Market Positioning:
The R1150R was positioned as BMW's accessible, sporty naked roadster, combining the character of their boxer twin engine with a more upright and versatile riding posture compared to the RT or RS models. It appealed to riders seeking comfortable touring capabilities with a degree of performance and classic BMW engineering.
Competitors:
Competed against other European and Japanese naked bikes and sport-touring models in its class, such as the Triumph Speed Triple, Ducati Monster series, Yamaha FZ1, and Honda CB series.
Key Features Of Vehicle:
Torquey 1130cc boxer-twin engine, versatile handling, optional ABS, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding, robust shaft drive, distinctive BMW styling.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the 2001-2005 BMW R1150R, covering mechanical, electrical, and chassis systems. Includes troubleshooting, diagnostics, and detailed procedural steps.
Page Count:
Approx. 500-600 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Authorized Service/Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, cylinder head, valve adjustment, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4/2.4.2), ignition system, oil circulation, cooling system (oil-cooled engine).
Transmission:
Six-speed gearbox, clutch (dry single-plate, servo-assisted), final drive (Paralever shaft drive).
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS II or integral ABS system (depending on model year/option), brake fluid replacement and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays, ECU troubleshooting.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever (simplified Paralever), wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service, shock absorber adjustment and replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning and diagnostics, throttle body synchronization.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank mounting, fender replacement, exhaust system service.
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks and adjustment, drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid flush.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), electrical system diagnostics.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation of major and minor assemblies.
Installation:
Instructions for installing genuine BMW accessories and replacement parts.
Depth Of Information:
Expert level; suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers full engine rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and suspension overhauls.
File Format Details:
Printed, bound document. High-quality paper stock for durability in workshop environments.
Print Quality:
Professional offset printing with clear diagrams, photographs, and technical illustrations.
Binding Type:
Perfect bound or saddle-stitched, designed for flat opening on a workbench.
Paper Type:
Durable, likely coated or semi-gloss paper to resist grease and moisture in a workshop setting.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Cooling System:
Air/Oil cooled
Valve Train:
Two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with rock arms, mechanically adjustable tappets.
Horsepower:
95 hp (70 kW) at 7,250 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 (later models MA 2.4.2) electronic fuel injection with twin spark ignition
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)
Length:
2,187 mm (86.1 in)
Height:
1,250 mm (49.2 in)
Wheelbase:
1,482 mm (58.3 in)
Seat Height:
800 mm (31.5 in) (standard seat, adjustable options available)
Dry Weight:
214 kg (472 lbs)
Wet Weight:
235 kg (518 lbs) (fully fueled, ready to ride)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not officially specified in readily available specs, typically around 450 kg (990 lbs) for this class.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.5 liters (5.4 US gal), including 3 liters reserve
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash test ratings like automobiles; safety is assessed through design and available features.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II or Integral ABS (combined front/rear brake activation) depending on model year and specification.
Braking System Front:
Dual 305 mm (12.0 in) discs with 4-piston calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single 276 mm (10.9 in) disc with 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals
Frame Type:
Three-piece tubular steel frame, engine as stressed member
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, gear indicator (on some models), engine warning light, ABS indicator. Often includes a clock and ambient temperature display.
ABS System:
BMW Motorrad ABS II (earlier) or Integral ABS (later years), providing anti-lock braking on front and/or rear wheels.
Connectivity Features:
No modern 'connectivity' features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact oil type and quantity.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Check and adjust valve clearance (typically 0.10-0.15mm for intake, 0.15-0.20mm for exhaust).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual; utilize correct NGK or equivalent plugs (e.g., CR9EK).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Use DOT 4 brake fluid.
Drive Shaft Spline Lube:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for critical spline lubrication to prevent seizing. Use specific BMW splined shaft grease or equivalent high-quality moly grease.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 (preferred) or SAE 15W-40, API SG or higher. Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change. BMW recommends Castrol lubricants.
Transmission Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 (API GL-5), Capacity: 1.0 liter (1.1 US qt) for gearbox, 0.25 liters (0.26 US qt) for final drive. Use specified BMW gear oil or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, high-performance synthetic
Coolant:
N/A (engine is oil-cooled)
Common Issues:
Cracked fuel pump mounting flange, intermittent ABS sensor issues, worn clutch slave cylinder seals, Hall effect sensor failure (can cause starting/running problems), drive shaft spline wear if not properly lubricated, alternator output degradation.
Brand Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1920s, renowned for its boxer-twin engines, robust engineering, and a focus on touring and sport-touring motorcycles. The R series represents the core of their heritage.
Predecessors:
The R1150R evolved from the R1100R, which itself was a naked derivative of the R1100GS and R1100RS. It features the enlarged 1130cc engine and refinements carried over from the R1150GS and RT.
Successors:
The R1150R was succeeded by the R1200R, which featured a significantly updated and more powerful engine, a lighter chassis, and modern electronics.
Production Years:
2001-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
