Why We Ride the 2004 BMW R1150GS Adventure – 112,000km and Counting!

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Adventure bike riding doesn’t always mean breaking the bank for the latest, high-tech machine. At The Adventure Co., we’ve chosen the classic 2004 BMW R1150GS Adventure—a bike with over 112,000 km on the clock—for a simple reason: it’s budget-friendly and delivers bang for your buck.

Nostalgia on two wheels - the BMW R1150GS Adventure.

Why the R1150GS Adventure?

When we set out to find a reliable adventure bike, our goal was clear: get something affordable, easy to maintain, and built to last. The R1150GS Adventure ticks all those boxes. Here’s why:

Pros:

  1. Cost-Effective: With older models like this one, the initial cost is far less than newer GS models.
  2. Value for Money: This bike offers great performance at a fraction of the price, giving you more adventure for less.
  3. No Expensive Tech to Repair: Modern bikes come loaded with electronics that can cost a fortune to fix. Our R1150GS Adventure? Minimal tech, minimal worries.
  4. Easy to Repair: Whether you’re in a workshop or the middle of nowhere, this bike is simple to repair, thanks to its straightforward design.
  5. Proven Reliability & Robustness: This GS model has a reputation for being tough and reliable. It’s built to handle rough terrain and long rides without missing a beat.
A simple and robust bike.

But no bike is perfect

While we love our R1150GS Adventure, there are a few downsides, especially compared to newer models:

Cons:

  1. Less Power: At just 85 horsepower, it’s no speed demon, especially compared to today’s more powerful bikes.
  2. Less Responsive Throttle: You might notice a bit of lag when twisting the throttle, but it’s manageable once you get used to it.
  3. Less Balanced Than Newer GSes: With its older design, it’s not as finely tuned or well-balanced as the latest GS models.
  4. No Electronic Suspension, ABS, or Traction Control: While newer bikes come loaded with rider aids, this one sticks to the basics.
  5. No Gadgets: No TFT displays, Bluetooth, or electronic gadgets here—just pure riding.
The R1150GS Adventure is still a fun bike to ride!

The Repairs We’ve Done

While our 2004 R1150GS Adventure is a workhorse, it’s had its fair share of wear and tear. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve repaired so far:

  1. Damaged Ignition Coil – easily replaced.
  2. Broken Rear Shock Bolt – a minor hiccup, but quickly sorted.
  3. Damaged Valve Cover – patched up after a minor tumble.
  4. Recovered Seat – for extra comfort on those long rides.
  5. Replaced Front Fork Seals – keeping the suspension smooth and reliable.

Despite these repairs, the bike keeps going strong, proving that you don’t need a shiny new machine to enjoy the adventure.

An older bike offer value for money and can take you the same places as a newer bike.

Why Budget Riding Works

At the end of the day, the 2004 BMW R1150GS Adventure is proof that you don’t need all the latest tech or a fancy, expensive bike to hit the road and enjoy adventure riding. With a little know-how, you can maintain and repair a trusty bike like this one for far less than what a new model would cost. And with its proven reliability, it’s still more than capable of taking you on epic journeys.

So if you’re looking to get into adventure riding without the hefty price tag, don’t overlook the older models—they’ve still got plenty of life in them!

All photos by Dylan Haskin.

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