I have an R1150RT which is titled as a 2004, has the twin spark ignition, etc. and looks like any other 2004. I never gave it another thought... Until I parked next to another Piedmont red 2004 R1150RT this morning and discovered that they are noticeably different colors. This took me to a curiousity search about the color and ultimately to the VIN. Turns out the color code on my bike is actually Sienna Red (Red 3) whch is an '03 color. The VIN also defines the build date as May 2003.... But, of course, it has the '04 Twin Spark engine. My biggest question other than figuring this bike was probably part of a transitional production run is, what problems might I run into while ordering parts? So far, anything I've purchased from an '04 fiche fits. Are there any known differences?
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R1150RT 2003/04 oddity
- Thread starter Jade
- Start date
mneblett
#32806
BMW typically changes over model year production in the June timeframe. Occassionally, they change over specific models earlier where there are major changes (such as the intro of dual spark engines, or the 2005 intro of the mid-life updates to the K12LT).
As long as a bike is built to a given model year's specification, it's that model year, regardless of build date. (FWIW, for sales in the U.S., a vehicle may be built up to January 1 of the previous year as long as it is built to next model year's spec.)
Also, not the first time I've heard of color variations within a model year.
Rest assured, your '04 is an '04.
I've had the cover off, but I can't say I saw anything remarkable about the belt. What's the difference?
jeff488
Aspiring Profligate
If you go to this site, you will see that the top pulleys are different.
http://www.bmwra.org/otl/belts/
It's part of Anton Largiador's site, bless his heart!
The POLY-V (older) belt has a large nut in the center of the top pulley.
The newer one(post 07/2003 construction) has a smooth face on the "free wheeling" top pulley.
There is also a small, about 1/4", triangle molded into the plastic cover, to denote the newer one's. I can't recall at the moment exactly where it is located .
http://www.bmwra.org/otl/belts/
It's part of Anton Largiador's site, bless his heart!
The POLY-V (older) belt has a large nut in the center of the top pulley.
The newer one(post 07/2003 construction) has a smooth face on the "free wheeling" top pulley.
There is also a small, about 1/4", triangle molded into the plastic cover, to denote the newer one's. I can't recall at the moment exactly where it is located .
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I did look at the paint code when I discovered the difference. I hadn't previously because I didn't need paint and saw that there was only one dark red for the RT in 2004 (Piedmont or Piemont depending on where you look - both are real words). The code is definitely correct for Sienna Red. As to how that compares to '97, I have no idea.
