Motorcycle Segment:
Adventure Touring (ADV)
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics seeking detailed information for maintenance, repair, and customization of the R1150GS.
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada, Yamaha Ténéré (during the 1999-2004 period).
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Robust, versatile, and capable of long-distance touring and off-road excursions, characterized by its boxer-twin engine and Telelever front suspension.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, step-by-step guidance for maintaining and repairing the R1150GS, enabling cost savings and ensuring proper vehicle function.
Covered Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Specific Models Covered:
R1150GS
Estimated Page Count:
Estimated 400-600 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Instant Download (Digital - likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, lubrication system, cooling system, piston and cylinder, valve train, crankshaft and connecting rods, torque specifications, timing.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4), fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle body, injectors, fuel pressure regulator.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition control module, wiring diagrams.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox internal components, shaft drive, final drive unit, torque specifications, maintenance of driveshaft and universal joints.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnosis, brake pad replacement, brake fluid bleeding, caliper and master cylinder overhaul, rotor inspection.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (Telelever) overhaul and adjustment, rear shock absorber (Paralever) maintenance, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service, fork seal replacement.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator, fuses, relays, instrumentation, diagnostic connectors, component testing.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, body panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fairings, luggage systems, exhaust system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable, though shaft drive on GS), air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid changes, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (where applicable), step-by-step guides to identify and resolve problems.
Component Rebuilds:
Engine rebuild (top and bottom end), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component overhaul.
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification of required specialized tools for specific procedures and guidance on their use.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Detailed electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1130 cc (1.13 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC), pushrod actuated (updated design from earlier boxers).
Cooling System:
Oil-cooled cylinders and cylinder heads with fan assist for oil coolers.
Horsepower Peak:
85 hp (63 kW) at 6750 rpm
Torque Peak:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended)
Recommended Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific engine oil meeting API SG or JASO MA specifications.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Drive Type:
Shaft Drive (via Paralever single-sided swingarm)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.43, 3rd: 1.86, 4th: 1.50, 5th: 1.24, 6th: 1.03 (Illustrative ratios, specific values may vary slightly based on production date or exact model variant.)
Final Drive Ratio:
32/11 (2.91:1)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Transmission Oil Type:
BMW recommends specific gear oil. Consult manual for exact specifications, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5 rated.
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width Handlebar:
Approx. 925 mm (36.4 in)
Height Seat:
Approx. 870 mm (34.3 in) (Standard seat height, adjustable options available)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 475 kg (1047 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US Gallons)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 160 mm (6.3 in) (Unladen)
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (Optional on early models, standard on later versions). Can be non-linked or linked depending on year and configuration.
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube trellis frame.
Handguards:
Standard, offering protection from wind and debris.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights. Often includes a clock.
ABS System:
Integral ABS, available as an option, providing enhanced braking control, especially in adverse conditions.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW's 16-pin diagnostic connector allowing for electronic fault code reading and analysis with appropriate tools.
Heated Grips:
Optional feature, controlled by a handlebar-mounted switch.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter cleaning/replacement every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as needed.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as per manual recommendations.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts) for the final drive unit. Consult manual for exact type.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator output issues, fuel pump failures, starter motor brushes, and occasional ABS sensor faults.
Preventative Maintenance Tips:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the driveshaft U-joints, checking electrical connections, timely replacement of the clutch slave cylinder seals.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad, known for robust engineering, boxer engines, and pioneering adventure touring motorcycles.
Key Advancements Over R1100Gs:
Larger displacement engine, improved fuel injection system, revised suspension geometry (Telelever and Paralever), increased power and torque, optional ABS integration.
Production Period:
1999-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Segment Popularity:
Widely regarded as a benchmark in the adventure touring segment during its production run, praised for its durability and capability.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to its reliability and versatility, though some reported minor electrical gremlins and clutch issues were noted in owner forums.
European Emission Standards:
Meets Euro-1 or Euro-2 emissions standards prevalent during its production years.
