Category:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking a reliable, versatile, and capable machine for long-distance touring, commuting, and light off-road exploration.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger Explorer, KTM Adventure series, Yamaha Super Tenere.
Distinctive Selling Points:
Torque-rich boxer engine, durable Telelever front suspension, robust build quality, excellent touring comfort, legendary off-road capability for its class.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, component testing, torque specifications, valve adjustment, timing chain inspection.
Engine Management Electrical:
Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting, wiring diagrams.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, driveshaft inspection and maintenance, final drive unit service.
Chassis Suspension:
Front telelever suspension fork service and rebuild, rear monolever shock absorber servicing, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment.
Brakes:
ABS (Integral ABS II and earlier), brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service.
Electrical System:
Battery and charging system, lighting, instrumentation, starter system, fuses and relays, diagnostic port access.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler replacement, lambda sensor inspection.
Bodywork Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat removal, fuel tank mounting, frame inspection.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, gear oil changes, brake fluid changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation, electrical system troubleshooting charts.
Component Repair Rebuild:
Detailed steps for engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component refurbishment.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, common electrical faults and their solutions.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Type:
Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1130 cc (1150cc marketing designation)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower:
85 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, actuated by pushrods and rocker arms
Oil System:
Dry sump lubrication with oil reservoir integrated into the transmission housing.
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Enclosed driveshaft to rear wheel via Monolever system
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW recommended or equivalent)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.2 Liters (check manual for precise amount)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) at highest screen position
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1488 mm (58.6 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 207 kg (456 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 223 kg (492 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gal), including 4 Liter reserve
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (with filter change) (check manual for precise amount)
ABS System:
Integral ABS II (optional on some models/markets), featuring linked braking and rear deactivation switch.
Braking System Front:
Dual 305 mm floating discs with 4-piston calipers.
Braking System Rear:
Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position for rider comfort and control.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display (time, trip meter, gear indicator on some models, fault codes).
ABS:
Optional Integral ABS II with linked braking functionality.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW 10-pin diagnostic connector, accessible for reading fault codes.
ECU:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic engine management system.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher, JASO MA)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for ABS-specific requirements)
Coolant Type:
Air/Oil cooled, but gearbox oil and final drive oil are critical.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, fuel pump failure, ABS modulator issues (on earlier models), driveshaft spline lubrication (critical), charging system components (rectifier/alternator).
Maintenance Recommendations:
Regular lubrication of driveshaft splines and paralever shaft is crucial for longevity. Monitor clutch fluid level and condition. Proper battery maintenance is essential.
Brand Legacy:
BMW Motorrad, known for engineering excellence, durability, and pioneering motorcycle technology since the early 20th century.
R Series Heritage:
Continuation of the iconic R-series boxer-twin platform, evolving from the R100 GS. The R1150 GS introduced fuel injection and improved power/torque.
Generation Name:
R1150 GS (also includes R1150 GS Adventure variant)
Production Years:
1999 - 2003
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
