Category:
Naked Sportbike / Roadster
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile, shaft-driven motorcycle with robust engineering and a focus on touring and sporty commuting.
Competitors Era:
Ducati Monster series, Moto Guzzi V11 series, Triumph Bonneville/Speed Triple, Honda VFR series (though shaft drive is less common in direct competitors of this naked style).
Engine Layout:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine
Drive System:
Shaft drive (BMW's signature Telelever/Paralever system for front and rear suspension respectively is not on R1150R, but shaft drive is key).
ABS:
Integral ABS (often with linked braking) available on many models, a significant safety feature for its time.
Frame Design:
Trellis frame providing rigidity and characteristic BMW handling.
Primary Coverage:
Maintenance, Routine Service, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures
Systems Covered Summary:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, ABS System
Estimated Page Count:
350+
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, valve adjustment, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox (transmission) overhaul, shaft drive, final drive inspection and servicing
Chassis:
Front fork (telescopic), rear suspension (Paralever), steering head, wheel bearings, brake system (including ABS components), tire servicing
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/regulator), starter motor, lighting system, instrument cluster, diagnostic procedures
ABS System:
ABS II or ABS III component identification, bleeding procedures, diagnostic codes, troubleshooting ABS faults
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake pad inspection/replacement, fluid level checks, drive shaft lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and ABS warnings
Repair Procedures:
Engine component repairs, transmission rebuilds, suspension overhauls, brake system servicing, electrical component replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major component overhaul)
Detail Level:
Detailed explanations, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and clear diagrams
Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin boxer engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (1130cc)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (SOHC)
Horsepower:
85 hp (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 electronic fuel injection with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 91 (RON+MON)/2
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 API SG or higher motorcycle specific oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) without filter change; 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.4 liters (0.42 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
0.22 liters (0.23 US qt)
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Available in manual (specific ratios are detailed in the manual, e.g., 1st: 4.16:1, 2nd: 2.76:1, 3rd: 2.08:1, 4th: 1.72:1, 5th: 1.47:1, 6th: 1.25:1)
ABS Type:
BMW Integral ABS (Bosch 2nd or 3rd generation, depending on year/variant)
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated, dual disc front brakes (320 mm), single disc rear brake (276 mm) with multi-piston calipers. ABS linked to both front and rear brakes.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, LED taillight.
Frame Strength:
Steel tube trellis frame designed for torsional rigidity.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, fuel level indicator, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights for ABS, oil pressure, engine.
ABS:
Integral ABS system, which links front and rear braking when the rider applies the rear brake lever, and also allows independent front brake application. Can be deactivated for track use or specific conditions.
Diagnostic Port:
Available for service technicians to access engine management and ABS system data.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Oil filter replacement at every oil change.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Air Filter Cleaning Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or more frequently in dusty conditions. Replacement as needed.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Drive Shaft Lubrication:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) for splines.
Common Issues Summary:
Hall sensor failures, ABS sensor ring wear, clutch slave cylinder leaks, starter motor solenoid issues, occasional transmission bearing noise.
Fuel Sender Unit:
Can become inaccurate over time, requiring replacement.
Battery Drain:
Potential for parasitic drain if not properly maintained or if certain accessories are installed.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, shaft-driven motorcycles, dating back to the R32 in 1923. The boxer engine is a cornerstone of their identity.
Predecessor:
R 1100 R (introduced 1994) which featured a 1085cc engine and was the first R-series naked bike. The R 1150 R builds on this foundation with an increased displacement and improvements.
Successor:
R 1200 R (introduced 2006), featuring a significant engine upgrade to the oil/air-cooled 1170cc DOHC boxer, and later liquid-cooled versions.
Production Years:
1999-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)