Positioning:
The BMW R 1150 GS is a highly regarded 'adventure touring' motorcycle, known for its robust engineering, off-road capability, and long-distance comfort. This manual targets owners who wish to maintain and repair this capable machine themselves, bypassing potentially expensive dealership labor costs.
Competitors:
This manual serves owners of a premium adventure motorcycle that competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin (older generations), Triumph Tiger, and Ducati Multistrada in its era.
Manual Selling Points:
Empowers DIY repairs, detailed illustrations, expert troubleshooting, complete coverage of all major systems, cost savings on maintenance and repairs.
Engine:
Full overhaul, internal components, combustion system, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, valve adjustments, oil lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and service, gearbox disassembly and assembly, final drive (Paralever) system, driveshaft, universal joints.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (Motronic), fuel injection system (EFI), battery and charging system (alternator, starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), horn, instrument cluster, message systems, electronic control units (ECUs).
Chassis:
Frame, steering head bearings, forks (Telelever front suspension, conventional telescopic rear), rear shock absorber (Monolever or Paralever depending on exact model variant), wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper service, pad replacement, disc inspection, master cylinder service, brake line routing and replacement.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system, oil circulation, oil cooler maintenance, oil filter replacement.
Lubrication:
Engine oil and filter change, gearbox oil change, final drive oil change, lubrication points.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant (oil) level checks, valve clearance adjustments, tire pressure checks, chain lubrication (if applicable for specific sub-models).
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel injector cleaning/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Misfires, oil leaks, fuel delivery problems, starting issues, electrical faults, braking system anomalies, suspension noises.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (if applicable for later models), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic tools, reading sensor data.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with overhead camshafts.
Horsepower:
Approx. 85 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel Induction:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Gearbox Type:
Constant-mesh 5-speed transmission
Transmission Features:
Optional 6-speed transmission available on some later models/variants.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via Paralever single-sided swingarm
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US quarts)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts)
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (long-life iridium plugs)
Gearbox Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, moisture-resistant
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from the timing chain cover or cylinder head gaskets, clutch slave cylinder leaks, ABS sensor failures, fuel pump issues (especially after extended storage), Telelever pivot bearing wear.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly check and top-up engine oil, inspect for oil leaks, clean fuel injectors periodically, ensure ABS sensors are clean and free from debris.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, reliable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and adventure-touring capabilities, dating back to models like the R 32 and the highly influential R 80 GS.
Gs Lineage:
The R 1150 GS is a direct descendant of the R 1100 GS and preceded the R 1200 GS. It represented a significant evolution in engine power, suspension refinement, and overall technology for BMW's flagship adventure bike. Key improvements over the R 1100 GS included increased engine displacement and torque, and a refined chassis.
Production Years:
1999-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany