How to Adjust Valves & Change Plugs on BMW R1150R / R1100 / R850 Motorcycles || Wheel Stories

Wheel Stories demonstrates how to adjust the valves and change spark plugs on a BMW R1150R motorcycle. The valve adjustment and plug procedure is the same for the BMW R1100 and R850 models.
Wheel Stories link to “How to Change Engine, Transmission & Final Drive Fluids on BMW R1150R Motorcycle: • How to Change Engine, ...
Wheel Stories Camera Gear:
Action Cameras - GoPro Hero 7 Black
Point & Shoot Camera - Canon G7X
DSLR Camera - Nikon D5300
DSLR Lenses - Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm Zoom
External Microphone - Rode Video Micro
Bike Mount - Pedco Ultra Clamp
Helmet Mount - GoPro
Tripod - Joby GorillaPod
Be sure to like, comment, share & subscribe to Wheel Stories. Thanks for watching.
Music from KZbin Audio Library:
Dark Lotus (Sting) - MK2
Power Shutoff - Craig MacArthur
Honey - Corbyn Kites
Blank Slate - VYEN
Above Planets - Patrick Patrikios
#BMW #R1150R #R1100

[@bobbarron6969]

The remark about there being two OT marks cleared up my confusion. Thanks.

[@neetones]

This is a perfect how-to. Concise, quick, but with all the necessary information. Thank you!

[@WheelStories]

You're welcome!

[@ParryPickleballking-es2el]

Best video of KZbin for adjusting the valves. I can't believe other videos are suggesting putting a screwdriver in the sparkplug hole and rotating the back tire to find TDC. Especially when it is so easy to find it properly.....as suggested in your video. Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@WheelStories]

Great point! Thanks for watching Wheel Stories.

[@vibe.shuffle]

Thank you so much for the video! Mechanics in my nation ask a LOT of money for relatively easy work like this and you never know how they treat your bike. So I appreciate your videos so much you have no idea!!!

[@WheelStories]

Very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@markomarkoski8935]

This shuld be example for all instructional videos, amazing, just amazing :)

[@WheelStories]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching Wheel Stories.

[@jeremyroe]

Very clear - Excellent shots of important bits - Very unlike most howto videos on KZbin - Nicely done

[@WheelStories]

Many thanks!

[@danielbanting7557]

Very well done video. Excellent narration and camera work. Valve adjustment becomes a simple operation when so well explained and shown. Out of all the vids I have watched outlining valve adjustment, I would say yours is the best. New subscriber, Dan

[@WheelStories]

Glad you liked it! I appreciate the positive feedback. More videos to come.

[@joggerman1234]

The voice of a man angel

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

It sounds quite complicated when somebody is explaining, but after watching this it feels a lot easier. It is important to do it with patience and carefully in my opinion. Great stuff. Enjoyed it bro.

[@WheelStories]

You're very welcome!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@WheelStories Cool. Great to hear that.

[@Basins]

Awesome. Thank you so much.

[@hpiproceed97pcp20]

By far the best video !!!! Thank u ! Dealer wanted $300 for this simple task

[@MrJimmyTheWimmy]

Loved the video, you done maintenance to this bike by the book. It's just much easier to watch and listen than going through the book. Great video.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you enjoyed it and found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@ZAIBYR]

Awesome video. Thanks for teaching.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you liked it!

[@ioanardelean1936]

Best video ever, congrats. A lot to learn from a professional..

[@WheelStories]

Thanks 👍

[@usbackcountry]

This is the best, most detailed and simply expained, straight to the point video I have ever seen on how to get this job done right. THANK YOU!!!

[@WheelStories]

You bet. I appreciate the positive feedback. Thanks for watching.

[@klaudiuszmirowski5689]

One of the best instruction film i every seen! Good job!

[@WheelStories]

Thank you. Glad you checked out the video. Thanks for watching Wheel Stories.

[@auldflyer]

Excellent presentation.

[@tomjones7593]

Brilliant-best I've ever seen; clear and not assuming too much (Any ?!) knowledge on the part of the viewer I think I would be fairly confident in having a go now Thanks Tom

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for watching the video. Welcome to Wheel Stories.

[@dendonk]

Very well explained video. My R1150 GS thanks you

[@WheelStories]

Great to hear!

[@yamahaengine]

Thank you very much for this video. It is actually a very easy job, done in 30-45 minutes. My boxer feels happier now.

[@WheelStories]

Glad it helped

[@dannyvan5792]

verry good video good explain thank grts from belgium from danny

[@WheelStories]

You are welcome!

[@beef5030]

Mate. Was not expecting such a well put together video. My 02 r1150r thanks you.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@harryohanson]

I find your video to be professional grade. Narration is clear and right to the point. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@WheelStories]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching and posting the comment.

[@texasmr2]

Love this so thank you. I am buying a '03 model that has been sitting for a few years. A few minor issues typical of a stored bike. Can't wait to ride again.

[@WheelStories]

Right on. Best of luck with the new ride.

[@SsgtHolland]

Great instructions, thanks for this!

[@WheelStories]

You're very welcome!

[@taterjones5544]

Outstanding video. Thank you

[@WheelStories]

Glad you think so. Thanks for watching.

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

I really appreciate the 1150r content, especially the technical stuff. For some reason 1150 info is in short supply on KZbin.

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Glad you enjoy the tech videos.

[@777Jan]

Very good video. Clear picture, good explanations. Very helpful.

[@WheelStories]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@jonandrews4493]

Very helpful and well presented video, thanks!.

[@WheelStories]

Very welcome!

[@kevinmcdonald6446]

Well done. Just got a 54k miles R1100R for 1900.00. This video is worthy of a subscribe. Looking forward to learning from you. Thanks for sharing.

[@WheelStories]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching and posting the comment.

[@skullcraftcustoms]

Just got me a police bike. Been redoing everything I can myself. Your video really helped and its easy to follow, to the point and best of all CLEAR well lit video! Thanks Bud!

[@WheelStories]

Glad it helped

[@cbrboy76]

Great vid, thanks.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you liked it!

[@multiflx]

Great video, while the belt cover is off this is a good time to check for wear and tension on the belt. Also it’s good practice to blow out the spark plug holes before removing the plugs to avoid getting junk in the engine.

[@WheelStories]

Good tips. I need to check the wear on the belt. I'm not sure if the previous owner replaced the belt before I purchased the bike. Thanks for watching and posting the comments.

[@risingphoenix1187]

Wow!! I do not own a BMW of this era yet, but when I do, I will feel very confident about completing this procedure on my bike due to this video. Very well done, God bless,and keep up the good work. 👍🏿

[@WheelStories]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikerichey707]

Outstanding video.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you think so. Thanks for watching.

[@amirnadi3155]

Hi thanks for your helpful video how I can Chek my colunt in r1150 roadster I can't find any gaeg thanks egain. Amir

[@yegsy2432]

very helpful thanks

[@WheelStories]

Excellent. You are welcome. Check back for more videos to come.

[@tamerkandaz8161]

Good job thanks for video

[@WheelStories]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching the Wheel Stories channel.

[@CarlosRRT]

Thank you!

[@WheelStories]

You're welcome!

[@user-xi1ku8dv9q]

Bravo! Complimenti, video molto chiaro ed esplicativo. Perfetto

[@WheelStories]

Molte grazie

[@hrmthermalimage]

Great Video

[@WheelStories]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vix750]

Brilliant video, thanks, Vinny. :-)

[@WheelStories]

My pleasure!

Great video. 👍🏻

[@WheelStories]

Many thanks.

[@ivankenny6389]

Good work

[@WheelStories]

Thank you so much 😀

[@samaelic]

Great video!

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for the visit and posting the comment.

[@bmwtravel1100]

Nice video summary of the process. Best practices shown here. One additional comment about the transmission oil change. I strongly recommend you use BMW's own lubricant for the transmission on an R1100 - I dont care what you use for motor oil. I was ready to scrap my R1100RT until I changed the transmission lube to BMW's stuff. Shifting was awful - about like a 1930's International Harvester dump truck. Put in the correct lube and - what?? It shifts almost as smooth as my Honda!

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for the info! Glad you found the video worth watching.

[@Beemerider1150r]

Very well done! It's been a while since I last adjusted valves on an R1150. I remembered the basics but needed clarification. Honestly this is the best video I've ever seen on this procedure. The video and narration is nothing short of professional. I'm on my 3rd R1150, with a little over 100K on an '04 I sold last year. I've got 55K on an '05 RT and it's time for everything you can do when you take the fairings off. SS brake lines & pads, valve adjust, TB sync, new PC680 battery and fuel filter. And new plugs too. I love the RT with all the wind protection but I miss the simplicity of maintenance with the simple R1150R.

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for the feedback on the video. I love the R1150R oil heads. I plan to keep riding mine as long as possible. Regards.

[@marcteleki2801]

I have the bmw r18 do you have a video for the valve adjustment thanks. Great video

[@inch830]

Good job

[@WheelStories]

Thanks

[@nandosillamartinez26773]

Really good and helpful video. Thanks a lot for the content you make and sharing. New subscriber here!

[@WheelStories]

Awesome, thank you!

[@samihasib]

Amazing

[@WheelStories]

Thanks.

[@DomWake-co4fq]

Top job boss

[@WheelStories]

Thanks

[@peterdewaele5698]

thanks nice done man

[@WheelStories]

Thank you too!

[@bradm6205]

Great vid! Thanks. On my old airhead I checked the torque on the head bolts first before the valve adjustment. Would you recommend to do that also?

[@WheelStories]

Good question. I've not explored that recommendation so I'm not sure. I'd have to ask someone who is more familiar with the BMW twin and accomplished as a mechanic for the best answer. Couldn't hurt I imagine.

[@stevenrodgers1855]

Great videos thank you! Used one to change my final drive and gearbox oil last night. I’ve owned a 2004 r1150r Rockster since 2008 which has only done 6k miles, due to it being a second bike and also having a Morgan 4/4 for summer drives too! I’m planning on a trip to Spain (live in U.K.) and wondering whether I take this or something newer?! Appreciate your thoughts and if I were to take it what you would do in preparation for a circa 2000 mile trip! Thanks again. Steven

[@WheelStories]

In addition to having fresh oil and new filter and tires in good condition, I'd suggest looking at the brake and clutch fluids. I typically change these fluids every two to three years. With only 6K miles on the bike, nothing should be too worn. So the bike is in good condition I would imagine. Have fun on your trip. Thanks for watching.

[@jonivarfjeldstad9385]

Greate video, should the adjustment be done on a warm engine? Or can it be done on a cold engine?

[@WheelStories]

Inspect and adjust when the engine is cold. I believe that's the recommended method.

[@edward1979]

Super

[@WheelStories]

Thanks

[@donnieboy123]

Very useful video for diy. Mine Needs a left double ignition valve cover for 2004 and no USA dealers carry it. Parts are very difficult to locate even in used condition.

[@WheelStories]

Sorry to hear about the valve cover challenge. Hopefully the part turns up on ebay or from a used parts vendor. The availability of parts concerns me as well.

[@ParryPickleballking-es2el]

I have always ridden Japanese bikes but I've been intrigued by BMW bikes. I was considering buying a used R1150R but after reading your comment, I'm going to stick with Japanese

[@shaunsh7778]

Nice vid , what weight oil is good to use? U have any videos on throttle cable replacement and the fast idle cable ?? Mine is sticking on fast idle .. no room to get under the abs to lube the cables!

[@WheelStories]

I always use 20-50 or 15-50 weight oil for the engine. I haven't researched the cable replacement. Haven't had any problems with mine yet. Thanks for watching.

[@a.k1311]

Get Some mineral oils!!

[@benjamingarciao4734]

Super well explained thank you!

[@WheelStories]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mhubert10]

I am curious if there was an indicator that prompted you to adjust the valves?

[@WheelStories]

No. Just routine maintenance check of the valve clearances. I don't have my manual in front of me but checking the valves every 6K miles is a good idea.

[@roadwarrior8560]

subbed,

[@WheelStories]

Thanks

[@ijimmythekid6918]

Outstanding video, however, I'm not clear on how the valves should feel once TDC is reached. Once on reaches TDC, do you adjust the cylinder that's on the compression stroke (all 4 valves closed with no rocker arm movement), or is TDC compression have loose valves with rocker arm endplay? I'm confused, lol.

[@WheelStories]

Adjust on side with loose valves and rocker arm movement.

[@ijimmythekid6918]

@@WheelStories Thank you, sir.

[@queduble-ewe6756]

would this be the same for a 2002 R1150RT? Got on near by locally I might pick up as my touring bike.

[@WheelStories]

I believe so. I'd recommend a bit of research just to be sure.

[@mmm4638]

So the OT S1 is the same letters for both sides, the only way to insure is the right OT TDC is the play at the rocker arms which is the only way to insure its the right TDC for the corresponding cyl head? Thank you

[@WheelStories]

That's the easiest way to double check.

[@mmm4638]

@@WheelStories ok so I messed up the timing changing leaking headgasket. Tried fixing it without the front engine cover to see the two crank sprocket, ended up having both at fire which caused a loud crackle backfiry sound. Checked compression both still at 145psi. Now I opened the front engine cover to redo the timing correctly. I have left cyl set at TDC with front sprockets notch down, both rocker arms lose on the left, my question is, on the right cam sprocket, the pin notch should be also up? when left on TDC? Thanks in advance

[@MauroEUA]

Hey Good afternoon. I'm having a problem with the rpm of my bmw 2002 r1150r. When I stop in the signal or I take my hand off the accelerator, the motorcycle dies. I changed spark plugs, new gas, new air filter the mechanic said i have a fuel injector problem... i bought a two new but this has the same problem. what could it be? thank you so much

[@WheelStories]

I suspect the throttle bodies need to be adjusted and synced and the idle set to the appropriate RPM. I usually take my bike to a mechanic for work on the injectors. I don't have the necessary tool to sync the injectors.

[@wyzzardfamily]

Any recommendations for where to buy those valve gap adjustment tools?

[@WheelStories]

I bought mine at Beemerboneyard.com. You can also purchase two sets of feeler gauges at your local automotive store and remove the correctly sized gauges and code them with colored tape. That would be your DIY solution.

[@wyzzardfamily]

@@WheelStories perfect thanks!!! I’ll grab a set, I remember pulling the valve feelers out and back, out and back, looks great how to do it here in the vid! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@parodri]

Buenas …podrías poner subtítulos en castellano ?gracias .

[@chrismchale4280]

It should be noted that there is only one "OT" on the flywheel, not two. The valvetrain turns twice the rate of the crankshaft. This is true for every 4 stroke engine.

[@chrismchale4280]

Whoops, camgear moves at half the speed of the crank...720 degrees of crank to fire all cylinders!

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for the info

[@teucer4]

They were up for charging me for 3 hours labor for this! Told me the tank had to come off etc.

[@WheelStories]

The labor is always the biggest expense at the shop. That's why I picked up on doing the maintenance myself. Save that money for doing rides and trips.

[@leododiaza]

How often valves should be adjusted.?

[@WheelStories]

I believe BMW recommends every 6K. I followed that guideline when the bikes were newer but now I sometimes go up to 10K.

[@leododiaza]

☺@@WheelStories

[@samihasib]

Which one do you like more - the R1100R or the R1150?

[@WheelStories]

I haven't had much experience with the 1100 model. I imagine the 1150 has a bit more power. The two models are very much the same other than the slight size difference in the engine.

[@peterdewaele5698]

y hope you brengin other films on you -tube of this bike BMW

[@WheelStories]

I plan to post more ride videos soon.

[@mdrauh]

Your oil head maintenance videos are great! I’ve followed your abs delete tutorial on a 2004 R1150RT, my first BMW, that I recently picked up. Not knowing where to go with troubleshooting questions aside from the internet, I’d like to request your opinion on driveline play on my RT shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aomYdXaPZdmraaM Is the driveline play shown in the above video normal in your mind? Thanks in advance for your help!

[@WheelStories]

I'm not an expert on the matter but that looks about right. Both of my BMWs do roughly the same at the rear wheel when the bike is in first gear.

[@mdrauh]

@@WheelStories Thanks, I sure appreciate the advice! Please keep up the great DIY maintenance videos on these bikes.

[@howardsheets5058]

Was looking forward to watching your video, BUT I couldn't get past the annoying musical background.

[@auldflyer]

Excellent presentation.

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for watching