Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, enthusiasts, and independent workshops specializing in BMW motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, Triumph Tiger 955i, Moto Guzzi Quota.
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its robustness, long-distance comfort, off-road capability, and characteristic BMW engineering.
Benefits:
Empowers owners to maintain their R1150GS to the highest standard, save on labor costs, and gain a deeper understanding of their machine.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and component replacement for the BMW R1150GS twin-cylinder Boxer engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the 5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, and final drive unit.
Suspension:
Detailed instructions for front Telelever and rear Paralever suspension systems, including fork seals, shock absorber replacement, and linkage maintenance.
Brakes:
Comprehensive guide to the EVO brake system, including ABS diagnostics, hydraulic component servicing, pad replacement, and fluid bleeding.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for ignition, lighting, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, and electronic control units (ECU).
Fuel System:
Servicing of the fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, and throttle body adjustment.
Exhaust System:
Installation, removal, and maintenance of the exhaust headers and muffler assembly.
Bodywork And Frame:
Procedures for body panel removal and installation, fuel tank servicing, seat removal, and frame integrity checks.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, including oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug servicing, valve clearance adjustments, and brake fluid replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common mechanical and electrical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major component assemblies and systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including electrical testing and common fault code interpretations (where applicable for the era).
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-operated overhead valves (OHV)
Cooling System:
Air cooling with supplementary oil cooling
Horsepower:
85 hp @ 6750 rpm (approximate, model dependent)
Torque:
71 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm (approximate, model dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON+MON)/2
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition with twin spark plugs per cylinder
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (with filter change)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle specific engine oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent API SG/JASO MA).
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via single-sided swingarm (Paralever)
Gearbox Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual, typically geared for torque and touring.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 90 hypoid gear oil meeting API GL-5 specifications.
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is focused on design and active safety features)
Braking System:
BMW EVO Brake System with optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced control.
Lighting:
Dual headlights for improved visibility.
Frame Construction:
Robust steel tube frame offering excellent rigidity and protection.
Engine Protection:
Integral engine guards and cylinder head protection common on GS models.
Infotainment System:
N/A (This model predates integrated infotainment systems. Provisions for aftermarket GPS/audio may be present).
ABS:
Optional ABS II system offering significant safety enhancements.
Connectivity:
N/A (Wired connections for diagnostics via BMW's proprietary system at the time).
Diagnostic Tools:
The manual details procedures for using BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTeC) or equivalent methods for fault code reading and system analysis.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km or as indicated by sound/performance changes.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (typically iridium plugs).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Common Problems:
Potential for spline wear on the driveshaft and transmission input/output shafts (requires preventative maintenance), clutch slave cylinder leaks, and alternator bearing wear.
Troubleshooting Focus:
The manual provides specific guidance on diagnosing and rectifying common issues such as starting problems, electrical gremlins, and drive train noises.
Heritage Focus:
BMW Motorrad's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design, particularly in adventure touring.
Predecessors:
Successor to the R1100GS, building upon its platform with increased displacement and refined features.
Generation:
This generation represents a significant step forward in the GS lineage, offering improved performance and touring comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Production Period:
The R1150GS was produced from 1999 to 2003.
