BMW's R1150 GS Twenty Years On | Long-term Overlanding Review w/

It's been over twenty years since BMW released the iconic 1150 GS. I'm not a moto journalist, I'm not a mechanic, and I'm definitely not a pro-rider. But I am lucky enough to ride this bike all day, every day, so come along for the day and let's talk about this magnificent machine, this legend of a bike.
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See you on the road!

[@touaregstar7135]

Great video,everything you said about the 1150 is true,i own a 2004 1150 gsa,she's a keeper,the emotion you transmit,and convey in your video about your bike, is genuine,and contagious,every old bike has a story,yours has just begun...M.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

@@touaregstar7135 thanks so much for these words, very gratefully received 🙏🏽☺️

[@Dirki1980]

Nice Vid! ❤ As a fellow R1150GS Rider i have two tips for you. 1: The Oil consumption occures because the GS is been put on the sidestand, the oil in the left cylinder stands behind the piston rings, as the engine cools down gaps build because the metal "shrinks" as it cools off. Then the Oil runs between Piston rings and Cylinder wall into the combustion chamber. 2: Roll your Handlebars more up and adjust your levers so you have a more comfortable angle on your clutch and brakelever while standing. You should feel less fatigue in your hands/fingers/wrists. Ride safe and keep going ✌🏻😉

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Good to know, thanks for this and the tip! Glad you enjoyed the vid 🫡🏍️💨

[@daveross7]

Great video mate, I've been looking at getting one as I'm now too old for sports bikes (62 with knackered knees and shoulders) and you've made my mind for me.

[@briangrissom9115]

I’ve been a street bike rider my whole riding journey…decided for something different and just bought a 04’ 1150 GS Adventure. This was inspiring and now I’m even more excited for my first big ride. Cheers!

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Many happy miles to you!

[@williamhudson3208]

I’ve got the blue and white one and I’m keeping it regardless of the other bikes I own. Best all rounder ever. 55,000 mile and going strong.

[@Rockinbiker1946]

I had one 15 years ago that I have regretted ever selling. Riding in all weather conditions and putting on 650 mile days were just a joy.

[@mikaputri8618]

I am from the Netherlands, bought a r1150gs 2 weeks back and started a journey to Portugal. Have done around 6000km in 2 weeks with it, its just wonderfull.

[@allseeingotto2912]

I have an old R1100GS , such as great bike , I just did the Scottish NC 500 on it and it was perfect throughout the 2000 mile trip . I rode the last day from Fort William to Kent in one go , nearly 600 miles and was pretty comfortable.

[@DerAndereMann]

I recently bought a R 1100 GS, had it before two times. I just love pure bike feeling’s…

[@MALVSMACHINE]

Fantastic job Ferdia! She’s a good old girl ✊🏻. I definitely wouldn’t have liked riding my T7 around Scotland but will happily take the GS again. Thank you💎

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Glad you enjoyed Mal, thanks so much for taking the time to chat 🥰 Enjoy Scotland 😎🏍️💨

[@MALVSMACHINE]

@@unOrdinaryWorld cheers dude, Scotland was fantastic but both the GS and I are home and tired. New parts inbound for the old girl as she stopped starting off the button so a bit of diagnosis today and then some shopping 😄.

[@morenachoz]

The GS has always been my dream bike. First came the passion for the Boxer engine, then the love for adventure followed, and there’s nothing better than combining the two-hence my love for the GS. I was born in the '90s, and after watching Long Way Round, who didn’t fall in love with those machines? I want, and will have, an R1150GS, without a doubt a simple and robust machine. Thanks for the video mate. Now I’m following your friend Mal vs Machine and watching his GS series. Cheers and ride safe! Peace. ✌🏻

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Hope you find one for yourself sooner rather than later! 😈 Thanks for leaving this comment, so glad you enjoyed the vid and are enjoying Mals vids too, hes a legend! 😎🏍️💨

[@stanleyfamUK]

Great video!! I bought mine in 1999, he’s 25 this year and still going strong!! I have had 9 bikes since and this and a T595 are the only keepers. In 99 I toured north Africa, a bit before Long Way Round, so I was really pleased when KTM let them down and they opted for the GSA 1150. Mine looks so minimalist, clean and simple compared yo the newer versions. I hope your video inspires more to buy and cherish them. 🎉

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Minimalist is a good description all right, totally agree 👍🏽 happy to hear you enjoyed 😄

[@milankanazir5852]

they not the tractor ( that is hd) it's elefant, I'm own couple mopeds but elefant is for long run, they no like frequently on/off, all the boxesers consumption oil like great long term engines, be force with you

[@revanslacey]

My bum is very sore after 2h on my GSA.

[@maurituomisto8007]

You should ride it standing at times.

[@dorothyrewis9908]

Let’s not go up another narrow mountain road in the rain and mud! That trip scared me. I kept telling myself that you made safely or we wouldn’t be viewing the video.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Funny you should mention.... 🤭

[@jacobac42]

What a wonderful motorcycle. I have a 2001 in the same color scheme that just passed 147,000 miles. While it doesn't do anything the best in performance it does do everything well. But more than that, it is a loyal companion that will always get the job done and always get you home. It's simple and rugged, built in a manner that you can't buy in a modern adventure bike, and feels like it was assembled with care. I've used my 1150's tool kit many times while riding with other people, and not once has it been used on the 1150 itself. It has character too, from the obnoxious transmission to the boxer making a racket at any time and rocking back and forth on startup and shutdown. A great bike that's willing to do anything asked of it. It's certainly not for everyone, but it deserves its place as the bike that defined the Adventure Bike as a genre.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Couldn't have put it any better, you should be doing this review!! Thanks for this ^ ☺️

[@JohnG11000]

Why don't i ride a GS ? Two reasons! One me legs aren't long enough the other my wife doesn't like them she says they're too tall.However we do ride a 2007 R1200R that we love. By the way BMW are the only mature bikes that i would ride any distance with the confidance it would get me home again without a problem. Thanks for sharing, love the video.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed ☺️

[@pdsligo]

1150GS - the only bike with attitude as standard!

[@carllinden533]

I'm looking at buying one of these tomorrow, wish me luck.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

I do! All the best to you, hope it's in good shape 🙏🏽🏍️💨

[@carllinden533]

@@unOrdinaryWorld Didn't turn out, the guy test road it and it started missing.

[@emmetsexton7696]

Great video Ferdia, you are giving Adam at Motology a run for his money with your filming work, epic scenery and camera work. On the GS I think you nailed it with one word …….. simplicity, if anything does break you can fix it or find someone locally to do it and usually cheaply. Most problems are well documented now and the fixes are all available, also doubt you ever have to really worry about bike theft on the road which is a huge relief. Not sure what oil you use but I find they burn less on 20w 50 basic car oil and try leave it on the main stand when over night parking rather than the side stand, but yep they all have a drink problem 🤣. The other great advantage the GS has that you didn’t really mention is the shaft drive, when on a long tour and off road or dusty trails no chain maintenance is a huge advantage. Stopping after a long day in the saddle and wrecked the last thing you want to do is go crawling on the ground messing with a chain and chain lube. Quick correction the first 1150 adventure was introduced in 2002, with single spark and regular abs, no servo or could be ordered without ABS like mine. Many people feel these are the best 1150’s with single spark and simple ABS, again less to go wrong. Enjoying the series keep them coming 👍

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

I'll call Adam up when I'm reviewing the Africa Twin so 😝 glad you enjoyed! And thanks for the correction on the GSA years 🙏🏽

[@emmetsexton7696]

Just don’t expect comfort on the xrv , seat is like a bloody plank 😂. Forgot to add getting a good oil level reading on a 1150gs is an art form, I hear you can do a degree in it along with the new influencer degree 🤣🤣 after a days riding leave it on the side stand for 15 -20minutes you are letting the oil from the cooler drain back down to the sump, this is why the bike hides or seem to loose the oil. Then put it on centre stand and again leave for 5 minutes. Now check oil in sight glass this is the time you will get the correct level. Anywhere around the red dot and even a bit below is is A1 not up at the top as it just seems to go straight out the breather. Check this by opening the breather plug, it’s just near the gear shift under the air box. You’ll see a small black plastic plug there and give it a quarter turn and have a cloth under it as there your lost oil will be found 🤣 don’t over fill the oil, halfway is perfect and waste of time checking it on a cold engine as the level will be all over the place. All this is called character I think 😂

[@benontheroadnl]

Very nice video!

[@joytucker891]

Now I know why you love her so much. She is a beauty inside AND out. And I remember the man calling her a jewel too! Video will mean a lot to bike riders. Very well presented Ferdia. ❤ joy

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi Ferdia, that was absolutely brilliant buddy. Award winning. I love motorcycles and the freedom they give us. I have a Triumph Tiger 1200 gt pro and i love the bike. I Talk to it as if it was my companion. (not lost the plot yet lol) Your motorcycle on the other hand is something really special. The bond where two become one. The memories you have from riding and in your case documented on film. The history of this bike from such a young age. The age of the bike does not look out of place 20 years on, unlike a car. As you say in your vlog. It is not complicated and doesn't need a computer to identify faults and can be fixed easily. Loving the journey.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Thanks so much Paul, happy to hear you enjoyed ☺️ never ridden a Tiger but I love the styling of them, gorgeous machines 😎

[@paulmorris3022]

Its a brilliant bike. Really comfortable,but it is a heavy bike​@unOrdinaryWorld

[@paulsire]

I recently sold my 1250 gs. Souless bike, fast, but souless. Much prefer my t100 and going back to that style of bike. Using my t100 was a joy, and was everything riding a bike should be, on the 1250, it was joyless. Sometimes, a bike can be too good in so many things, but not good at the thing that matters

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Now that's interesting, glad to see someone thinks the same way! Amazing bikes the 1250's, but engineered beyond character indeed 🤭

[@demusicaes]

You´re are motiving me to buy this bike.. very nice video. congrats. Best regards from Colombia.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

@@demusicaes thanks, glad you liked it! 🥰

[@fixedG]

My uncle was my inspiration for finally getting into motorcycling in general and adv riding in particular, even though it took me a long time. He still has and rides the R1150GS he bought new around 2003.

[@Reggie3cl]

Agree with everything you say! I have a 97 1100 (they are similar in many respects) with 90K on the clock. Got back from South America recently, been there twice, Africa twice and New Zealand two up with my wife. It's simple, tough, reliable and comfortable two up and it is now the only bike I own. I have no plans to change it even after riding a 1250 in South Africa for a few days and being worried that my 11 would feel terrible afterwards.😂

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Wow respect to you world-traveller 🫡 you're not the first saying they wouldn't swap for a 1250! Thanks for writing this, great to hear from you ✌🏽

[@Ridersdream1]

A really enjoyable video and a breath of fresh air to see two points of view; someone on an adventure and someone who works on them with the want for an adventure.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Glad you enjoyed! ✌🏽🏍️💨

[@HahnJames]

This was a comprehensive look at your travel companion and faithful steed. It was enjoyable to watch. If she's running well, there isn't much to worry about having to top her up with motor oil often. That is unless it's dripping onto the ground or spraying all over you and other parts of the bike. If that's not happening, there's only one other place that it can be going, through the combustion chambers and out your tailpipe. In the long run, years down the road, a layer of carbon will build up on top of your pistons. This drops engine performance because it takes up space in your combustion chambers. That stuff is really hard to get off of a piston, too. You only need to worry when she starts to lay down a blue-gray smoke screen when you open up the throttle. If and/or until then, keep doing what you're doing. I am eagerly looking forward to your next video.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Thanks so much James 🥰 maybe we'll even get her to the other side of the Atlantic one of these days.... 🤭

[@HahnJames]

@@unOrdinaryWorld Now, that might be interesting ...and dangerous. American drivers, those in four wheel vehicles, at least, consider other people and their vehicles as only objects in their way. It's as if they enter a cocoon or another world when they get behind the wheel. Most of the time, they are not looking for motorcyclists.

[@MyGapYears]

Ferdia, loved the video so much I subscribed straight away to your channel. I ride a 2016 R1200GSA and am taking it overseas next year, and like you there's no time line, no end date, just to keep going while it's fun. My bike has just clocked over 176,000 k's from riding around and through Australia and that amount of k's has created some anxious moments for me as I plan the early stages of my trip. But seeing what you're doing on that 1150 gives me a whole lot confidence. Thank you.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Thanks so much for this, so happy you enjoyed the vid! Wishing you many happy miles with your GSA abroad - no better travelling companion 🥰🏍️💨

[@glennmorrissey2529]

Nice work Ferdia, keep going, my 2002 GSA (Aussie registered) is in Normandie, France with friends, I go back every year since 2021 to ride all over the place. Keep your bike serviced and the oils changed every 5,000 kilometres and she will go forever. Yep, they are extremely heavy, there's no denying it but they soak up kilometres quite easily.

[@kneeslider47]

Thank you Ferdia, for an excellent ‘warts and all’ review of the GS. I have a 2004 GSA and just about everything resonated strongly with me. I know all too well about the ‘picking her up’ bit, having dropped her numerous times on tracks in Northern Ireland! Not a light bike by any means. All the positive points are fantastic though, as you mentioned, especially the overall comfort, handling and ease of maintenance. Slainte mate, and safe riding 😊

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

I'll keep my eyes peeled for you when I'm up north next! I'm not too far away in Sligo, if you're passing drop me a message on insta we'll go for a pint 😄 glad you enjoyed the vid, she's a mighty machine, weight and all 🥰🏍️💨

[@kneeslider47]

@@unOrdinaryWorldI’m planning a ride down around the West Coast in late summer so I may just take you up on that pint! My GS is keeping me entertained with little tantrums currently, but all easy fixes

[@5555S5]

I'd throw some drop bars on, that engine is easy to crack with it sticking out like that. great vid, nice to see your out giving it a go

[@olarubogdan46]

I am very close to getting my bike license and i bought a 1150GS. Can’t wait to ride my yellow legend!

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Congratulations!! Many happy miles together on your yellow legend 😄✌🏽

[@scottastell9415]

Just proves that you don't have to have the latest shiny thing to have some fun on!

[@fabriziom9860]

what kind of motorcycle boots are these?

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

AlpineStars, I forgot what model, but they're waterproof ones for Irish weather 😅

[@goupilrider6658]

Merci pour cette video Ferdia. C est un belle hommage que tu fais à la 1150 gs. C'est aussi à mon avis la plus homogène des GS, simple, robuste, agile, avec un rapport poids puissance qui permet de rouler en sécurité sans assistance électronique. Le hasard à voulu que la mienne soit de 2001, année de naissance de mon premier fils qui aujourd'hui prend un grand plaisir à rouler avec malgré la fougue de ses 23 ans. Cette moto va rester dans la famille un bon moment 😊. Bonne route à toi.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Merci pour cela 🥰 Bonne route à toi et à ton fils sur ta fidèle GS! 🏍️💨

[@flippylid771]

Hey Ferdia, you OK, worry when you don't post for a while and you are in the middle of an adventure?

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

All g! Need to post an update... 😬

[@frazerbond3413]

Brilliant video, there is something a bit special about having a bike passed down from your dad.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

@@frazerbond3413 that there is, the bikes like part of the family, a lot of time has passed under these tires 😌

[@frazerbond3413]

Keep doing it mate.

[@gustavoaguilar7348]

how many km o miles?

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

≈68k miles

[@mollylindell6009]

You always know how to showcase the scenery, the bike and yourself in such a cohesive way. She is lovely and she's certainly served you (and us) very well. Enjoyed listening to Mal's observations. Now, please tell me you'll get a new clutch asap. Ty for a beautiful and informative vid.

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

I'm glad you enjoyed, Molly ☺️ I think we have a long way yet to travel together, this bike and I (and us), let's hope for many happy and safe miles to come 🙏🏽☺️

[@Mrtweet81]

It's nothing in kp/h, miles on the odometer is a measure of length, kp/h is a measure of speed...

[@FlankyFrankie]

Incredibly stupid to ride off road without protection for your own head or the bike's.

[@carllinden533]

Your mechanic friends nose matches the motorcycles headlights!

[@gvnthomas]

Popped along from @malvsmachine channel, some nice content you got here you going to be popping into Mals channel for a chat about something too? I've hit that sub button too. 👍

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Thanks for saying hi! Glad you like the vids, not sure when we'll do something together just yet, but hopefully we will! ✌🏽🏍️💨