BMW R1150 GS/A - Engine Replacement

[Murroch]

2002 BMW R1150GS Adventure

Hi fellow adventure riders,

There is a long adventure in central American and Mexico that got me here, but I came to my crossroad in Memphis. Going on four months on the road and headed home to Toronto via the Appalachia. However, this is where I had a couple breakdowns on my otherwise trusty beemmer.

Spoiler Alert: I’m a solo traveller enroute looking for help finding a used/replacement R1150GS engine to get me back on the road.
I’m sure there is a song out there “... broke down in Memphis...” and I’m hoping for a happy(ier) ending.

My bike has about 90,000 miles and it appears things have started to expire. Recently I’ve replaced the fuel pump and filter in Mexico, which was done reasonably, then the forward U joint on the drive shaft gave up the ghost - although it felt more like an onthefly ‘Denver boot’. I gave up some large deutschmark to get that replacement shipped here from her mother country and installed over 10 days. Then she was running well and as I was on a final goodbye lap of Memphis, the timing chain tensioners broke changing the song completely.

As many of you will know the timing chain tensioners are plastic parts fastened right in the centre of the engine. So to get to them is a full crack-open, and while you’re in there replace the clutch and whatever else might be looking for attention...

Still, this is a young bike – for a beemmer – right ?

There is so much back story to this trip and the bike has done everything asked of it. Every breakdown has opened doors literally and figuratively to wonderful people and experiences awesome and unimagined.

As for now, I'm exploring the engine replacement option. Is there anyone out there who has one they could sell me? Or know where there is a 2000-2005 R1150GS being parted out? Or any other ideas...

I've been on ebay, the R1150RT engine won't fit and I'm not seeing anything else. Maybe people on this forum have one or know someone who could connect me.

Thanks!
Murray

[Two wheels good]

Bad Luck, Murroch but I admire your optimistic response. It may not be young but it's not old-age or retirement age.
I've read there is a "knack" for replacing the tensioner without splitting the crankcases but the problem of debris in the sump remains.

If you're sticking with the bike a replacement engine does seem the easiest soluton. The only source I know of in the US is beemerboneyard. Nothing listed at the moment.
Also I suggest the advrider site. They seem a helpful and resourceful bunch.
You'll want to consider replacing the clutch while you're at it.

And for some consolation: Irma Thomas - maybe "My scrap's in Memphis"