🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150RT

Motorcycle Type:

Sport Touring

Engine Code Family:

M254

Chassis Code:

R22

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW R1150RT was positioned as a premium, large-displacement sport-touring motorcycle, designed for long-distance comfort, performance, and technological integration. It catered to riders who prioritized touring capabilities with a substantial engine and a comfortable riding posture.

Competitors:

Competed with other large-displacement touring motorcycles such as Honda ST1100/ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, and Harley-Davidson Electra Glide models of the era.

Touring Features:

Full fairing with adjustable windscreen, comfortable seat, integrated luggage system (panniers), often equipped with heated grips and ABS.

Engine Technology:

Air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine with electronic fuel injection and dual spark ignition, renowned for its torque and reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Chassis:

Yes

Bodywork:

Yes

Diagnostics:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Maintenance:

Yes

Specifications:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (standard for BMW official manuals)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (including cylinder head, valve train, piston, crankshaft), transmission (gearbox, clutch), final drive (driveshaft, universal joint, final gear).

Chassis And Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic, EVO front system), rear suspension (Paralever single-sided swingarm), wheel bearings, steering system, frame components.

Braking System:

Integral ABS II (or non-ABS systems), brake fluid, brake lines, calipers, master cylinders, brake discs.

Fuel And Exhaust:

Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4), fuel pump, fuel filter, throttle body, exhaust system, catalytic converter (if equipped).

Electrical System And Ignition:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, sensors, engine control unit (ECU), ABS control unit, wiring harnesses.

Body And Fairings:

Fairings, windshield, seat, luggage systems (panniers, top case mounting), body panels, trim pieces.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks and adjustments, brake pad inspection and replacement, clutch adjustment, drivetrain lubrication, tire pressure checks.

Engine Overhaul:

Cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft bearing replacement, camshaft and timing chain inspection, complete engine teardown and reassembly.

Transmission Repair:

Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch plate replacement, input/output shaft inspection, seal replacement.

Suspension And Steering Service:

Front fork oil change and seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection, steering head bearing adjustment and replacement, wheel bearing service.

Brake System Service:

Brake fluid bleeding (including ABS systems), pad and disc replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, ABS system troubleshooting and repair.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU diagnostics, wiring harness repair, battery and charging system testing.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel injector cleaning and testing, fuel pump flow rate checks, throttle body cleaning and synchronization, fuel pressure regulation.

Bodywork Repair And Adjustment:

Fairing panel removal and installation, windshield adjustment, seat removal, luggage system mounting and dismounting.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and repair procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution for clear viewing of diagrams and text.

Illustration Clarity:

Detailed illustrations, exploded views, and schematics.

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

1130 cc (1.13 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Cooling System:

Air and oil cooled

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 2 exhaust)

Horsepower:

Approx. 85 HP (63 kW) at 6750 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

25 Liters (approx. 6.6 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Type:

N/A (Manual transmission was standard)

Clutch Type:

Single dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via Paralever single-sided swingarm

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 inches)

Width Over Mirrors:

Approx. 950 mm (37.4 inches)

Height Seat:

Approx. 830 mm (32.7 inches)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 254 kg (560 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 275 kg (606 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Integral ABS II was an available option on many models.

Braking System:

Combined braking with Integral ABS II (front brake lever actuates front and rear brakes, rear brake pedal primarily actuates rear brake but also contributes to front). Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, taillight.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Some R1150RT models were equipped with an integrated audio system (radio/CD player) as an option.

ABS:

Integral ABS II offered linked braking and anti-lock functionality for enhanced safety.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control was available on some models.

Diagnostics Port:

OBD-II style diagnostic port for connection to BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

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

Valve Adjustment:

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

Air Filter:

Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed (typically 20,000-30,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.

Engine Oil:

BMW recommends SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle oil meeting API SG or higher. Oil capacity approx. 3.5 Liters (with filter change).

Gearbox Oil:

BMW recommends SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approx. 0.25 Liters.

Final Drive Oil:

BMW recommends SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approx. 0.25 Liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Coolant:

Not applicable (air/oil-cooled engine).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear brake rotor wear, front fork seals, fuel pump issues, output shaft seal leaks, alternator rotor failures (especially on earlier models), and the Hexlever pivot point for the Paralever system.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical faults can occur due to aging wiring or connector issues, particularly related to ABS sensors and the Motronic unit.

ABS System Reliability:

While advanced for its time, the Integral ABS II system can be complex to service and may require specialized diagnostics. Pump and accumulator issues can arise.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing boxer-engined motorcycles, dating back to the R32 in 1923. The boxer engine layout has been a hallmark of the brand, known for its durability, torque, and smooth power delivery.

Predecessors:

The R1150RT is part of the evolution of BMW's large-displacement touring motorcycles, succeeding models like the R100RT and R1100RT. It introduced enhancements in engine power, fuel injection, and integrated technology.

Successors:

The R1150RT was later succeeded by the BMW R1200RT, which featured an updated boxer engine with more power and advanced features.

Production Years:

Produced from 2001 to 2004.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The R1150RT is generally well-regarded for its comfortable touring capabilities, robust build quality, and the characterful torque of its boxer engine. It is considered a capable long-distance machine.

Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often praised its stable handling, effective fairing protection, and comfortable ergonomics for both rider and passenger, while noting its weight and the complexity of its ABS system.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with European emissions standards relevant to its production years (e.g., Euro 1 or Euro 2).