Riding The Cheapest High Mileage BMW 1150 GS To The Sahara Part 1

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks for watching. Please leave a comment and give it a thumbs up!! It’s greatly appreciated.

[@markhinde6187]

Just pretend it is an old British bike "oil leaks expected" and just top it up when needed.... Sorted LOL

[@davidlutton4560]

Sorry, only starting to watch your Africa trip videos today. Absolutely fantastic footage and that boathouse was a very nice treat indeed, after 3 long days in the saddle. Glad that pesky oil leak hasn't hampered your trip too much, but I was carrying the burden of worry with you as I watched the video!! Very much looking forward to watching your other videos on this trip. Take care for now.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of it.

[@ClintHornsby]

Mate, this is one of the best BMW GS1150 vids ive watched. Honest, bare bones , mistakes the lot. Thank you for posting dude. What You have taught me is invaluable.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you for an awesome comment.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

811 miles on the first day :0 wow that's hardcore. Enjoy your trip

[@SidekickSolo]

I’ll get to the 1000 on day.

[@dutchsailor6620]

As for the oil leak I would first try to locate the source of this leak. If it comes from the outside then don't worry about it, as long as there is oil visible in the window when the bike is on the centerstand you're ok. If it comes from between the engine and the gearbox it can be more of a problem because it would indicate a leaking seal somewhere close to the dry clutch and can get you into problems further down the road . Also rub some oil between your fingers and smell to determine if it's motor or gearbox oil.If it is gearbox oil make sure that you top of your gearbox on regular intervals. My 1100GS always has some oil film around the left side of the engine, keeps the rust away and the left boot waterproofed. Looking forward to see part two.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Brilliant episode and so well done - so far so good, brilliantly produced video .Over 800 miles in one day is an amazing achievment, I managed 652 many years ago on a GS850 and I was truly knackered !.Very much look forward to the next instalment - all the best .

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks a ton!

[@davog1946]

If there are any non bikers watching this, that is bonkers millage, even more so on a fresh rebuild. Love your anti modern adv rider attitude, don’t need a £20k bike and apple car play!

[@SidekickSolo]

More fun on the older bikes. Even if you do have a few issues 😆

[@jonford6119]

That oil leak was about a tablespoonful overnight. A GS 1150 takes 3.75 litres of oil. As long as it doesn't leak any more it won't be a problem. You can also minimise oil use by not leaving it on the side stand (causes a bit of ooze into the left pot, not a lot)

[@JIMWSMITH]

You don't know the outcome then 😉

[@jonford6119]

@@JIMWSMITH No, I don't know the outcome for sure. But I have done well over 200,000 miles on BMW GS's (R850GS and R1150GS Adv), and I have a pretty good idea about whether a bit of a dribble from a seal that's not seated quite right is likely to suddenly and catastrophically give way. As I said, as long as it doesn't get any worse, it'll be OK. Anyway, we'll see over the next couple of videos, won't we?

[@lewistaylor1965]

What a great series of vids...Closest thing to doing it without leaving the house...I can't stop watching them...Big thanks!

[@SidekickSolo]

Great to hear. Thank you.

[@HelmetHead]

Awesome start to your epic adventure what an achievement.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks mate.

[@garethstarkey7560]

Are you sure it’s not the gearbox oil as far as I can remember that’s a hard one to keep an eye on. I did find that my RS would drink oil on short trips but on long trips little to nothing. But just back 2 week from my trip to Spain from Ireland and loved every minute so much when boarding the ferry home I nearly turned round and went back😂. Enjoy and be safe.

[@johnhawden4118]

My 2001 1150 GS (yellow of course) has done 132 000 miles on the clock ..but nearer 140 000 miles in reality. In Belgium last year the starter failed, but I stripped it and fixed it at the side of the road. It screwed the battery though but got one in rural Beldium within 2 hours :-). Great vid. Ive pensioned it off and bought a 2002 GSA. Rock on.

[@rickibenka9497]

Nice video of your journey before meeting up with HH. Fingers crossed the leak/weep doesn't get any worse. Enjoy your adventure with 'His Lordship'. I'm checking his channel as well. 👑👍👍

[@OARotifa]

All the best… I guess the bike with the leak will go and come back no issues… it’s that strong. Have fun and enjoy this awesome trip…

[@een705]

Nice to see you on the road and looking forward to next episode

[@stephenmcqueen4029]

Looking good. Thanks for sharing

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks for watching

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks for watching

[@fionacorbett1075]

Well done Darren. Did I mention I bought you your first bike (okay push bike 😂). Aunty Fi xx

[@SidekickSolo]

Did you? You haven’t mentioned it before 😂

[@fionacorbett1075]

😂

[@jonford6119]

GS fuel guages are not linear. The first 'half' a tank lasts for about three times the second 'half'. When they say they're empty there's usually a fair bit left, and getting them to completely fill up takes ages. When the nozzle clicks off you're about 2 litres from full. A GS also doesn't register the correct amount when it's on the side stand. Pop it on the main stand.

[@alexmitchell9561]

Nice vid cous! Enjoyed the journey with you thoroughly, I have full faith in old yeller. Looking forward to the next chapters!

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks mate. I’m glad your watching.

[@davidherringgo]

I just did a 800 miler took me the same 18 hours coming back from the BMW 100 year anniversary in Alabama. 65 k. attendance. The weather was fantastic, had a good trip. My 1st one. Going camping again next wk. end . Lo❤ve going bike 🏕

[@SidekickSolo]

Sounds like you had a good trip. Ride safe!!

[@davidherringgo]

What year is your BMW? I'm going to show it to a service manager at BMW he has a 2004 GS .

[@SidekickSolo]

@@davidherringgo it’s a 2000 with 94,000 on the clock.

[@norriemasson4080]

Look’n forward to the remainder of the videos and your Adventures. I hope Old Yella is a keeper despite the setback on the way home.

[@andrewscultety149]

Good job! Stay safe and don't worry too much over the little oil leak, just top it up when necessary and take care of it when you're back home.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks, will do!

[@UKPete]

Great video, Gripping stuff with the oil leak. Hope it oil pans out well the end for you if you pardon the pun.

[@SidekickSolo]

Nice pun 😆 the next episode will be up tomorrow fingers crossed.

[@firestorm755]

Don't feel disheartened. What an achievement. Keep going!!! Remember that each day accumulated oil on the underside of the bike will look worse. It might not be leaking badly just annoyingly. If you can keep on top of wiping the excess off it'll be ok I reckon

[@TheWurks]

Fantastic watch! Fair play pal..

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank buddy. It has taken a while to get this one out but hopefully I can turn the next ones out a bit quicker.

[@TwoHawksHunting]

That is a very nice looking GS. Happy trails to you. 3:41

[@LRD90]

Hi, it’s great to see you starting your journey, especially after all the issues you’ve overcome.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@TheGouche69]

Com' on Gov. , trust the old yella faithful mate ....she is a beaut and will get u there and back in a hop scotch ...keep the throttle full open and up on the back wheel , safe travels mate..

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks mate.

[@neonsheepspringroll]

drop drop marks the spot old yella was here XD looks like you found really good places to stay & awesome scenic route

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Great to see you and Yella on the road after all the work. That was a looooong first day and a proper try out for the two of you. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks 👍

[@chrisgough9787]

Tracking down the miles there .and oil leaks not to bad glad Tank bags Comeing in handy Safe trip 👍☘️😎

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks bud. That tank bag is awesome.

[@s9enny]

Well done mate I’m a little bit jealous. Love an adventure. Done a solo trip to south of France on my own a good few years ago loved it good luck

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks.

[@JohnG11000]

Great to see you on the road,shame you didn't have a week or two test riding before you set off,Fingers crossed it stays managable.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks 👍

[@alanhowatson3462]

Looks a great ride, I did all around France this year on my gs and loved it. Looking forward to your next vlog 👍 keep up the good stuff

[@SidekickSolo]

Nice one!

[@MarkOneMoto]

Just stumbled across your channel and really enjoyed that video, very well edited and put together, hats off to you! 👏🏼…rsmf, Mark

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you.

[@GerryPowell-r6s]

Doing well,at all costs do not overfill these engines,always check when hot and half way on the sight glass.Also take the bung under the airbox out and check for oil accumulation and drain if so,good luck

[@philt1719]

100%, looks overfill to me, which will fire oil in to the airbox (which will have a 20+ year old o ring on the plug), this is the most likely source of the oil leak 👍

[@martinhughes9769]

Did you have a bird in that top box ,hell of a tweeting when you was filling the tank, been there stressful long day in the saddle then worrying about fuel, 🍻 and fudge not bad, big miles in one day not just for you but the bike , can’t believe how quiet the roads are ,enjoyable video lovely place to stay the boathouse 😊

[@unOrdinaryWorld]

Great to see another ole girl on adventure (GS...not you 😜). Currently on mine, 03, in Greece from Ireland with much more east to go 😈 looking forward to more ✌🏽🏍️💨

[@SidekickSolo]

Safe travels buddy.

[@janharmenhoekstra]

I am impressed! Wow, more than 800 miles in one day. I really feel sorry for you for the oil leak. Try to use some thicker oil. It’s warm enough. Most important tip: don’t think about the oil issue too much. Look around. Try to enjoy it! All the best! Looking forward to Africa shots.

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you and thanks for the buy me a coffee. Really appreciated.

[@alanalan3290]

Great video and really enjoyed following your journey. Liked and subscribed weeks ago when you first purchased Old Yella and all your trials and tribulations to get the bike running properly and reliably and enjoyed your updates on fb. Looking forward to watching the rest of your trip and your visit to Morocco 👍

[@SidekickSolo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@rottieman347]

Great video and stunning final stopover. I'd be concerned about the oil leak coming from the gearbox. The amount of engine oil your're burning is quite normal for the bike and I know you have changed the gearbox/clutch seals before the trip but that would be my guess. Have a great trouble free trip. Ride safe

[@reinmansmith]

Well edited video and has the makings of a great trip…. Wouldn’t worry too much about the oil leak if it stays as it is…. “They all do that sir” 😂

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks 👍

[@ollieolllie]

Great video! Enjoy the ride

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks.

[@ben_sch]

Nice video! What mount system are you using at the dasboard for the phone (and camera)? Looks very well positioned!

[@markrobinson9659]

Fair play mate for going for it if it was me I would of s..t myself and turned back but that’s just me I need every thing to be right atvb stay safe

[@bigearsboy]

Great video

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you.

[@boxercup1]

Giving me an incentive to finish my 1150GS restoration. Not finished watching this yet…..oil leak could be crank seal? Not a small job 🙈 but not catastrophic…just keep topping up , or the oil pressure switch 👍🏻(imagine your probably home editing by now anyway?)

[@GPR111]

Fantastic, that first day must have been a killer. Cant keep that pace as it will make the trip a misery if you dont get decent down time. The oil leak a bit of a pain but as long as the level is good and no risk to the motor I think you will just have to accept its there. Just means keep checking as you are I am sure. What an adventure. Hope all is well and Well Done so far 👍 Envious 🙂

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks.

[@rogerferbrache486]

Hope it’s not a sad ending like the film but your playing a blinder maybe the fuel you spilt is making the leak look worse good luck Roger

[@Delawiz]

The 811 got me tired just seated on my sofa.Sorry for the oil leak mate. You can repair it mid journey or else you will not stop thinking about it.

[@tadasj.1152]

Your video way more interesting than helmet head’s . (Lord) well done . 👍

[@philsorah990]

We've done a similar trip to Morocco albeit via 4wd not on a motorbike. As you show in your video the difference between the volume of traffic on French and Spanish motorways v the UK is marked. Apart from having to knock out the miles, I'm sure you found it a much more enjoyable and relaxing experience riding in Europe. Enjoy the rest of the journey.

[@SidekickSolo]

So much easier driving out there. Easy to do those miles.

[@Geshmaal]

Tbf France and Spain have better long distance, high speed rail routes than the UK in addition to lower population density and more toll roads. Essentially they have better options for long journeys than just using the motorway, in addition to having proportionally better investment in road infrastructure form the size of their respective populations.

[@marcusisacson]

1300 km in one day - that's impressive! I have done 800 km a few times and that's intense 😳 😝

[@SidekickSolo]

It was hard work that’s for sure.

[@davidmatthews3093]

A great video. Thank you for posting it. It’s a shame that you had to blast through so quickly but I understand your time constraints. Oil leak aside the old yellow seems to be up to the job. Keep the videos coming. 🙂🙂

[@SidekickSolo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pj1lorens]

You haven't had much luck with oil seals on that bike, ( Ref to crank seals being replaced twice ) and you haven't had any real time for test runs before this long trip either, makes for more interesting times if nothing else lol. 811 miles in one day, that's nearly doubled my best, and your not far off Iron Butt standards. Well done to you,,

[@vetworker]

What a bloody awesome adventure. I’m wondering if it’s just a knackered gasket. Maybe a bit of gasket seal will remedy the oil leak. Since I don’t have a bike licence and couldn’t be bothered to do my CBT I recently rode 2356 miles around Great Britain on a 50cc scooter as I’m an old git and have grandad rights to ride a 50 without loser plates. Watching you and HH I’m no tempted to get a 125 and do Europe. Great video, very envious and want to be doing this myself.

[@SidekickSolo]

I would definitely recommend getting a 125 and getting out on it. You won’t regret it.

[@rzwolschen]

I also happen to own a yellow R1150GS which has 131.000 kilometers on the odo. It has never let me down en rides great. May I ask which brand topcase your bike is carrying around? It looks pretty practical. Enjoy your beautifull machine on your journeys.

[@SidekickSolo]

@@rzwolschen thank you. The top box is does not have a brand. It was from ebay and was very cheap compared to the branded ones. I am very happy with it.

[@owenfarmer4197]

800 in a day reminds me of Marseille to Tooting in a day didn’t want to go near the bike again for a fortnight and my girl friend didn’t speak to me for longer … That oil leak v how much oil you were using did you over fill it?

[@motorcyclistfromholland8856]

Save journey! TIP, set the volume of the music softer when you are speaking.

[@firestorm755]

Bike looks awesome

[@MrVulcan1963]

Bike looks good, and I’m glad you’re on the road. Did you ever make a video of the costs involved in refurbishing your bike? Good luck with the rest of the trip.

[@SidekickSolo]

Not yet!

[@WiltshireMan]

Good effort man, sorry to hear about the oil leak coming back after all that hard work. I wonder if the main bearings are slightly worn and causing the crank to wobble a bit? This could possibly prematurely wear the oil seal?

[@SidekickSolo]

Could be

[@martinslocombe2288]

I`ve had loads of BM flat twins only ever had one oil leak when i reused a sump gasket , Dont ever do that ! luckily i`d stopped to fill up with fuel and lost the oil all over the forcourt .The Garage wasn`t pleased , I could have been on the motorway doing 90 mph. Where does it leak exactly ?

[@alananderson6477]

Thanks

[@SidekickSolo]

Thank you very much. That’s greatly appreciated.

[@DeanHepburn-rd3li]

Could you share your route please. I’d be most interested to know your route through France and Spain and where you stopped.

[@SidekickSolo]

To be honest it was google maps and the quickest route. The plan was just to get there as quickly as possible.

[@SidekickSolo]

To be honest it was google maps and the quickest route. The plan was just to get there as quickly as possible.

[@S.and.K-Works]

Don’t leave these on the side stand overnight they do leak, as well as leaking into the left pot. Also I don’t run them on the upper oil limit , always about half way as the crank case pressure is higher on these air cooled ones, as the outside temperature isn’t regular and hotter the are, the higher the pressure. This normally happens after long motorway runs, i.e. 811 miles. I wouldn’t worry to much it’s a dry clutch, a leak from that end is the worry, clutch and Hall effect don’t like oil!

[@alananderson6477]

Great work keep it up

[@SidekickSolo]

Thanks, will do!

[@rosshannemann7772]

Always had a thing for bmw flat twins , just have to get my bike license 😂

[@ntrblade1970]

811 miles 😮legend

[@davidellis2021]

Maybe I missed something, but isn't that a gearbox leak, in which case are you checking the wrong oil level?

[@SidekickSolo]

It probably wasn’t shown that well in the video but it was definitely coming from the engine and travel down the bike.

[@davidellis2021]

@@SidekickSolo Ok, that's good. I didn't think you could make a mistake like that. Good video.

[@MosesRides]

If you haven’t already, use anti vibration phone mount. Looking at how much it was shaking, the vibrations will destroy your phone’s camera.

[@marcusisacson]

There's not any "chance" it might be radiator coolant leaking?

[@SidekickSolo]

Definitely oil.

[@johnvillanueva143]

What windscreen set up is that?

[@MsDenver2]

Maybe the oil leak is worse when the oil is very hot so thinner and can escape easier.

[@jamesw93951]

Been waiting for this not watched helmet heads vids because I wanted to wait and see if you did it and watch here

[@SidekickSolo]

Wow thank you. I will try and get the next ones out a bit quicker.

[@SidekickSolo]

Wow thank you. I will try and get the next ones out a bit quicker.

[@stevemorris122]

800 miles in a day…..hell yeah. I think it’s already been mentioned but the old boxers hate too much oil. Half way up the sight glass and no more. My old airhead would throw what she didn’t want out the breather, so with my 1150 I make sure never to overfill as too much pressure will blow seals. Great bikes, great engines. Just quirky 😂

[@SidekickSolo]

I would like to get 1000 in a day at some point. Just building my self up to it 😂

[@carlhibbert5260]

The oil leak is a seal not fitted correctly it will only get worse until something goes bang!if I was you I would get the problem dealt with asap m8..

[@marcusisacson]

Too much oil in the engine/ gear box might push the excessive oil out...

[@davidmain3]

Epic!

[@caveofsam]

I think you need to change the title to the most expensive gs in the uk after all this works been done hahah

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Marvelous you deserve to have a bit of luxury after that ride. Now just a thought you must have made it home so is the oil leak because you had over filled her ? just a thought :)

[@SidekickSolo]

It was not over filled 😉

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

​@SidekickSolo good, just a thought but it is something I have done in the past when they started putting the sight glass on bikes 🙄

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

Did you pay the car rate or the bike rate on the French Autoroutes? I ask because I saw you take the ticket without pressing the intercom button to tell them you were on a bike. They won't know if you don't tell them. Bike rates are only about 55% to 60% of the car rates.

[@SidekickSolo]

I must have been paying the car rates then. I assumed that it would be automated.

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

@@SidekickSolo The problem these days is there are very few payment barriers with human staff who can see you are on a bike and charge accordingly. The only way round it is to use the intercom at the entry point and say "Moto!", so they can tell the machine to issue a "bike" ticket. You can also get a "Moto" télépéage transponder if you order it online, although I don't know if they will send one to a UK address. I agree with you that the autoroute prices are nuts. I would say they are about twice what they should be.

[@johndaniell887]

How meney miles has old yellow done

[@SidekickSolo]

When I set off it was a little under 92,000.

[@S2000Y]

Nice vid but.... minor oil leak, could get worse, could go on rear tyre so I'll wear a t shirt. Nob

[@denlsgoulden2307]

If it was an old British bike the oil leak would be the norm.🙄😊

[@Visionery1]

The erratic sped up footage spoils an otherwise good video.

[@MsDenver2]

You did well but why put yourself through that?

[@SidekickSolo]

The distance and time? Simply due to the time I had available to do the trip and when I had to meet up with other people.

[@hankgs]

Great content----WORST SOUND TRACK EVER.

[@SidekickSolo]

You can please everyone unfortunately.

[@austinmatthews347]

Imo you were doing too many miles and hours per day

[@SidekickSolo]

I agree but it was all about getting to Gibraltar in the time given. From there onwards the mileage per day is massively reduced.

[@austinmatthews347]

@@SidekickSolo i travelled around germany in may i did rotterdam via hull then hannover berlin 1 night each then inzell bavaria 3 nights then weisbaden 1 night and rotterdam the run from berlin to inzell was long bit that was unplanned i find 4 to 5 hours riding enough per day and i have a 1250gsa each to there own

[@badsport2008]

Oh mate, you blew it. Three days to Gibraltar is not an adventure, it's missing the point of the ride. Two of the greatest riding countries in Europe and you are just belting down motorways. Could you have got it more wrong.

[@MrDazza64]

Well done to the pointiest pointy person on YT. 🫵 Old🫵Yella🫵done🫵good🫵. Considering she’s using more oil than petrol. 🤣 Regards, 🫵Dazza🫵 🤣🤣🤣

[@SidekickSolo]

👉