Vehicle Segment:
Adventure touring motorcycle, known for its ruggedness, versatility, and capability for long-distance travel and off-road excursions.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, Suzuki V-Strom, Moto Guzzi Quota, Triumph Tiger (contemporary competitors, though exact models vary by year).
Gs Philosophy:
The 'GS' designation signifies 'Geländestraße' (off-road/terrain) and 'Sport', embodying BMW's philosophy of a dual-purpose motorcycle excelling in both on-road comfort and off-road prowess.
Engine Layout:
Iconic BMW Boxer-twin engine, known for its low center of gravity and unique torque delivery.
Target User:
DIY mechanics, BMW enthusiasts, owners looking to perform their own maintenance and repairs to save costs and gain deeper understanding of their machine.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox maintenance, clutch service, driveshaft, final drive
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (Telelever), rear shock absorber (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering head bearings
Braking System:
ABS (likely Integral ABS or pre-ABS depending on exact R1150GS variant for 1997, though R1150GS wasn't released until late 1999 for the 2000 model year - this points to a potential cataloging error if truly 1997 R1150GS), brake caliper service, fluid replacement, hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, electronic control units (ECU)
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, body panels
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant checks
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Common fault diagnosis, error code interpretation (if applicable), mechanical and electrical issue resolution
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repair
Rebuilding Refurbishment:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: From basic user maintenance to advanced internal engine and transmission work
File Format:
Likely PDF, potentially high-resolution scans of original printed manual.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if a digital PDF, crucial for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
Typically good to excellent, with clear diagrams and text. Quality depends on the source digitization.
Binding Type:
N/A (if digital PDF). If printed, typically coil-bound or saddle-stitched for workshop use.
Paper Type:
N/A (if digital PDF). If printed, would be durable, possibly glossy for diagrams.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1130cc (Note: R1150GS typically refers to models from 1999/2000 onwards. A 1997 model would more likely be an R1100GS, which had a 1085cc engine. This product listing might be erroneous or refer to a very early, less common variant if the R1150GS designation is precise for 1997).
Bore X Stroke:
Typical for R1150GS: 101 mm x 70.5 mm (for R1100GS: 99 mm x 70.5 mm)
Horsepower:
R1150GS: Approximately 85 hp @ 6,750 rpm. R1100GS: Approximately 80 hp @ 6,750 rpm.
Torque:
R1150GS: Approximately 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm. R1100GS: Approximately 97 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (95 octane)
Ignition Type:
Digital electronic ignition with knock control.
Cooling Method:
Air cooling with oil cooling via an oil cooler integrated into the engine block.
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change).
Transmission Type:
5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox (R1150GS typically has 6-speed, R1100GS has 5-speed). The manual should specify.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to the rear wheel via BMW's Paralever single-sided swingarm.
Length:
Varies, but typically around 2200-2300 mm
Width:
Varies, but typically around 900-950 mm (including mirrors)
Dry Weight:
R1150GS: Approx. 216 kg. R1100GS: Approx. 210 kg.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 450-500 kg
ABS System:
Optional Integral ABS (anti-lock braking system) fitted to many R1150GS models. The manual will detail its service and maintenance.
Braking Performance:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. Specific caliper types (e.g., Brembo) and rotor sizes will be detailed.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals. Wiring and bulb replacement procedures are covered.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip computer, warning lights. Some later R1150GS models may have had more advanced displays.
ABS Integration:
Integral ABS system, which combines braking of both wheels with a single lever actuation (can vary). Manual will detail calibration and bleeding procedures.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port (likely BMW proprietary connector) for fault code reading by qualified technicians or with specialized tools. Manual might provide basic diagnostic routines.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will specify.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Usually every 10,000 km or 20,000 km, depending on the specific model and manual recommendation. The boxer engine's accessible valve covers make this a manageable DIY task.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Typically every 2 years to maintain system integrity and prevent moisture absorption.
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil. Manual will list exact BMW specification.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil. Manual will list exact BMW specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (for ABS models, consult manual). Manual will specify exact type, especially for ABS.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fuel pump issues, alternator brushes, output shaft seal leaks, Telelever pivot bearings, Paralever final drive spline lubrication.
Electrical Gremlins:
Historically, some BMW models have experienced minor electrical connection issues or sensor faults, which this manual would help diagnose.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable, and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and pioneering adventure touring bikes.
Gs Lineage:
The R1150GS is a direct evolution of the highly successful R1100GS, incorporating engine upgrades, chassis improvements, and often enhanced electronics. The R1150GS itself was succeeded by the R1200GS.
Production Era R1150Gs:
The R1150GS was produced from late 1999 (as a 2000 model year) through 2003/2004. The 1997 listing for an R1150GS is historically inaccurate; it's likely referencing an R1100GS or is a data entry error.
