Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, Ducati Multistrada (early models)
Distinctive Attributes:
Iconic Boxer engine, shaft drive, robust build, long-distance comfort, off-road capability
Engine:
Full overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch, final drive
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), wheels, steering
Brakes:
ABS II (or integral ABS depending on specific bike) system, disc brake service, hydraulic systems
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, starter system
Bodywork:
Fairing removal, seat, fuel tank, body panels, luggage systems
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults and symptoms
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, ABS system checks
Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine, gearbox, and final drive rebuilding
Adjustments:
Carburetor (if applicable, though R1150GS is EFI), throttle body synchronization, idle speed adjustment
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic rider maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, color-coded electrical schematics
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required BMW special tools
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (Actual displacement is closer to 1130cc, not 1150cc as commonly implied by model name for this generation)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower:
85 hp @ 6750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 91-98 RON
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 (API SG or higher, BMW approval recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (including oil filter)
Type:
Air and Oil Cooling
Type:
Digital Electronic Ignition (CDI)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 (or similar)
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (mechanically actuated)
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.00, 2nd: 2.06, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.29, 5th: 1.03)
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter
Safety Certification:
Certified for road use (country-specific regulations apply)
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II or Integral ABS (depending on model year/variant)
Braking System:
Dual front discs with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc with 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight (later models), turn signals
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights
ABS:
As mentioned, a key safety technology for its era
Diagnostics Port:
BMW 10-pin diagnostic connector (requires specific adapter for modern tools)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km
Major Service Interval:
Every 40,000 km (includes gearbox oil, final drive oil, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 recommended for later models/upgrades)
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, alternator brushes, fuel pump (early models), swingarm bearings
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Requires periodic lubrication/checking
ABS Sensor Rings:
Can accumulate dirt affecting operation
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad known for engineering excellence, boxer engines, and durable touring motorcycles
Successor:
R1150GS (Revised/Adventure models), R1200GS
Production Period:
1994-2003 (R1150GS platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
