🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1150 GS

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

R21

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW R 1150 GS (launched in late 1999 for the 2000 model year, with the 1998 designation likely referring to a pre-production or closely related model, or a common reference point) was a highly successful adventure touring motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, ruggedness, and capability for both on-road touring and off-road exploration. It positioned itself as a premium, go-anywhere machine.

Competitors:

Competed with other large-displacement adventure touring motorcycles such as the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and later models from Yamaha (Tenere) and KTM (Adventure series).

Features:

Air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine, shaft drive, robust suspension, ABS (optional), comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel, excellent build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete service, repair, and maintenance for the BMW R 1150 GS (1998 model year).

Pages:

Estimates vary, but comprehensive factory service manuals for this era typically range from 500 to 800+ pages.

Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair, torque specifications for cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing chains.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel lines, pressure regulator, troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing, troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear selection, maintenance, lubrication, shaft seals.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, final drive (Paralever system), universal joints, bearings, seals, lubrication, inspection.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension (fork seals, damping, springs), rear Monolever or Paralever rear shock absorber, linkage, adjustments, maintenance.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (ABS II or ABS EVO), hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, switches, fuses, relays, horn, instrument cluster, ECU diagnostics.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Frame inspection, body panels, fairings, seat, fuel tank, exhaust system, mounting hardware, plastic components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, final drive oil change.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common and uncommon problems across all major systems with step-by-step guides and potential causes.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair, brake system overhauls.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specific BMW specialty tools required for certain procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic servicing to full engine and gearbox rebuilds. Includes detailed torque values, clearances, and diagnostic information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) is typical for digital manuals, allowing for searchability and easy access.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed boxer twin-cylinder engine

Displacement:

1130 cc (approx. 69 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms

Horsepower:

Approx. 85 hp (63 kW) at 6750 rpm (for the R1150GS model, expect similar for 1998)

Torque:

Approx. 71 lb-ft (96 Nm) at 5250 rpm (for the R1150GS model)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2

Ignition:

Digital Electronic Ignition (CDI)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.

Cooling:

Air and Oil Cooled

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed constant mesh gearbox

Type:

Not applicable, 6-speed was standard.

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch with hydraulic actuation

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel via Paralever system

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 liter (1.1 US qt) of BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 80W/90)

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US qt) of BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 80W/90)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) at seat

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)

Gross Weight:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Capacity:

25 liters (6.6 US gal), including reserve

Front Wheel:

Cast aluminum or spoked, 3.00 x 19

Rear Wheel:

Cast aluminum or spoked, 4.00 x 17

Front Tire:

110/80 R 19

Rear Tire:

140/80 R 17

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (cast wheels are hub-mounted)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Motorcycles of this era were not subject to standardized crash testing like automobiles.

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II or ABS EVO system

Braking System Front:

Dual 305 mm (12.0 in) discs with 4-piston calipers

Braking System Rear:

Single 276 mm (10.9 in) disc with 2-piston caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, standard turn signals

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, voltmeter, oil pressure light, engine management warning light, ABS status indicator.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital multi-function display (odometer, trip meters, clock, ambient temperature, oil temp).

ABS:

BMW Motorrad ABS (II or EVO) was a significant technological feature for its time, enhancing braking safety.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics connector for engine management system (via appropriate BMW diagnostic tool).

Headlight Type:

Halogen

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

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

Engine Oil Change:

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

Air Filter:

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

Valve Clearance:

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

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified by the manual.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or as recommended.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50, or as specified in the manual for ambient temperatures.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Coolant:

N/A (Air/Oil cooled)

Common Problems:

Cracked swingarm (early models), failing fuel pump, ABS sensor issues, clutch slave cylinder leaks, intermittent electrical connections, telelever seal leaks, starter motor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long and storied history of producing innovative and durable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engine configurations and pioneering spirit in adventure touring.

Predecessor:

The R 1150 GS evolved from the highly successful R 1100 GS, featuring increased engine displacement and improved performance.

Successor:

The R 1150 GS was succeeded by the R 1200 GS, which continued to refine the adventure touring concept.

Production Years:

The R 1150 GS series was produced from 1999 to 2005. A 1998 model would represent a very early production example or a pre-production unit.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Perception:

Widely acclaimed for its durability, versatility, and capability, cementing its reputation as a benchmark adventure touring motorcycle.

User Reviews:

Consistently received high praise from riders for its comfort on long journeys and its ability to tackle varied terrain.

Emissions:

Met Euro emissions standards applicable for its production year.