2005 BMW R1150 GS Adventure

Twenty-three-years ago, the launch of BMW's R80 GS established a new category in motorcycling - the large capacity enduro machine. Numerous Paris-Dakar victories and thousands of satisfied customer deliveries later, the GS range has become one of BMW's greatest success stories, with over 150,000 units sold to date.

Largely based on the best selling R1150 GS, (now superceded by the R1200 GS), the £8,610 (on-the-road) Adventure has been designed with long distance travel in mind and is engineered to perform in all conditions, on or off-road. This visually striking model comes equipped with many special features as standard and a whole range of factory fit options and accessories that make it the ultimate long distance enduro machine. Standard features on the 2004 model include a black engine and transmission, large fuel tank (30 litres), enduro gearbox and off-road tyres.

Optimised spring travel and suspension settings

Whether on gravel paths, sand tracks, rough terrain or over long distances, the chassis of the R1150 GS Adventure ensures optimum comfort and control - even when fully loaded. Spring travel has been increased by 20 mm over the standard R1150 GS to 210 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear. Pre-load adjustment to the front can be made by a supplied spanner and to the rear by a hydraulic adjuster. Rebound damping at the rear can be adjusted by means of a small screw.

For the first time in a BMW motorcycle, a strut is used at the rear which has suspension deflection related damping, whereby the greater the spring deflection, the greater the damping effect. The WP strut is characterised by sensitive response and a high degree of knock resistance.

Evo brake and steel brake hoses

The R1150 GS Adventure uses BMW's EVO brake, which significantly increases stopping power, while requiring up to 50% less effort from the rider. Plastic coated, braided steel hoses help provide stable and constant pressure. The R1150 GS Adventure can also be fitted with ABS, which can be switched off when riding off-road.

Engine equipped for varying fuel conditions

The Adventure's engine is the same as the former R1150 GS, but in response to demand by round-the-world riders, it can now take different octane ratings of unleaded petrol. An optional coding plug for the engine management system ensures it can be safely operated with RON 91 rated unleaded fuel without any risk of damage to engine components.

New gear ratios

Unlike the R1150 GS, which uses top gear as an overdrive, the Adventure uses a shorter sixth gear ratio. There is also an enduro gearbox option available with a lower first gear ratio (4.465 against 3.864 on the standard R1150 GS Adventure) to make pulling away easier on difficult terrain.

New seat and larger screen

A new 900mm high dual seat allows the rider to adjust his position according to the conditions. However, the seat is designed to be spacious enough for two and a new, larger luggage rack provides additional securing points for equipment. For improved wind and weather protection, the screen is 12 cm wider at the base, 5 cm wider at the top and 13 cm longer.

The front mudguard is also longer and wider, while hand guards and a foam handlebar crossbrace pad come as standard. The heavy-duty, solid aluminium bash plate is larger than that seen on the R1150 GS and is positioned further to the rear to provide extra protection from possible damage caused by stones and rocks. An additional electric power socket is located below the handlebars in order to connect accessories such as a GPS, Roadbook or reading light.

A new look

The R1150 GS Adventure is offered in two different colour schemes - white aluminium metallic with a grey and red seat, and night black with a black seat. The rocker covers (which are protected by cylinder guards) and aluminium rims are finished in cannon blue.

Special equipment and accessories

Additional equipment includes heated grips (£175), Integral ABS (£750) and engine protection bars (£200). A luggage system consisting of a multifunctional carrier system and two side cases (75 litres in total) is available for £681, while a 30-litre top case and case holder can be purchased for £310 If the cases are not mounted the supports can be folded out and will also carry luggage.

Other optional special equipment includes waterproof inner bags for the aluminium cases, a headlamp protector and fog lamps with flint protectors. No cost options include a double black seat, a lower (860mm) seat and black engine.

Standard Equipment

Factory fit options

Accessories available

Specifications