Positioning:
The R 1150 RT was BMW's flagship touring motorcycle, renowned for its comfort, reliability, and advanced features for its era.
Competitors:
Competed directly with other large-displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (e.g., Gold Wing), Harley-Davidson, and Kawasaki.
Touring Focus:
Designed for long-distance touring with a comfortable riding position, substantial luggage capacity, and wind protection.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, providing low maintenance and a smooth power delivery.
Braking Technology:
Optional ABS Integral braking system (partial integral or full integral depending on model year and configuration), a significant safety feature for its time.
Owner Benefit:
Essential for owners to understand their motorcycle's complex systems, order correct parts, and perform maintenance or repairs efficiently.
Engine System:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of the R 1150 RT boxer-twin engine
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, and fuel tank maintenance
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, sensors, and ECU diagnosis
Transmission System:
Gearbox inspection, repair, clutch service, and final drive maintenance
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system, brake fluid, calipers, master cylinders, and ABS Integral system components
Suspension System:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever swingarm, shock absorbers, and fork service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection and replacement
Cooling System:
Engine oil cooling system and related components
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairings, seat, luggage systems, and body panel repair/replacement
ABS Integral System:
Detailed coverage of the two-channel ABS Integral system, including hydraulic unit, wheel speed sensors, and control module diagnostics
Scheduled Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, adjustments, and inspections
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues
Engine Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, machining, and reassembly
Transmission Repair:
Detailed procedures for clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, and final drive service
Brake System Service:
Bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, and ABS system bleeding sequence
Suspension Fork Service:
Front fork oil change, seal replacement, and spring replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, and component troubleshooting
Bodywork Repair:
Fairing removal, installation, and minor repair procedures
ABS System Diagnosis:
Specific troubleshooting steps for ABS warning lights, sensor faults, and hydraulic unit issues
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and component rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including component testing and fault code interpretation (where applicable)
Illustrations Detail:
Detailed blown-up illustrations and diagrams for clear visual guidance
Parts Information:
Detailed parts lists for component identification and ordering
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed boxer-twin
Displacement:
1130 cc (69 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm (3.9 in x 2.8 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Cooling System:
Air/oil-cooled
Horsepower:
95 hp (70 kW) at 7250 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by market/spec)
Torque:
75 lb-ft (102 Nm) at 5500 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by market/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON + MON)/2
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated, overhead valves (OHV)
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 935 mm (36.8 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,435 mm (56.5 in) at windscreen
Dry Weight:
Approx. 256 kg (564 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 490 kg (1080 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gal), including approx. 3 liters (0.8 US gal) reserve
Safety Feature Rating:
ABS Integral system provided enhanced braking safety
ABS Integral:
Available as optional equipment, braking force distributed between front and rear wheels, with rider controllable front brake lever actuating both circuits (partial integral) or separately (full integral depending on configuration).
Linked Braking:
The ABS Integral system inherently links the braking circuits.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight and comprehensive lighting for visibility
Chassis Design:
Robust frame and suspension for stable handling
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
As per manual recommendations, often around 20,000-40,000 km intervals
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting BMW approval (e.g., API SG or higher, ACEA E3/E5 or similar)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with oil filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some early models may experience fuel pump issues; later revisions improved reliability.
Clutch Actuator Leaks:
Occasional leaks from the clutch slave cylinder actuator can occur.
Hall Sender Failures:
Hall effect sensors (crankshaft position) can be prone to failure over time, causing starting or running issues.
ABS Controller Failures:
While generally robust, ABS control modules can fail with age and mileage.
Bmw Motorcycle Heritage:
BMW has a long history of producing robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive.
R Series Lineage:
The R 1150 RT is a successor to models like the R 1100 RT, continuing the evolution of BMW's successful large-displacement touring platform.
Key Improvements Over Predecessor:
Increased engine displacement, higher power output, revised ergonomics, and further development of the ABS system.
Production Years:
Approximately 1999-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
