Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders undertaking long-distance touring, off-road excursions, and daily commuting. Appeals to owners seeking reliable performance and robust engineering.
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki V-Strom, Yamaha Tenere.
Distinctive Features:
Shaft drive, boxer-twin engine, Telelever front suspension, robust build quality, comfortable ergonomics for long rides, excellent luggage carrying capacity.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides owners and technicians with the definitive guide for maintaining and repairing the R1150GS, ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and safety.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
High (typical factory manuals exceed 500 pages for this model range)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (Assumed, standard for official BMW manuals)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), exhaust system, engine management system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, final drive unit (Paralever), gearbox oil specifications and change intervals.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery and charging system, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, fault finding for electronic components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (telelever) disassembly, service, and adjustment; rear shock absorber (Monolever on some variants, though R1150GS typically uses a variation of the Paralever system with a single shock) service; wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service.
Brakes:
ABS II/Integral ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures, brake caliper overhaul, disc and pad replacement, hydraulic system troubleshooting.
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, body panels, frame inspection and repair guidelines, mounting points.
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, valve clearance adjustments, brake pad inspection, drive shaft lubrication.
Repair:
Engine internal repairs, transmission rebuilds, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, suspension component overhauls, brake system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common running issues, electrical faults, and performance problems. Error code interpretation for the engine management system.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures (e.g., flywheel locking tool, torque wrenches, fork seal drivers).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic user maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.
Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin (flat-twin)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower:
85 hp (63 kW) @ 6,750 rpm
Torque:
71 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 5,250 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection with electronic ignition and idle control.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG/SH or higher (check manual for specific BMW recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts)
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (hypoid gear oil)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (hypoid gear oil)
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox, claw-shifted
Features:
Some models may have offered optional ABS systems, but no alternative transmission types were standard.
Drive System:
Shaft drive to rear wheel via Paralever single-sided swingarm.
Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated.
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 915 mm (36.0 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in) at highest windscreen position
Seat Height:
Approx. 840 mm (33.1 in) (adjustable to 820 mm / 32.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including approx. 4 liters (1.1 US gallons) reserve.
Crash Test Data:
Motorcycle safety is generally assessed through operational performance and component reliability rather than standardized crash tests like cars. Manual will cover safety-critical systems.
ABS:
Optional ABS II or Integral ABS (combining front and rear brake actuation with a single lever) on many models, detailed in the manual.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated front and rear turn signals, brake light.
Frame Design:
Robust steel tube frame designed for stability and rider protection.
Handguards:
Standard on most R1150GS models for protection against wind, debris, and minor impacts.
Display Features:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel level, gear indicator (on some models), and warning lights. Potential for heated grips indicator.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional, significantly enhancing braking safety, especially in adverse conditions. Integral ABS variants offered improved integration.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities via BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for engine management system fault codes. Manual covers interpretation.
First Service:
Typically at 1,000 km (600 miles) - includes oil change, filter check, general inspection.
Major Service Intervals:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually - includes valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, etc. Specific intervals detailed in manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for specific ABS system compatibility)
Coolant Type:
Air/oil-cooled, no coolant required for engine cylinders. Oil cooler circuit uses engine oil.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, fuel pump O-rings, exhaust system gaskets.
Potential Faults:
ABS sensor issues, fuel pump reliability (depending on year and maintenance), Telelever pivot wear, final drive spline lubrication critical to prevent wear.
Spark Plugs:
NGK CR9EK or Champion RA6HC (check manual for exact fitment and gap)
Valve Clearance:
Intake: 0.10-0.20 mm; Exhaust: 0.25-0.35 mm (when cold) - crucial for performance and longevity.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments. The boxer-twin engine configuration is a hallmark of the brand.
Successor:
R1200GS (introduced in 2004, overlapping slightly)
Development Focus:
The R1150GS built upon the R1100GS with an increased engine capacity, improved power delivery, and refined suspension and braking systems. Offered variants like the Adventure model for extended touring.
Production Period:
1999-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
