BMW 2004 R1150RS Battery Replacement

Tutorial on changing battery in older BMW R1150RS model. Process will be similar in -93 to '06 RS and RT. Other models will require loosing and lifting gas tank as well... I think.

[@lukaspriest]

Fantastic video, thank you SO much for making this! I just picked up a mint condition 1994 1100RS with 20k miles and a full service history. My last bike was a Honda GL650, so with the increased speed and power, I can't wipe the grin off my face. I got to know my 650 REALLY well, but now with this RS as my first BMW, I am learning a whole new platform. Thank you again for making such a great video!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Have fun! Know that if it’s a little too much of a struggle getting the battery in or out in this tight space, it’s really not that big a deal to loosen the tank and lift it up (I found this out later)

[@user-jn6lk3dj7d]

Hello James. I just bought a used 1150rs and am baselining the bike. Your video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Glad it helped. Although I realized later - it’s really not much more trouble to take the tank off.

[@SsgtHolland]

Thanks for the video, James. It has helped me a lot!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Glad to hear it!

[@androidemulator6952]

Thank you for your video - interesting it seems the Fuel Tank on a R1150RS is actually a fuel tank, whereas the "Fuel Tank" on the R1150R i was looking at to buy is only a "dummy tank" covering abs pumps and electronics, with - the actual fuel tank actually deep inside chassis.

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Interesting, I had no idea about that. I’ve only owned 2 BMWs and the other was a thumper. Thanks!

[@MrVintagecyclist]

Very informative.

[@Angel_Nbg]

Thanks :) best greeting from Germany

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Greetings to you from California USA!

[@elendshuraglump3620]

Very helpful. Thanks !!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

I’m glad it helped! You’re welcome

[@markmath2883]

Thanks!

[@albertal3]

Thanks James👍

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Glad if it helps!

[@dominicl4096]

Helpful video, bonus was that great shot of the large winged bug that managed to die in your bike…

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

I should make a separate video about that 😉

[@christopherstone76]

Great video!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Thanks!

[@pgoessnitzer]

Very helpful...but what a pain!

[@nickvercampt3943]

Hi James, thanks for the instructional video! How hard is it to do a headlight bulb replacement on these ones? Can't seem to find a video about that.

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Sorry, I don’t know, haven’t done that. But this model seemed to have reputation for having a particularly weak headlight, and rather than trying to change it, I added some much brighter driving lights to the front fairings... and have been very happy with those.

[@nothername2843]

G'day James. Thanks for the straightforward and informative vid mate. I noticed you didn't seem to reset the motronics after the "disconnected battery cables deletes all fault codes and memorised settings"(haynes). I was under the impression that before starting the bike again (after swap over is complete) the owner is advised to "switch the ignition on. Fully open and close the throttle a couple of times - this allows the Motronic control unit to register the throttle butterfly positions via the sensor." (haynes) Did I miss this? Your bike certainly started well and instantly.

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

This is news to me. (Thanks) I didn’t consciously do that, no. But I have had trouble idling with a cold engine for years, maybe that would reset it for me...I’ll try it.

[@andymackellar]

@@JamesCrandallPainting this looks great James.... greetings from Scotland. I have had my 1150 RS for 23 hours now... it does have poor idling especially when cold... also when closing the choke the throttle needs a little blip to allow the revs to drop back to +/- 1000 ... I will try this reset idea and then try to remember to post the result.

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

I do think I was able to do the reset... unfortunately, not long after the braking module stopped functioning correctly. If it’s a goner I might have to mothball the whole rig: not sure I want to spend another US$ 2,0000+ to resurrect

[@nothername2843]

@@JamesCrandallPainting ouch. hope it works out.

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

@Torka. Sport, Comfort, Life Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve watched videos about doing that... I might try and talk an independent mechanic into doing that for me 😉

[@Cool5380]

Thank you :)

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

You are welcome :)

[@gianlucazannini4099]

grazie!!!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Prego

[@pascalchpt5876]

Bonjour, merci pour votre tuto j ai changer ma batterie sans problème, batterie de chez ALLBATTERIES NHI220 NHI218 12V 20 AH dimentions et démarrage impeccable depuis une semaine

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

De rien

[@benjaminlock5623]

I concidering the battery placement an engineering flaw! However they made up for it in the performance department.... LOL

[@josiebellerby3303]

Would you be able to tell me if this process will be the same for the r1100rs 1994 model? Thanks!

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

Sorry, I don’t know.

[@rikardogibola1312]

Ridiculous design.