🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle (Adventure Touring)

Engine Configuration:

Boxer-twin, four-stroke

Engine Code Family:

R2X

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The R1150GS is an iconic adventure touring motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, durability, and off-road capability, making it a benchmark in its segment during its production run.

Competitors:

Competed with motorcycles such as the Honda Africa Twin (though later models), Triumph Tiger, and Yamaha TDM.

Features:

Torquey Boxer engine, robust chassis, long-travel suspension, shaft drive, and excellent touring ergonomics.

Value Proposition:

This manual provides access to the same technical information as BMW dealerships, empowering owners and independent mechanics to perform high-quality maintenance and repairs, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and maintenance for BMW R1150GS models.

Target Audience:

Owners with basic mechanical skills and independent motorcycle service professionals.

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era, actual count varies by publisher)

Manual Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English (primary focus, often includes diagrams in multiple languages)

Format:

Printed (likely, given description; may also be available digitally)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the Boxer engine, including cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, and cooling system (oil-cooled).

Fuel System:

Detailed coverage of fuel injection system (EFI), throttle bodies, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Transmission:

Repair and maintenance of the 5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly (dry single-plate), and final drive (shaft drive) including gearbox oil changes and seal replacement.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for lighting, ignition, starting system, charging system (alternator and voltage regulator), battery, and instrumentation.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including hydraulic circuits, brake fluid specifications, caliper maintenance, pad replacement, disc inspection, and ABS (optional) system diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension (fork oil, seals, damping adjustment) and rear Monolever swingarm (shock absorber inspection, adjustment, and replacement).

Chassis And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, exhaust system, wheels, and tires.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable to era/model), and diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Maintenance:

Regular service procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake bleeding, chain adjustment (if applicable to model variant, though shaft drive is standard), valve clearance checks, and tire pressure monitoring.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all major motorcycle systems.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic fault finding and diagnostic routines to identify and rectify common and uncommon problems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical resistance values, and pressure readings.

Depth:

Professional-level, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, mirroring authorized dealer service information.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely Printed Paperback or Hardcover. If digital, PDF format is most common.

Print Quality:

High-quality paper stock, clear diagrams and text, durable binding for frequent use in workshop environments.

Binding Type:

Stitched and/or glued binding for durability, often with a laminated cover.

Paper Type:

Matte or semi-gloss paper to reduce glare and withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Two-cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Displacement:

1130 cc (1130 cubic centimeters)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Cooling System:

Oil-cooled cylinders with integral fan for cylinder heads

Horsepower:

85 hp (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm (approximate, depending on market and specific tuning)

Torque:

98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON

Ignition System:

Digital ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., BMW Advanced Synthetic or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Clutch:

Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Drive Type:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Gear Ratios:

Various ratios depending on model year and specific transmission variant, typically around 1.40:1 for 1st gear and 0.83:1 for 5th gear.

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 1:3.15 (e.g., 11/34 teeth)

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approximately 0.75 Liters (0.8 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2,230 mm (87.8 inches)

Width:

910 mm (35.8 inches) (across handlebars)

Height:

1,420 mm (55.9 inches) (to top of windshield)

Wheelbase:

1,487 mm (58.5 inches)

Dry Weight:

227 kg (500 lbs) (approximate)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

440 kg (970 lbs) (approximate)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20.5 Liters (5.4 US gallons), including 4-liter reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Braking System:

Dual disc front brakes with 4-piston calipers, single disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper. Optional integral ABS.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED taillight (in some markets/years), turn signals.

Chassis Design:

Sturdy steel tube frame, designed for stability and load-carrying capacity.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic instrumentation with analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, and warning lights. No integrated infotainment system in the modern sense.

ABS:

Optional Integral ABS system, which combines front and rear brake actuation and allows for lever or pedal control of both circuits.

Connectivity Features:

No built-in Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Can be retrofitted with aftermarket systems.

ECU:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 engine management system controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace as needed or every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.0 Liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change, 2.5 Liters (2.6 US quarts) without filter.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Fork Oil Type:

SAE 7.5W or BMW Fork Oil (specific viscosity recommended)

Fork Oil Capacity:

Approximately 495 ml (16.7 US fl oz) per fork leg

Common Problems:

Oil leaks (especially around the cylinder base and oil cooler), clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator output issues, ABS system sensor problems, Telelever seal wear, fuel pump relay failures.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check oil levels, inspect for leaks, keep battery charged, ensure air filter is clean, and perform regular brake maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad History:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines and robust touring and adventure motorcycles.

R1100Gs Predecessor:

The R1150GS is an evolution of the successful R1100GS, featuring increased engine displacement, improved power and torque, and updated styling and features.

R1200Gs Successor:

Succeeded by the R1200GS, which continued to build upon the GS lineage with further technological advancements and performance improvements.

Production Years:

1999 - 2005

Production Variants:

Standard R1150GS, R1150GS Adventure (with larger fuel tank, extended suspension, etc.)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Adventure Touring Leader:

Consistently ranked as a top adventure touring motorcycle by motorcycle publications during its production run for its capability and reliability.

Long Distance Comfort:

Praised for its comfort and capability on long-distance journeys and diverse terrains.