BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE (2002 - 2005) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £500
Power: 85 bhp
Seat height: Tall (35.4 in / 900 mm)
Weight: Medium (501 lbs / 227 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure is the ultimate round-the-world, do it all motorcycle – as Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman proved in their ‘Long Way Round’ motorcycle adventure. The BMW R1150GS Adventure is a jacked up, kitted out, heavy duty version of the already excellent BMW R1150GS and is the Hummer of the motorcycle world. Awesome in every way…

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure is far better than it has any right to be. The BMW R1150GS Adventure is a tall, heavy and ungainly version of the already tall and beefy BMW R1150GS – but once you bin the standard equipment knobbly tyres it’s a great road motorcycle with neutral (if hefty) handling and superb long distance ride and comfort.

 

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure has since overshadowed by the newer, 110bhp BMW R1200GS, this version of BMW’s venerable boxer twin all-round motorcycle is able and bulletproof – if a little on the soft side power-wise. But for peace of mind, not many motorcycles come close to a BMW R1150GS Adventure.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure is about as rugged and reliable as motorcycles get. Paint is good (although the logos etc are stickers that are not lacquered in come off far too easily), metal finishes are hard wearing. BMW R1150GS Adventures get a hard life – but they’re a well made motorcycle, too. Don’t worry about seemingly high mileages. It’s what these motorcycles were built for…

 

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure was Range Rover money when new (well over £10K fully BMW R1200GS (which some don’t rate as highly) they’re still in demand now which limits depreciation on this motorcycle. Find a BMW R1150GS Adventure for sale.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The BMW R1150GS Adventure has everything including the kitchen sink. Well, almost. Compared to the stock BMW R1150GS, the BMW R1150GS Adventure gets a bigger tank, knobbly tyres, taller screen and jacked up suspension. Other goodies (like the metal panniers and top box, engine guards etc) are extras on this motorcycle – but definitely recommended if you want the full monty Camel Trophy Land Rover look for your motorcycle. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1150GS Adventure in the MCN Shop.

 

Specs

Engine size 1130cc
Engine type 8v boxer twin, 6 gears
Frame type Steel tubular type
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Seat height 900mm
Bike weight 227kg
Front suspension Preload
Rear suspension Preload, rebound
Front brake Twin 304mm discs
Rear brake 276mm disc
Front tyre size 110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 44 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £500
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 13 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 85 bhp
Max torque 71 ft-lb
Top speed 133 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 13.1 secs
Tank range 180 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2002: BMW R1150GS Adventure model introduced.
2005: BMW R1150GS Adventure model discontinued.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE (2002 - 2005)

5 owners have reviewed their BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE (2002 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BMW R1150GS ADVENTURE (2002 - 2005)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £500
5 out of 5 Analogue do it all comfy workhorse that you come to love
07 October 2022 by Nando

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £500

Reliable and fun workhorse used for London commuting and fun trips away! A do it all that is going strong even 17 years later. I cannot afford a £15-20k bike and wanted something that will go forever… hence the 1150GSAVery happy with my choice and this bike will probably be with me until we all go electric in 2035!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great suspension and I still have ABS which works fine. All day comfort and by all day I do genuinely mean all day. Nice sitting position

Engine 5 out of 5

Lots of low down torque and great in town, with gearing made towards light trails being part of your trip. You will not keep up on the straight lines, but you will always be mid pack everywhere elseWeirdly, engine always brings a smile to my face

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Think of it as an “analogue” rugged bike, like buying a Toyota Hilux. It keeps going, just make sure you do your servicing properly.You can see just by looking at it that the bike was built to last. Every part is solid and I love it goes forever

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

It’s 17 years old, so every year the service will include some preventative maintenance as I don’t want to get stuck while riding it!!!

Equipment 5 out of 5

I think it speaks for itself, there are SO MANY extras available… panniers and top box a must, you then have a bucket load of options thereafter

5 out of 5
02 March 2016 by David Marquez

Year: 2003

If well taken care of this R1150GSA will run forever Surprisingly nimble for the weight; which makes me confirm how well engineered this bikes are, super well balanced, and you forget about the weight once taking the clutch out. Comfortable, can do different things such as highway travel, twisty roads, commute (better that you would expect), etc. pros Overall Engineering: chassis, suspension, engine, gearbox, breaks Handling Reliability High Quality in every component cons BMW took care of putting high quality materials which is good, but did not care about making a light bike, it is a buffalo! Stock front all time running light is not enough for both traffic conditions and dark roads, you will need to add additional lights Windshield is fixed single position Rear stock fender tends to break with knobby tires such as Conti TKC80s Servo brakes let you no braking with the switch off you need to get used to that in some conditions

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 forgot to mention...
09 July 2009 by miles8160

I forgot to mention that the fuel economy is outstanding. I just got 550km from the last tank of juice before the fuel light came on, which has another 40km in reserve... which is welcome in comparison to the TL1000S I just traded in which got barely 200km before it ran out of fuel. The brakes are unbelievably good, it just takes a bit of getting used to the servo assisted brake motor sounds. This bike had already ridden 56,000km and the BMW dealer assured me that these Adventure models run to about 300,000 km before needing an engine rebuild... they also gave me a 2 year guarantee which adds credibility to this claim. The bike was in tip top condition and will remain so. Wrapped to say the least.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 What a surprise!
07 July 2009 by miles8160

Just bought my first BMW after 7 Suzukis and am totally schocked how well this bike handles... better than any other bike I've ever ridden. It's deceivingly agile for a bike that in a stationary position appears to weigh quite a lot. But, get going and you don't notice it one bit. This bike is so perfectly balanced it goes through hairpins and tight corners faster than most R1 riders can manage. Rough roads are eaten up by this bike... you can take it over anything and still ride it fast. It goes off road and through the mud also, just keep the momentum going and try not to stop as this is where you will notice this bikes kilos. Probably not my preferred bike for the autobahn (this is where I would prefer the Hayabusa) but it does most things with exceptional poise. If you love corners and touring, then it's absolutely fantastic. Heated grips, big screen, big protective cylinder bars which you can rest your legs on for that lounge chair feeling, ABS, the list goes on. OK the motor could use a few more PS but what you get as an overall package can't be beaten. Acessories are damn expensive, so if you're in the market for a used one then find one with all the extras on it like a Remus exhaust system and alu panniers. These are really expensive... even used ones which you'll see on eBay. The motor does use oil and it's best to check after your ride when hot... but all boxer motors use oil I'm told. 9/10 thumbs up!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 better bike than the new ones
20 January 2008 by zardon

I had a 1150GS adventure before and I sold it to get the new model. what a mistake ! I am currently on the hunt for a mint 1150GS adventure again as the bike is better made, has more torque down low (if you fit the y piece and a remus) and handles better with a more front oriented bias. Also has less plastic than the 1200GS, stronger battery anad an overall better package.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
Back to top