Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Reputation:
Known for its robust build, long-distance touring capability, and off-road prowess.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and Yamaha Super Tenere.
Engine Configuration:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine with dual ignition.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, eliminating the need for chain maintenance.
Suspension Design:
BMW's innovative Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for improved handling and comfort.
Braking System:
Optional ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) with integrated servo assistance on some models.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, and component diagnosis
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, and final drive maintenance and repair
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), wheels, steering
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition, lighting, charging system, instrumentation, ECU diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body
Braking System:
ABS II (optional), hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, brake fluid replacement
Bodywork:
Fairing, seat, body panels, luggage system mounting
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for the Motronic electronic engine management system.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, lambda sensors, exhaust pipe maintenance.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system maintenance, oil filter replacement, oil change intervals.
Ignition System:
Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, timing adjustments.
Charging System:
Alternator, voltage regulator testing and replacement.
Lighting And Indicators:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signal troubleshooting and repair.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Speedometer, tachometer, dashboard warning lights, handlebar controls.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting/dismounting, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (spoked wheels).
Steering Head:
Steering head bearing adjustment and replacement.
Seat And Luggage:
Seat removal, luggage system installation and maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, drive shaft lubrication, valve clearance checks.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, including electrical fault finding.
Engine Rebuild:
Piston and ring replacement, cylinder head removal and service, crankshaft and connecting rod checks.
Transmission Overhaul:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch plate replacement, final drive seal replacement.
Suspension Service:
Telelever and Paralever linkage lubrication and adjustment, seal replacement.
Brake System Service:
Brake pad replacement, fluid flush and bleeding, ABS component testing.
Electrical Component Replacement:
Starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition module, sensor replacement.
Bodywork Repair:
Fairing panel removal and installation, minor body damage repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from routine maintenance and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, and detailed electrical system diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes guidance on using specialized BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1 or compatible systems) for electronic troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (1150cc designation is common marketing)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
Overhead camshaft (OHC), 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
95 hp (70 kW) @ 7,250 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON + MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
Fuel Consumption:
Approx. 5.5-6.5 L/100 km (36-43 mpg) depending on riding conditions
Gearbox:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Single dry plate, cable-operated
Transmission Type:
N/A (Manual only)
Gear Ratios:
1: 3.46, 2: 2.45, 3: 1.81, 4: 1.40, 5: 1.17
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,420 mm (55.9 in) at windshield
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,486 mm (58.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 249 kg (549 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 470 kg (1036 lbs)
Luggage Capacity:
Compatible with BMW's vario cases (optional)
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS II (Integral ABS on later R1150RT/RS/R, but not typical on R1150GS of this era)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, dual front discs, single rear disc, linked braking (partial on ABS models)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, providing robust protection
Body Protection:
Integrated cylinder protection guards, optional engine crash bars
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display (time, odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, ambient temp, oil temp).
Audio System:
N/A (No factory integrated audio system)
ABS System:
Optional ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), with potential for servo-assisted braking depending on exact model year/configuration.
Diagnostic Ports:
OBD-II style diagnostic connector for electronic fault diagnosis, often requiring proprietary BMW software (e.g., GT1).
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (BMW recommended: Castrol GTX 20W-50)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) without oil filter change, 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) with oil filter change
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil (BMW recommended: Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.35 liters (0.37 US quarts)
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil (BMW recommended: Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140)
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
0.18 liters (0.19 US quarts)
Common Problems:
Potential for output shaft seal leaks, intermittent ABS sensor issues, starter motor solenoid wear, Telelever pivot wear.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly check and lubricate the driveshaft splines, inspect for oil leaks around the transmission output shaft and final drive.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad
Key Improvements Over R1100Gs:
Increased engine displacement, improved torque, revised suspension geometry, optional ABS II, more powerful alternator.
Production Years:
1999-2004 (for R1150GS variant)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Industry Awards:
While specific awards are not detailed for this model year in this context, the R1150GS series is widely recognized for its durability, versatility, and pioneering role in the adventure touring segment.
Motorcycle Reviews:
Consistently rated highly by motorcycle publications for its capability on and off-road, comfort for long distances, and overall build quality.