Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, maximizing vehicle longevity and performance.
Competitors Era:
Honda Africa Twin (XRV series), Yamaha Super Tenere (XTZ series), Suzuki V-Strom (DR series), Kawasaki KLR650.
Gs Legacy:
Builds upon the renowned 'Geländestraße' (off-road) capability of earlier BMW GS models, emphasizing versatility for touring and adventure.
Diy Advantage:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain their BMW R1150GS, leading to cost savings and a deeper understanding of their machine.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch service, shaft drive maintenance, final drive inspection and service.
Chassis Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, wheel bearing service, steering head bearing maintenance, shock absorber adjustments and replacement.
Brakes:
ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system bleeding, pad and disc replacement, caliper service, brake line maintenance.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, fuses and relays, instrumentation.
Bodywork Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, fuel tank service, fairing repair and painting, frame inspection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments, spark plug replacement), lubrication points, tire pressure checks, brake fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance problems, starting difficulties, braking system anomalies.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, electrical resistance values, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and schematics.
Searchable Text:
Typically, downloadable PDF manuals are text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Readability:
Professional digital reproduction, ensuring clear text and legible diagrams. Printable for workshop use.
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable Digital File)
Paper:
N/A (Downloadable Digital File)
Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (1130 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower Ps:
85 PS (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm
Torque Nm:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm
Injection:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Specification:
API SG, ACEA A2/A3 or JASO MA. BMW recommends SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 depending on climate.
Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) without filter change; 4.25 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter change.
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Optional Features:
N/A (5-speed manual was standard)
Drive System:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Specification:
Gearbox: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic hypoid gear oil. Final Drive: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil.
Gearbox Capacity:
Approx. 1.1 liters (1.16 US quarts)
Final Drive Capacity:
Approx. 0.22 liters (0.23 US quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,435 mm (56.5 in) at seat height
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 242 kg (534 lbs) with fluids and battery
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
470 kg (1036 lbs)
Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including 3 liters reserve
Safety Features General:
Designed for stability and rider control in diverse conditions.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (fully integrated braking system).
Brakes Front:
Dual 305 mm (12.0 in) discs with 4-piston calipers (or 2-piston with ABS).
Brakes Rear:
Single 276 mm (10.9 in) disc with 2-piston caliper.
Suspension Front:
BMW Telelever system
Suspension Rear:
BMW Paralever system
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, brake light.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, warning lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Air filter checked at 10,000 km intervals, replaced as needed.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Coolant:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch spline lubrication, fuel pump, alternator output, input shaft splines (requiring periodic greasing), ABS modulator seals (older models).
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion in connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Oil Filter Example:
BMW Part Number: 11 42 1 456 775 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Air Filter Example:
BMW Part Number: 13 72 1 455 004 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of engineering excellence, particularly known for its boxer engines and pioneering motorcycle designs since the early 20th century.
R Series Legacy:
The R1150GS is part of the highly successful R-series GS line, which began with the R80GS in 1980, establishing the adventure touring segment.
R1150Gs Introduction:
The R1150GS was introduced as an evolution of the popular R1100GS, offering increased engine capacity, improved ergonomics, and refined performance.
Production Years:
The R1150GS was produced from 1999 to 2005. The 1997 reference in the product name likely indicates an early manual covering the development leading to this model, or potentially a typo for a later model year manual.
Model Reputation:
The R1150GS is widely regarded as a benchmark in the adventure touring segment, praised for its durability, comfort, and go-anywhere capability.
Adventure Capability:
Consistently ranked high by enthusiasts and publications for its long-distance touring comfort and off-road prowess.
Manufacturing Standards:
Built to BMW's rigorous German engineering and quality control standards.
