🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1150 GS

Year:

1999

Engine Code Common:

R20

Vin Code Common:

See VIN plate

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R 1150 R and R 1150 GS series represented a significant evolution in BMW's Boxer engine motorcycle lineup, offering a blend of sport touring (R) and adventure touring (GS) capabilities. These models catered to riders seeking robust performance, touring comfort, and off-road versatility, respectively.

Competitors:

Competed with models such as the Honda VFR800, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, and Yamaha TDM900 for the R model, and the Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin, and KTM Adventure series for the GS model.

Key Features:

Characterized by their longitudinally mounted Boxer twin-cylinder engines, Telelever front suspension (on GS and some R models), Monolever rear swingarm, shaft drive, and robust build quality. The R 1150 series offered improved power and torque over its predecessors.

📋 Manual Details

Areas Covered:

All models, engines, trims, and transmissions for the 1999 BMW R 1150 R and R 1150 GS.

Page Count:

Estimated 400-600 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

Engine (top and bottom end), Fuel System (injection, pumps, filters), Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (gearbox, clutch), Drivetrain (final drive, driveshaft, bevel gear), Suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), Brakes (ABS, hydraulic lines, calipers, discs), Electrical System (wiring diagrams, charging system, lighting, ignition), Chassis and Frame, Bodywork, Wheels and Tires, Instruments and Controls.

Procedures:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, disassembly and reassembly of all major components, troubleshooting of common electrical and mechanical faults, diagnostic procedures, repair and replacement of parts, adjustments, torque specifications, special tool requirements, wiring schematics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic inspections and fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans optimized for clarity of diagrams, schematics, and text. Searchable text for efficient information retrieval.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF 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:

Overhead camshafts (SOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Valve Clearance Intake:

0.10 - 0.15 mm (cold)

Valve Clearance Exhaust:

0.15 - 0.20 mm (cold)

Horsepower:

Approx. 95 hp (70 kW) at 7250 rpm (R 1150 R); Approx. 85 hp (63 kW) at 6750 rpm (R 1150 GS)

Torque:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm (R 1150 R); Approx. 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm (R 1150 GS)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 Liters (5.3 US gal) (R 1150 R); 20 Liters (5.3 US gal) or 30 Liters (7.9 US gal) optional (R 1150 GS)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher motorcycle-specific engine oil

Oil Capacity With Filter:

3.0 Liters (3.17 US qt)

Oil Capacity Without Filter:

2.75 Liters (2.91 US qt)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox, constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via single-sided swingarm (Monolever)

Gear Ratios 1St:

1.400 (35/25)

Gear Ratios 2Nd:

1.750 (28/16)

Gear Ratios 3Rd:

2.154 (28/13)

Gear Ratios 4Th:

2.538 (33/13)

Gear Ratios 5Th:

2.923 (38/13)

Gear Ratios 6Th:

3.200 (32/10)

Final Drive Ratio:

1:3.08 (11/34)

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 hypoid gear oil

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

0.9 Liters (0.95 US qt)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 hypoid gear oil

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

0.22 Liters (0.23 US qt)

📐 Dimensions

Length R1150R:

Approx. 2190 mm (86.2 in)

Length R1150Gs:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width R1150R:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)

Width R1150Gs:

Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in)

Height R1150R:

Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)

Height R1150Gs:

Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 in)

Seat Height R1150R:

Approx. 760 mm (30 in)

Seat Height R1150Gs:

Approx. 830 mm (32.7 in) (adjustable)

Dry Weight R1150R:

Approx. 216 kg (476 lbs)

Dry Weight R1150Gs:

Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Refer to vehicle data plate

Payload Capacity:

Refer to vehicle data plate

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era generally do not have standardized crash test ratings equivalent to automobiles.

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS (Integral ABS II on later models, but likely basic ABS for '99)

Brakes Front:

Dual 305 mm discs, dual piston floating calipers (R) / Dual 305 mm discs, 4-piston fixed calipers (GS)

Brakes Rear:

Single 276 mm disc, dual piston floating caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight

Engine Guard:

Standard on R 1150 GS, optional on R 1150 R

Handguards:

Standard on R 1150 GS

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meters, fuel level indicator, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights for ABS, oil pressure, neutral, etc. Often equipped with an analog clock.

ABS System:

BMW's Integral ABS, designed to prevent wheel lock-up during braking. The manual details its operation, diagnostics, and maintenance.

Accessories:

Provisions for heated grips, auxiliary power outlets, and mounting points for BMW's accessory luggage systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years

Air Filter Inspection:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 PLUS or DOT 5.1 for improved performance and longevity)

Coolant Type:

BMW approved ethylene glycol based coolant (typically 50% mix with distilled water)

Common Faults:

Oil leaks (especially around the final drive and engine seals), fuel pump failures, ABS sensor issues, regulator/rectifier failures, starter motor problems, clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator drive belt wear. The Telelever system on the GS can require specialized maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance:

Regularly check and top up gearbox and final drive oil, inspect driveshaft boots for damage, clean fuel injectors, maintain battery health, and monitor for any signs of oil seepage. The manual provides detailed procedures for addressing these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for its Boxer engine configurations dating back to the 1920s. This lineage emphasizes touring comfort, durability, and technological advancement.

Predecessors:

The R 1150 series evolved from the highly successful R 1100 models, featuring an increase in bore for more displacement and improved power delivery. The GS variant continued the legacy of the 'Gelandestrasse' (off-road street) bikes, building on the R80G/S and R100GS.

Successors:

The R 1150 series was eventually superseded by the R 1200 models, which further refined the Boxer engine and chassis design, offering increased performance and weight reduction.

Production Period:

The R 1150 range was primarily produced from 1999 through 2004.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Awards:

While specific awards for the 1999 model year are difficult to pinpoint, the R 1150 GS in particular received widespread acclaim for its capability as an adventure touring platform, often cited in enthusiast publications for its durability and versatility on and off-road.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction due to BMW's reputation for build quality and engineering, though maintenance can be costly if not performed by experienced technicians.

Manual Certification:

N/A (This is a third-party reproduction of manufacturer documentation)