which alternator belt?

[denny]

I'm going to order an alternator belt from Motorworks for my 1150 however I see there are two different lengths available. My bike is registered as an '03 but this site here reckons my bike was made in December 2002. Seeing as the belts are pre/post '03 I'm not sure which to order. motorworks

'lil help please

 

[monkeyboy]

I'm going to order an alternator belt from Motorworks for my 1150 however I see there are two different lengths available. My bike is registered as an '03 but this site here reckons my bike was made in December 2002. Seeing as the belts are pre/post '03 I'm not sure which to order. motorworks

'lil help please

Be ready to give motorworks your frame number and they'll sort everything out from there forever more I think. I can't believe there are different length belts on the 1150GS's

 

[davegs]

Be ready to give motorworks your frame number and they'll sort everything out from there forever more I think. I can't believe there are different length belts on the 1150GS's

They certainly are!!.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

denny: my bike was supposed to have the shorter 595mm belt according to its year of manufacture (2003) but was found to be the longer 611mm when I had a look.

I'd suggest you do the same and have a look at the belt: It takes about 10 minutes and will save you a delay and postal charges.

 

[Smug]

Happens all the time in the motor trade. Either get the number off the old belt or order both of them and send back the one you don't use.

 

[B4ndit]

Just go to your local BMW dealer. It will probably save you money and you will get a genuine part.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Just go to your local BMW dealer. It will probably save you money and you will get a genuine part.

Why and how or how and why? This is a simple as replacing a broken shoe lace when compared to dealing with a seized bolt.

He just needs to release to cover, put a torch light into the space and read off the number on the belt: It will be either 595mm or 611mm. 10 minutes all done and no dealer interaction.

 

[billyt53]

My 1150 gsa Feb 2003 built and it has a 611 belt. I first went to a BM dealership and they gave me the wrong one. Best to remove the cover and check yourself.

 

[davegs]

Just go to your local BMW dealer. It will probably save you money and you will get a genuine part.

Thats what I did when I went to the now defunct south london motorcycles
still got the wrong one!!. So either get the number from the belt, take the old one with you or measure it.

 

[monkeyboy]

Does anyone know WHY there are 2 different lengths? What changed on the 1150 engine to necessitate it? Different sized pully's? I've swapped mine with my R1100S before and just picked any old one out of my box of spares when I've had a problem. 15mm difference? Weird

 

[Steptoe]

Just fit the longer 611mm belt. Available at your local car spares shop = 4 rib x 611mm ( they may only have a 610mm but 1mm shorter isn't a problem). Don't worry it doesn't have BMW stamped on it, the belt maker will most likely be the same as the BMW factory buy them from. .

Don't worry about using the shorter belt. Especially if you've an adventure tank fitted.

On some bikes with the shorter belt fitted you can't pull ADV tank fuel crossover pipe out because the alternator is too low and the plastic Q/D doesn't fit underneth it.
Which means a song and dance if you only want to remove the tank, especially if you've got the type of crashbars that need removing to slacken off the alternator belt
Turns a two minute job into an hour. Great fun if you happen to be at the side of the road and need to take the tank off

 

[B4ndit]

Does anyone know WHY there are 2 different lengths?

Different alternators. If you have ABS or a GSA its the longer one because you will have a larger alternator.

And the reason to go to BMW. If they get it wrong its much simpler to get it swapped out. And for me its an excuse to hit the A339 and have a brew at Loomies.

 

[Steptoe]

Different alternators. If you have ABS or a GSA its the longer one because you will have a larger alternator.

.

Oh dear... It's larger in output, not size.

 

[B4ndit]

I was half way there. Good job an expert came along. Why are there different sized belts?

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

It's larger in output, not size.

As the mechanic said to the Callgirl....

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Why are there different sized belts?

A modified pulley was fitted to some 1100s which required a different belt length although this should not apply to 1150s because they were introduced after 1100s. However, at least one independant service man I know and a well known BMW parts supplier seem to be of the opinion that it's worth talking about with respect to R1150GSs.

All I know is that it's worth having a look and have just learnt that Steptoe's tip for ADV tank users can help themselves when removing the tank.

 

[Steptoe]

A modified pulley was fitted to some 1100s which required a different belt length although this should not apply to 1150s because they were introduced after 1100s. .

Servo braked bikes have the "different" top pulley (pulley is the same but it has an extended resin section on the front). But you can still use the 611 belt.

The shorter belt is non adjustable . You leave the alternator fixed in the same position remove the old belt and use the special tool to fit the shorter elasticated belt with no need to tension it.

 

[Green Boy]

denny: my bike was supposed to have the shorter 595mm belt according to its year of manufacture (2003) but was found to be the longer 611mm when I had a look.

I'd suggest you do the same and have a look at the belt: It takes about 10 minutes and will save you a delay and postal charges.

Yes can second that and Steptoes advice. Just spent a frustrating afternoon changing this belt only to find that despite BMW and Motorworks confirmation that I bought the right one, it was too short for a 1150GSA.

Oh and England lost.....

Still at least i know how to do it for next time.

 

[denny]

Measured in at 634mm...normal stretch or a sign that it needs changing? I couldn't see any signs of damage mind.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Fit a 611mm belt. Make some marks around the alternator mounting points to indicate where it was positioned before you released it if you thinks it's necessary. I didn't bother and simply applied pressure until the belt felt taught, and it still dosen't squeal.

BTW, I reckon it should have 611, and some letters, printed onto your current belt.