🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Product Type:

Motorcycle Service Repair Workshop Manual

Model Generations Covered:

R1150GS models

Internal Product Code:

BMW-R1150GS-SRWM

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Brand Positioning:

BMW's flagship large-displacement dual-sport motorcycle, known for its robustness, versatility, and long-distance touring capabilities.

Key Competitors:

Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Yamaha Super Tenere, KTM Adventure series.

Defining Characteristics:

Boxer-twin engine, robust chassis, long-travel suspension, shaft drive, optional ABS and heated grips, excellent touring ergonomics.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential factory-level repair and maintenance data for owners and independent mechanics to keep the R1150GS in optimal condition.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Intended Audience:

Do-it-yourselfer and Professional Technicians

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Digital Format:

PDF

Print Availability:

Digital Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, valves, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4/MA 2.4.2), exhaust system.

Transmission Systems:

Gearbox overhaul, clutch operation, final drive, driveshaft, universal joints.

Electrical Systems:

Ignition system, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ABS II (optional), traction control (optional).

Chassis Systems:

Frame, suspension (Telelever front, Paralever rear), wheels, tires, braking system (Brembo calipers, dual front discs, single rear disc, ABS options), steering system.

Bodywork And Fittings:

Fairing, seat, fuel tank, body panels, luggage systems (optional), controls.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain/driveshaft lubrication, valve clearance adjustments, brake pad checks, tire pressure monitoring.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, electrical system troubleshooting, fuel system issues, engine performance problems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement.

Special Tools And Techniques:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs and adjustments.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Type:

Searchable PDF

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear diagrams and legible text.

Scalability:

Printable at standard paper sizes (e.g., A4, Letter).

Physical Manual Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Physical Manual Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

1130 cc (1.13 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with rocker arms (single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank, located in the cylinder head).

Horsepower Rating:

95 hp @ 7,250 rpm (approx.)

Torque Rating:

71 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or MA 2.4.2

Fuel Type:

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

Oil Capacity:

4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts)

Oil Type Specification:

BMW Motorrad recommends SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil. Check manual for exact BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-01).

Ignition System:

Digital ignition system with dual spark plugs per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.

Final Drive:

Enclosed shaft drive with universal joint.

Optional Features:

N/A for transmission, but ABS II and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) are optional vehicle features.

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific gear ratios and final drive ratio.

Transmission Oil Specification:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2,230 mm (87.8 in)

Width Over Handlebars:

915 mm (36.0 in)

Height Over Mirrors:

1,435 mm (56.5 in)

Wheelbase:

1,487 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

238 kg (525 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20.5 liters (5.4 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional ABS II system available on many models.

Braking System Description:

Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear). Integral ABS option combines front and rear braking with a linked lever.

Traction Control Availability:

Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, incandescent turn signals.

Crash Protection:

Standard engine crash bars, optional fairing protection available.

💡 Technology Features

Standard Features:

Basic analog/digital instrument cluster with speed, tachometer, fuel level, gear indicator, and warning lights. Often equipped with a 12V accessory socket.

Optional Upgrades:

Provision for heated grips, often paired with aftermarket GPS units or communication systems.

ABS System:

Optional BMW Integral ABS II, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system that can be activated or deactivated by the rider. The 'Integral' aspect means the front brake lever also actuates the rear brake.

Traction Control System:

Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) system, which works in conjunction with the ABS to limit engine power if wheel slip is detected.

Diagnostic Ports:

Typically uses BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for electronic fault finding.

Instrumentation Features:

Multi-function display showing odometer, trip meters, clock, outside temperature, and system warnings (e.g., low oil pressure, check engine light).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Manual may specify shorter intervals for severe use.

Valve Clearance Check Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). This is a crucial maintenance item for the boxer engine.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for the primary spark plugs; secondary plugs may have different intervals. Check manual.

Driveshaft Maintenance:

Inspection and lubrication of the driveshaft and universal joint at regular intervals (e.g., every 10,000 km/6,000 miles). Refer to manual for grease type and procedure.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 synthetic/semi-synthetic motorcycle oil meeting API SG/SH/SJ or higher and JASO MA standards. Refer to manual for exact BMW specifications.

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Refer to manual for specific BMW approved lubricants.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Replacement and bleeding recommended every 2 years.

Coolant Type:

BMW Motorrad recommends a water/glycol mixture (50/50) for the oil cooler circuit if applicable, and engine oil for cylinder cooling. The R1150GS has an oil-cooled engine primarily. Check manual for specific cooling fluid if equipped.

Hall Effect Sender Failure:

The Hall effect sender, crucial for ignition timing, can fail, leading to starting problems or stalling. Replacement is straightforward.

Fuel Pump Issues:

Early models may experience fuel pump issues or filter clogs. Regular fuel filter replacement is recommended.

Clutch Slave Cylinder Leaks:

The hydraulic clutch slave cylinder can develop leaks. Inspection and potential replacement are part of regular checks.

Paralever Pivot Bearings:

Wear in the Paralever rear drive pivot bearings can lead to handling issues. Regular inspection and lubrication are important.

ABS Modulator Failure:

ABS II modulators can be prone to failure, especially in older units. Diagnosis and replacement can be costly.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Division:

BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence and innovation in motorcycle design, particularly with its boxer engine and shaft drive configurations.

R Series Lineage:

The R1150GS is a direct descendant of the legendary R80GS and R100GS, which pioneered the adventure touring segment. It represents a significant evolution in displacement, power, technology, and comfort.

R1100Gs To R1150Gs Transition:

The R1150GS, introduced in 1999, built upon the R1100GS with a larger engine, improved torque, a six-speed gearbox (compared to the R1100GS's five-speed), and revised styling and ergonomics. Key variants include the standard GS, the adventure-oriented GSA (with larger fuel tank and other expedition features), and ABS-equipped models.

Production Years:

1999 - 2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Category Accolades:

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic and capable adventure touring motorcycles of its era. Celebrated for its durability and off-road prowess.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally considered very reliable with proper maintenance, though specific components like Hall effect sensors and ABS units require attention.

Emissions Standards:

Meets relevant European and North American emissions standards for its production years. Manual details specific tuning parameters.