Positioning:
The R1150RT was BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle in its era, known for comfort, performance, and advanced technology for its time.
Key Competitors:
Honda ST1100 Pan European, Kawasaki Concours 1400 (later models), Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Triumph Trophy.
Rt Specific Features:
Integrated ABS braking, electrically adjustable windscreen, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding, robust luggage capacity.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent motorcycle repair shops, and technicians working on BMW R1150RT models.
Primary Coverage:
BMW R1150RT, R1150R, R1150GS, R1150GS Adventure (likely extensive overlap for shared components)
Estimated Page Count:
400-600 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop / Service / Repair Manual
Format:
Likely PDF (digital) or Printed Book
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical, electrical, fuel injection, cooling, exhaust), Transmission (gearbox, clutch), Final Drive (driveshaft, differential)
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), Steering, Wheels, Tires, Brakes (ABS systems specific to RT)
Electrical:
Ignition system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Battery, Charging system, Starter, Wiring diagrams, ECU functions, ABS control module
Bodywork And Accessories:
Fairings, Windscreen, Seating, Luggage systems, Body panels, Fairing components, Electrical accessories
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Valve clearance adjustment, Brake fluid service, Coolant service, Drive shaft lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, Error code interpretation (if applicable), Fault finding flowcharts
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service and repair, Electrical component repair and replacement, Bodywork repair
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and usage of BMW specific tools for tasks like valve adjustment, wheel bearing replacement, and engine timing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete unit overhauls.
Digital Format Details:
Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and illustrations. Printable pages.
Print Quality Details:
High-quality print (for physical copies) with clear, legible text and sharp photographic or line-art illustrations.
Binding Type:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (for printed versions), facilitating lay-flat use in a workshop environment.
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper stock resistant to grease and workshop contaminants (for printed versions).
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower Rating:
95 hp (70 kW) @ 7250 rpm (approximate)
Torque Rating:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI minimum)
Ignition System:
Digital ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air cooling for cylinders, Oil cooling for engine oil
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Oil Type Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 (depending on climate). Refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations.
Transmission Type:
6-speed constant mesh gearbox
Optional Features:
None (standard transmission)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (GL-5 specification). Refer to manual for exact BMW part number.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (GL-5 specification). Refer to manual for exact BMW part number.
Length:
2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
900 mm (35.4 in) (across mirrors)
Height:
1430 mm (56.3 in) (to top of windscreen, adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 255 kg (562 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 490 kg (1080 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including 4 liters reserve
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
Rear Tire Size:
170/60 ZR 17 M/C (72W) TL
Front Wheel Size:
3.50 x 17 in
Rear Wheel Size:
5.00 x 17 in
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS (Generation 2), fully integrated with linked front and rear braking activation.
Braking System Front:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single 265 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Designed for long-distance comfort, reducing rider fatigue.
Audio System:
Optional integrated radio/cassette or CD player system, often with handlebar-mounted controls.
ABS:
Integral ABS with linked braking, providing enhanced control during deceleration.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for fuel level, gear indicator, odometer, trip meter, and clock. Warning lights for various systems.
Windscreen Adjustment:
Electrically powered adjustable windscreen for optimal rider comfort and protection.
Heated Grips:
Standard on most R1150RT models for cold-weather comfort.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendations for specific plug types.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Refer to manual for specific BMW coolant part number and mix ratio.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, fuel pump internal components, alternator brushes, ABS modulator seals, headlight bulb failures, starter motor solenoid.
Electrical Faults:
Corrosion in wiring harness connectors, failing instrument cluster LEDs, issues with the Hall effect sensor.
Chassis Maintenance:
Periodic inspection and lubrication of the swingarm pivot and Paralever joint are crucial for longevity.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and touring capabilities.
R1150Rt Development:
Evolved from the R1100RT, featuring a larger displacement engine, improved torque, updated styling, and enhancements to the ABS and electrical systems.
Production Years:
2001-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Industry Acclaim:
The R1150RT was generally well-received by the motorcycling press for its touring capabilities, comfort, and performance, often praised for its sophisticated ABS and handling.
Long Term Reliability:
Known for excellent long-term reliability when properly maintained, a hallmark of BMW engineering.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with relevant emissions standards for its production years (e.g., Euro 2).
