding single cylinder over those distances would shake my teeth out. Also the challenge of doing it on this bike means more to me than taking something new and reliable.
@@andrewoh1663quite the contrary. All the jobs done are easily managed with minimal tools (asides from relining the tank). There are a lot of these bikes with excess of 200k miles on em. From what I can tell the only time-nightmare/expensive job is the clutch replacement.
Thank you all for your comments and support. Please consider subscribing if you haven’t already.
If you spent the 18 minutes of this video actually doing the work you say you need to do, the clutch would be half way stripped down.
You seem to be creating fake drama and TV style jeopardy. Get your sockets out and do some work. Less chat.
Probably no good to you but I had a 2008 GSA 1200. I have a brand new starter motor you're welcome to if it fits. I'll leave you to research if there compatible. Good luck. You'll get there.
@@garethjenkins2879 thanks very much for the kind offer but I have not long replaced the starter.
what brand is the extra front faring in black on your bike?
I did i bought an 2002 1150gs with 98,000 on the clock rode that on some big trips well iver the 100,000+ miles, they really are a great bike
Yes you can! I rode a 1989 CBR1000F with 200k on the clock from London to Beijing taking the long way. Brace the subframe with triangles is my only advice...
I recently did a very similar journey. I rode from Andorra between Spain and France to Cornwall, around 1200 miles as I had to avoid the same roads on my VFR. Did it in 22 hours, one stint. You can do it!
No no no!
You’re doing it wrong.
A Suzuki Vstrom would be a better choice.
Everyone knows that only show offs ride BMW GSs
They can only be used for coffee shop rides..
(Thought I would beat them to it this time)!
Great adventure you’re really testing the old girl!
😂😂😂😂😂 I was waiting it
I lived and worked in Gibraltar for the last 32 years, will keep an eye out for the big yellow,, BTW the clutch is a BIG job on one of those, might be an idea to change the crank and gearbox seal while you are in there. Look forward to watch you get through your to do list, All the best.
Thank you.
It s a he'll of life trip.... I'm exiting for next video
I have the 1999 Model...Exactly same colour... Did a 5 Week, 15,000 km half lap of Australia, this time last Year...The Bike never missed a Beat... Took on all Weather, Road conditions from Tarmac to Sand, loose Gravel/Shale, Rocks and River Crossings...Full luggage and often 2 up aswell !! Totally amazed at it's reliability, comfort and the immense Pleasure it gives me always... Never pass up, on any Adventure with this Bike mate...They're built for it ✌️
Thanks.
Hall sensors. Wiring can be just old. If you want change alternator, go for it. Can be replacement vw/audi/skoda.
Thanks.
Whilst you work on the clutch, better change the clutch slave cylinder. It’s a known clutch killer.
Thanks. I will have a good inspection of it.
So looking forward to the future posts and adventure series ...thank you
Travel/recovery insurance will be best thing, because you once you have it you don’t breakdown 😅
I like living dangerously so don’t usually bother but I think I might look at it this time.
It will be well worth it mate and you're saving a ton of money by doing it yourself. You'll have a great time riding down there and i'm looing forward to seeing the videos
Thanks. I hope you enjoy them.
Incredibly ambitious but if there’s one man that can pull it off……. it’s that guy from The Wurks channel!🤣 Love it mate. Looking forward to the build series and will check out the merch💪
Thanks buddy. Hopefully that guy from the Wurks might put in appearance to help 😉
Thanks for the vote of confidence pal… lets see what we can do??? 😂
This is going to be epic. Maybe check the valves and just a quick easy suggestion, put lock nuts on the battery cables. They always loosen (leaving you in a lurch) at the wrong time and it’s an easy fix. I’ll be following…I wish right behind you on my 1997 BMW R850R w/ 100,000 miles. It’s going to be an adventure. 👍👍
Thanks.
Best of luck with the preparation! Looking forward in particular to the clutch replacement and throttle body sorting out 🙂
(PS: Don't how you can even ride in the UK without heated handgrips! 😯 Hands of steel!!! )
Thanks. Luckily I’ve not had to put up with the cold yet so the heated grips are now a must.
Talk to motorworks for parts new and used and great advice. Seems a lot of work in a short time but looking forward to it. Good luck
Thanks.
Don't wish to dampen your enthusiasm, but you're giving yourself a serious amount of work to do, over a very short time. I would split your list into 'must do items' and concentrate solely on getting those done for the trip. The 'nice to do items' can wait until you get back home. I also agree with some of the other comments, advising that you cut out the French leg and get a ferry direct to either Santander or Bilbao. Finally, I'd invest in some european breakdown cover for your journey through Spain and Gibraltar. I'll be watching your next uploads with interest.
Your not dampening my enthusiasm, I completely agree with you.
Hi mate, quality video. Ive just been on a similar journey in regards to bringing an old gs back to life. It stood for 8 years unused. Took a phenomenal amount of work, hours and parts to get it running again. Ive since done 2 European trips on it. I love it and hate it in equal measure 😂.
Nice to hear you’ve bought one back from the grave. I really enjoy bringing bikes back to life and using them when others wouldn’t. I’m hoping this one has a lot more trips in her yet.
Just subbed mate. Got to look out for a fellow Northants Vlogger 😊
I hope all goes to plan, it sounds brilliant 10/10 for having a go and good luck
Thanks.
Wow that's going to be some adventure and I am sure you will have a fantastic time.
Thanks.
If your doing the clutch just have a check at the rear main seal they do intend to go at the worst possible times my two sence change it. And when you doing your alternator check the wires to your hall efects sensor (ignition sensor) as the plastic shielding intends to be bake to dust if so replace with oem don't get generic as I know first hand and had one fail after 2 years and it's replacement was doa so got good secondhand from bootstrap parts in Holland and all is well. The ticking on these bikes come from two places cam chain tensioner or worn throttle bodies. The easiest way to check if the tensioner has been changed is if the bolt size is a 15mm socket.
Thanks I will change the seals while there. I’ve checked the cam chain tensioner and it is the standard one.
IT WILL BE A GREAT TRIP ,
Good Luck with your maintenance,
Fingers crossed 🤞
Thanks.
I’m definitely in for watching this.. can always join you for a beer and turning some spanners too 😂
It would be good if you could buddy. A man with your know how would be very useful.
Also the adventure bike rider forum has an almost unlimited amount of information and knowledgeable folk on there, all willing to share their knowledge.
Thanks.
Blimey , you don't do things by half do you . 😂 brilliant challenge 👏
If it wasn’t a challenge it wouldn’t be fun 😆
Sounds epic mate im looking forward to seeing how it goes! If you change your mind there's a ferry from Plymouth to Santander, takes 48 hours & then you'd just need to cross spain north to south in the final day 😎 you have it all planned anyways
Thanks mate. I did look at that but I think crossing Spain in one day may be a bit to much. I will have another look tho.
@@SidekickSoloit would take you 2 days to do Santander to Your RV point
I did it back in 2008.
You’ve got your work cut out, but if anyone can square things away it’s you in that I’ve no doubt.
Look forward to the adventure.
You’ll love Morocco
@@norriemasson4080 thank you.
Man, I'm very envious of your planned trip, sounds epic. Is this turning out to be the most expensive 2nd hand bike ever???? Eventually it'll be like Trigger's Grandfathers broom, the only part that will be origional will be the handlebar! 😂🤣😂
You would be more than welcome to come along Mr B. You know it will be 11/10! 😆 I’m hoping this bike doesn’t turn in to another Frankenbike but who knows!!
Top tip.. Dont bother with plastic fuel cans, they pop with the heat. Use 2L coke bottles, they are designed to take the pressure!
or a 1 L bottle fuel specific bottle you buy them at any store
I am dreaming it, you are doing it. Best of luck.
Thank you very my. Really appreciated.
Great Vlog Daren I’m excited about your adventure 😊
Thanks.
I’m afraid your bike will be too fast for him to keep up. Seems obvious to me. Mismatch dot but good luck. I like your attitude. 👍
Yay just spotted the Vespa in the corner :)
She is still about.
As far as I know you can drive the peripherique around Paris without any problem, as long as you don't go into Paris. I never have any problems with my old 1100GS without cat. But why not take the ferry to Santander? You can skip all of France and get some rest before you start your trip.
I will look closer at the exact areas I can go to nearer the time but their are a lot of French cities now that have the same. I did look at the ferry but the timings don’t really work. When the ferry arrives in Spain would leave me with very little time to get to Gibraltar.
I have looked into the french ulez stuff and apart from paris i cant work it out. You need a sticker for your bike if its post 2000. My bike is 1995 so i have no chance so will avoid the cities while im there in september. If anybody knows anymore please let us know.
@@alanworkman3040 The way I read it, you only need a sticker driving inside the area enclosed by the peripherique (1st or 2nd?), not driving over it. Further more, the sticker would only be needed within certain hours.
Got your work cut out there mate. Hope you get it sorted in time without any hitches. Fingers crossed...
Thanks.
Class trip looking forward to your preping...Grest channel...
Thank you
WOW.... that's going to be some ride. Nice to have a whiteboard list but scary to consider the cost, which is why I don't have a whiteboard list for my Triumph.... too long. This is going to be a really interesting series.
Thanks buddy. I’m not sure I’ll be putting costs on the white board, that might get scary 😆
@@SidekickSolo no, best not. I have a file with all the receipts for parts I have bought for the Triumph, I have never added them all up..... and I never will!
Very ambitious list! Best of luck!!! 🤞🤞🤞
Thank you. Watch this space.
Looking forward to seeing your progress and hope you succeed
Thank you!
You are a very brave man!
Brave or stupid?
@@SidekickSolo 😉 I’d say brave! The GS will probably run like a clock. You put a lot of love in it. She‘s a runner!
Sounds like a challenge within a challenge bud. Good luck
Awesome mate. Bloody awesome 👍🏻
Thanks.
I had a similar issue balancing my throttle bodies, tracked it down to a broken rubber O seal where the air box tube joins the throttle body. Once replaced no problem balancing, Hope this helps
Thanks. That is a help. I will double check.
I'd go to Santander if I was you, There is too much boring straight stuff crossing france unless you have time to go the scenic routes. Basque land is great on a bike and you just head south to Madrid and then cordoba and malaga.
I was looking at doing that but due to when they sail and arrive in Spain it doesn’t leave me the time needed to get to Gibraltar. I don’t really want to drive across France, having done it before in a van I know it’s no fun.
I think it'll be fine with the work you've done so far but you might want to have a look at the clutch before you go. Better to do it now unless you know it's been changed
Thanks. Clutch is first on the list to do before I go.
Good luck
Thanks
Good luck with the build. Sounds like HH had the cheapest & easier option, fly & hire.🤔
Yes for sure but where would the fun be in that 😂
@@SidekickSolo After having half the Sahara in your 🩲you may want an easy on the butt journey home.😂
Gov. No worries , the Yellow beast , ( she needs a name now) show use all the spares u plan to pack for a trip of a life time....u go have fun and enjoy mates...
Thanks mate that’s really good of you. Really appreciate it. I’ve been calling her yellow or big yellow. Might have to think of a better name.
Might want to look at solid push rod upgrade at some point too.
They are on my list but at a cost of £120 for all 4 i think they will have to wait a little longer.
@@SidekickSolo It’s not an essential upgrade, just removes the valve train noise.
Something you might want to consider is to check the rear paralever bearings as they are tapered and can fail. Also if funds allow replace the rear wheel bearing because if it’s on 90k the last thing you want is a failed bearing. I have an identical 2001 1150 in the same colour, I replaced the clutch, pushrod and slave cylinder at the same time. I removed the rear frame completely and had it powder coated. Recently I took it Italy covering 3000 miles and all it needed was the oil topping up! Good luck.
You don't need to remove the tank to change the battery.
What are you basing the need to replace the clutch on? Have you measured the thickness of the current clutch plate?
It slips. In some gears when accelerating hard it will slip. Given the mileage and age I would have thought it is about at the end of its life.
@@SidekickSolo If it is slipping you are probably correct however another problem such as an oil leak at the rear main seal or an improperly adjusted clutch could be your problem. The clutch plate thickness can be easily measured when the starter is removed. A new plate is 6.5mm while the minimum thickness is 4.5 mm. I use an appropriate-sized Allen key to measure the thickness. If you do change the clutch for the uninitiated, I suggest you put aside two days for the job. It is not difficult just tedious as much has to come apart. Also, be forewarned, BMW likes to use lots of thread lock on the fasteners. Keep a heat gun + infrared thermometer handy; thread lock releases at between 100 and 125C. The two large bolts that are located at the two swing arm pivot bolts are good examples. If you try to take these two fasteners apart without heat you stand a good chance of permanently damaging the threads in the swing arm.
If it turns out the clutch is ok use the money to replace the fuel tank with one that has not been coated inside. The coatings are never permanent and the existing fuel tank represents the greatest risk to your trip.
@@livewire.. thank you for the advice it is appreciated. When I got the bike the original lining had come away and the inside of the tank was terrible. I have already clean the tank and relined it. New fuel pump and filter so I am hoping this shouldn’t cause me any issues on this trip.
Throttle bodies…
The pieces of rubber that come from the engine to the throttle bodies get hard a deteriorate.
Change those 1st.
Thanks I will have a look and replace.
fairplay gonno be an awesome adventure my bets are closer to 6000 miles free sticker if i win?😛
😂 when I get some stickers here their will be one for you anyway buddy.
sweet itll go with my mug & tshirt😁
@@hornet-cb2000thanks for the order buddy. I was blown away when someone actually bought some of my merch!!
Where’s the Vespa?
If you look closely you will see it hiding in the garage. I still have it. Just not used much this year.
Here, have some dosh, looks like you need a hand
WOW thank you that’s amazing. Really appreciate it. 😊
Should have bought a Honda.
For the cost of fixing that heap of sh1t you could buy a brand-new bike. Like a KRL or a Himalayan. Both far better offroad.
Here we go!! 😂
Maybe the R1150GS is a beautiful classic old machine that is desirable for its ruggedly simple design.
@@GadgetMart I wouldn't call it simple. From these videos it appears to be an engineering nightmare!
@@andrewoh1663 Or maybe it’s a 20+ year old vehicle with almost 100,000 miles?
Glass half full or half empty?
You are probably correct in you calculations on costs how ever the himmy would be painfully slow over those distances and riding single cylinder over those distances would shake my teeth out. Also the challenge of doing it on this bike means more to me than taking something new and reliable.
@@andrewoh1663quite the contrary. All the jobs done are easily managed with minimal tools (asides from relining the tank). There are a lot of these bikes with excess of 200k miles on em. From what I can tell the only time-nightmare/expensive job is the clutch replacement.