Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking versatility, long-distance comfort, and off-road capability.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, Triumph Tiger.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine.
Power Output:
Approx. 85 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque Output:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic 2.4
Frame Type:
Three-piece modular frame (steel tubing)
Manual Focus:
Empowering owners and technicians for comprehensive upkeep.
Diagnostic Emphasis:
Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides.
Engine Coverage:
Complete overhaul, maintenance, tuning, diagnostics, and repair of the R 1150 GS engine.
Transmission Coverage:
Gearbox, clutch, driveshaft, final drive maintenance and repair.
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of all electrical systems.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, brakes, steering, wheels, tires, frame.
Bodywork Coverage:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, body panels, accessories.
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine:
Boxer twin, twin-spark ignition, fuel injection (Motronic 2.4).
Transmission:
6-speed gearbox, single-plate dry clutch, driveshaft final drive.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 EFI, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, lambda sensors.
Suspension:
Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear swingarm, adjustable shocks (e.g., Öhlins option).
Brakes:
Dual front discs with BMW Motorrad ABS II (optional), single rear disc.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, ABS control unit.
Cooling System:
Oil-cooled cylinder heads, oil cooler.
Engine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment.
Engine Repair:
Piston replacement, cylinder head overhaul, crankshaft inspection.
Fuel System Service:
Injector cleaning, fuel pressure testing, throttle body synchronization.
Transmission Service:
Gearbox oil change, clutch adjustment, driveshaft lubrication.
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, fluid flush and bleed (including ABS systems).
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment/rebuild.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Fault diagnosis for starting issues, charging problems, lighting faults.
ABS System Service:
ABS sensor testing, ABS fluid bleed procedure.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, advanced diagnostics, and complete unit rebuilds.
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements.
Engine Configuration:
Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
90.5 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod operated
Ignition System:
Dual spark plugs per cylinder, electronic ignition (Motronic 2.4)
Rated Horsepower:
85 HP @ 6750 RPM
Rated Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 RPM
Fuel Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gal)
Gearbox Type:
Constant mesh 6-speed sequential
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 1st: 3.47:1, 2nd: 2.56:1, 3rd: 1.93:1, 4th: 1.56:1, 5th: 1.30:1, 6th: 1.13:1 (Manual provides precise ratios)
Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW spec)
Final Drive Fluid Type:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW spec)
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,487 mm (58.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)
Front Wheel Size:
3.00 x 19
Rear Wheel Size:
4.00 x 17
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R 19
Rear Tire Size:
150/70 R 17
ABS:
BMW Motorrad ABS II (optional, fully integrated)
Braking System:
Dual 305mm front discs, 276mm rear disc; dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, warning lights.
ABS System:
BMW Motorrad ABS II, providing anti-lock braking for front and rear wheels.
Accessories Interface:
Pre-wired for accessory sockets, heated grips, auxiliary lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first)
Filter Change Interval:
With every oil change
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG/SH or better (e.g., Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (with filter change)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.2 Liters
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.22 Liters
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, driveshaft splines, front fork seals, ABS sensor failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur with age; wiring loom integrity is key. Manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Performance Slight Dip:
Sometimes noted in higher mileage units due to valve seat wear; manual details checks.
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW is renowned for its boxer-twin engines and durable, long-distance touring motorcycles.
Development Focus:
The R 1150 GS represented an evolution of the R 1100 GS, offering increased displacement and performance enhancements.
Production Era:
1996 - 2000 (for the R 1150 GS) though this manual specifically targets the 1996 model.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad factory)