BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Battery removal has been covered in a number of posts but my query is not answered.Most replies relate to fuel tank and wiring problems.
I've an early 2002 R1150R and may need to replace the battery soon. It is alleged by some posters that it can be done after lifting the rear of the tank up.What actually clamps the battery in place and does it lift up and out? I presume the terminations are nuts and bolts like my old R80/7 and K75?
I'm pretty competent with tools and quite patient, but want to avoid splitting the fuel couplings if at all possible.

I could be wrong but I don't think the battery can be removed without splitting the fuel couplings. Even to lift the tank enough to pull out the battery would require more slack than is available. I've been there, the plastic QD's suck on a good day even though I used them at least 3 times over the past few years before one cracked recently.

The best advice I can give you is to go ahead and plan for a tank removal. If the tank isn't full it just really isn't that bad. I've even removed my tank when it was full, it just weighs more, not a big deal. If you're at 24,000 miles you can replace the fuel filter. If you're at 36,000 replace the alternator belt (poly v-belt) while you're in there because access to the tensioner is easier with the tank off. Take the opportunity to add a fuse block and some wiring. Go ahead and get the Omega QD's, cut the old ones off and replace the lower rubber 5/16 fuel hose segments and clamps. Lots can be done to make it worth your efforts.

Be sure to put a rag under the front of the tank before tilting it, or removing it to protect the underside from gouges. When you lift the rear it breaks free all at once and you over lift the tank which slams it onto a bolt/nut up at the neck. Can't remember if this is noted in the removal instructions in the booklet or not. Also do not cross the 2 small vent lines, leave one coupler on a different side when you twist them apart. I put vaseline on my o-rings when reconnecting the Fuel QD's to prevent pinching them.

The battery is held in by a strap as seen on the right side here:


Best of luck to you. This is something that you can do if you have basic mechanical ability.

[quote="DSKYZD"][quote]


That 'hole' is where the ABS sits if fitted -right?

Its cavernous

Thats where the abs modulator would be. I used the space for a battery tender.

I have unfastened the tank and moved it off to the side of the bike to rest on a stool, WITHOUT disconnecting any lines or connections. It will pivot about 90 degrees to the side of my 2004.

I would just take the tank off too. For one thing, Its not hard. The other is that you will be cussing trying to take the battery in and out trying to tilt the tank back far enough.

Thanks to all for that. Could be a daunting job if things go wrong.
The battery strap. Is it a bolt-on one or is a stretchy rubber one (as it appears to be in the photograph)?

Stretchy rubber. I also recommend tank removal. If the old QDs break, just order some Omegas...Or better yet, do as Brian said and order them before hand....Or, just reconnect with a short piece of copper tubing.

Will look into those Omega couplers.I guess they are crimped in place - any special tool needed?
Have any UK members fitted them? If so which supplier is recommended.
Guess I am talking about 8mm fuel hose as 5/16" was mentioned.

Take the tank off. It takes 20-25 minutes at most the first time you do it. Thereafter it's a 10 to 15 minute job with the standard toolkit. Only 2 torque keys needed. Don't forget to disconnect the clip-fit socket for the fuel pump.

I fitted the Omega QDs ordered through Omega UK. They took about 5 weeks to arrive and OMEGA UK led me a merry dance with all sorts of false promises about delivery dates. Phone them and make sure they have stock before you place an order. They are not cheap at £58.88 including delivery so it might be worth shopping around for some alternatives. They do not come with any clamps. I bought fuel line clamps from BMW and while I was there I replaced all the rubber fuel lines from the tank with new stuff. Worth the additional £10-12 for peace of mind. The original will be 6-7 years old by now.

While you have the tank off, change the air filter.

Good luck.