Positioning:
The R 1150 GS defined the adventure touring segment, offering unparalleled versatility, durability, and comfort for long-distance travel and off-road exploration.
Competitors:
Competed against bikes like the Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, and later models from various manufacturers. The R 1150 GS set a benchmark for performance and rider comfort.
Features:
Torque-rich Boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear drive, optional ABS, robust build quality, excellent wind protection, and large fuel capacity.
Value:
Empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving on labor costs and ensuring their R 1150 GS remains in peak operating condition.
Regional Coverage:
Global (likely including North America, Europe, Australia)
Estimated Page Count:
High (typically 500+ pages for a comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Scope:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, component inspection, timing, valve adjustments, torque specifications
Engine Management:
Fuel injection (Motronic), ignition system, sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, shifting mechanisms
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive (final drive), driveshaft maintenance, universal joints
Brakes:
ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pad replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, rotor inspection
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, shock absorber service, fork seal replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, instrumentation
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel line routing
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler replacement, gasket services
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal, seat replacement, chassis inspection, accessory mounting points
Wheels And Tires:
Tire replacement, wheel bearing service, spoke tension adjustment (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, symptom-based guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls and replacements
Diagnostic Codes:
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) error code interpretation and clearing
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific tasks
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic servicing to complete engine rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for electrical and fuel injection systems
Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (actual for R1150 variants)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated overhead valves
Horsepower:
95 hp (70 kW) @ 7,250 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
70.8 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 5,250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (BMW Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 RON (91 Octane or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.5 liters (5.4 US gal) for Standard, 30 liters (7.9 US gal) for Adventure
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 API SG/SH motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity:
4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with BMW Paralever system
Options:
N/A (5-speed manual was standard)
Gear Ratios:
Typically listed in manual, e.g., 1st: 3.000, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.500, 4th: 1.217, 5th: 1.000 (exact ratios may vary)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.9 liters (0.95 US qt)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) (seat height varies)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)
Seat Height:
Approx. 840 mm (33.1 in) (adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 208 kg (458 lbs)
ABS:
BMW Motorrad ABS II (optional, with integral braking function)
Braking System:
Dual disc front (2x305mm), single disc rear (265mm), multi-piston calipers
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, multi-reflector design
Frame:
Steel tube frame, engine as stressed member
Crash Protection:
Optional cylinder protection guards, robust frame design
Features:
Basic instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights. No integrated infotainment system.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad ABS II with optional integral braking (applying rear brake with front lever).
Features:
N/A (No factory connectivity features)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Filter Change Interval:
With every oil change
Spark Plug Service:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on performance
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 API SG/SH motorcycle oil
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Coolant:
N/A (Air/Oil cooled)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks, ABS modulator issues (less common on this generation), starter motor solenoid wear, fuel pump reliability.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, some intermittent electrical connections can occur over time, especially around the main harness connectors.
Recommendations:
Regularly check and torque fasteners, inspect shaft drive boot for tears, maintain clean air filter, and perform regular brake fluid changes.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, high-quality motorcycles, with a particular legacy in boxer engine technology and adventure touring.
Predecessor:
BMW R 1100 GS
Successor:
BMW R 1150 GS Adventure, BMW R 1200 GS
Production Years:
1994-2003 (for R1150 series)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Impact:
The R 1150 GS solidified BMW's dominance in the adventure touring market and became an iconic motorcycle for globetrotters and commuters alike.
