🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Generation:

First Generation

Model Years Covered:

1993-1999

Chassis Code Prefix:

R259

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R1150GS is an iconic 'adventure touring' motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, durability, and capability in covering long distances on both paved and unpaved roads. This manual targets owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair these robust machines.

Competitive Landscape:

Competitors in its segment during this era included models like the Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, and Ducati Multistrada, though the GS series carved its own niche with its boxer engine configuration and emphasis on long-distance comfort and off-road usability.

Key Features Of Vehicle:

Characterized by its boxer-twin engine, robust chassis, long-travel suspension, and extensive accessory options, the R1150GS is built for adventure.

Manual Value:

This comprehensive manual provides the technical expertise necessary to perform all service, maintenance, and repair operations, empowering owners to maintain their R1150GS with confidence and precision, thereby reducing reliance on potentially costly dealership services.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All service and repair procedures

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for this era and coverage)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine assembly, top end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch, gearbox (transmission internals, shifting mechanisms), final drive (shaft drive, bevel gear assembly), driveshaft, universal joints

Chassis Suspension Brakes:

Front fork (telelever/duolever variations if applicable to early models), rear suspension (paralever), wheel bearings, brake system (hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, ABS components), steering system

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, sensors, control units (ECU), ABS control module

Bodywork Frame:

Frame construction, body panels, fairings, seat, fuel tank, mounting hardware, plastics

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter servicing, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, tire pressure checks, chain/final drive lubrication and adjustment (if applicable)

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, fork seal replacement, brake caliper rebuild, ABS system bleeding, electrical component testing and replacement

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Fault finding for common issues, diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, and ABS problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing, valve clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, component dimensions

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable (typically, for efficient information retrieval)

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital images and diagrams, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

1130 cc (1.13 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valve Train:

Overhead camshaft (OHC) per cylinder, two valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

Approx. 85 hp (63 kW) @ 6,750 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition (dual ignition on some models/years)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., API SG or higher, JASO MA)

Cooling System:

Oil-cooled with an oil cooler integrated into the engine block and frame. Some models might have supplementary air cooling for cylinders.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Constant-mesh 5-speed sequential gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single-plate dry clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via bevel gear unit

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios detailed in the manual for each gear.

Final Drive Ratio:

Specific final drive ratio detailed in the manual.

Gearbox Oil Type:

Gearbox oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5)

Final Drive Oil Type:

Final drive oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1340 mm (52.8 in) at handlebars

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 229 kg (505 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs) (with full fluids)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Specific GVWR to be found in manual

Front Suspension Travel:

Approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)

Rear Suspension Travel:

Approx. 200 mm (7.9 in)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 Liters (5.3 US gallons)

Front Wheel Size:

19 x 2.50

Rear Wheel Size:

17 x 4.00

Front Tire Size:

90/90-19 (Tubed or Tubeless depending on wheel variant)

Rear Tire Size:

130/80-17 (Tubed or Tubeless depending on wheel variant)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (BMW uses single-sided swingarm with hub center steering on front for some variants, and single-sided swingarm with conventional forks on others; wheel mounting is typically a single center nut.)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era are not typically subjected to crash test ratings like automobiles. Safety is derived from engineering design, rider skill, and rider aids.

Braking System:

Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available as an option on many models, where brake application is linked.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight/brake light, turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Robust steel trellis frame designed for rigidity and impact absorption.

Ergonomics:

Designed for rider comfort and control over long distances, with a commanding riding position.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, gear indicator (on some models), and warning lights.

ABS System:

BMW's Integral ABS, which can be optionally specified. This system combines braking and ABS functions.

Electrical System Features:

12V electrical system, CAN-bus architecture on later models for diagnostics and component communication. The manual will detail wiring diagrams for all components.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Air Filter Service:

Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), clean/replace as needed.

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air/Oil cooled engine)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Issues List:

Possible issues include: oil leaks from engine seals (especially the output shaft seal), clutch slave cylinder leaks, ABS sensor failures, fuel pump issues, and wear on the final drive splines if not properly lubricated. The manual will detail how to diagnose and rectify these.

Recall Information:

Specific recall information varies by region and production date; consult the manual or BMW for details relevant to your VIN.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence, innovation, and producing durable, high-performance motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments.

R Series Heritage:

The R1150GS is part of the successful R-series boxer-twin lineage, which began in the 1970s with models like the R100GS. It evolved from the R1100GS, offering increased displacement and performance enhancements.

R1150Gs Introduction:

The R1150GS replaced the R1100GS and was produced from 1999 to 2005, with the specified manual covering the earlier years of its production run. Note: The product information states 1993-1999, which is slightly anomalous as the R1150GS was introduced in 1999. This manual likely covers the transition period and the R1100GS platform as well, or the years are slightly misstated and it should be R1100GS. Assuming the title is correct, it covers the early R1150GS models from its 1999 introduction. (Correction: Re-evaluating the product name, it explicitly states R1150GS 1993-1999. This is likely an error in the product listing as the R1150GS was introduced in late 1999 for the 2000 model year. The 1993-1999 range predominantly covers the R1100GS. However, if the manual *does* cover the R1150GS from its inception, it would be the 1999 and later models. For the purpose of this JSON, we will assume the manual *does* cover the R1150GS from its introduction in 1999 onwards, and the 1993-1998 years might be an error or refer to overlap with the R1100GS if the manual also includes that model.)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reputation:

The R1150GS is highly regarded for its all-around capability, durability, and suitability for long-distance travel and adventure touring, earning it a loyal following and numerous accolades from motorcycle publications over its production life.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, its boxer twin is known for longevity.

Emission Standards:

The manual will likely contain specifications related to emission control systems relevant to the period of manufacture.