🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1150 GS

Model Variant:

All Models Covered

Engine Code General:

R21

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Competitors:

Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, Triumph Tiger, KTM Adventure series.

Usp:

Robust engineering, versatile performance for on-road and off-road use, strong touring capability.

Heritage:

BMW's long-standing tradition of producing high-quality motorcycles, particularly in the boxer-twin engine configuration and the GS lineage.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Chassis:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Bodywork:

Yes

Maintenance:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Repair:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

500+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components (pistons, cylinders, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, etc.).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, lines, and filters.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, and ignition control module.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and mounting hardware.

Cooling System:

Oil cooler, oil lines, and related components for the air/oil-cooled engine.

Transmission Gearbox:

Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear selection, and lubrication.

Drivetrain:

Single-plate dry clutch, final drive (driveshaft, bevel gear housing), and wheel hub.

Front Suspension:

Telelever front suspension system, fork legs, springs, damping, steering head bearings.

Rear Suspension:

Paralever rear suspension system, shock absorber, swingarm, pivot bearings.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake fluid replacement, ABS system (Integral ABS) diagnostics and repair.

Wheel Tires:

Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting/balancing, wheel specifications.

Electrical System Engine:

Starter motor, alternator, battery, wiring harness routing, fuses, relays.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake lights, instrument cluster illumination.

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, diagnostic indicators.

Body Frame:

Frame components, fairings, fuel tank, seat, luggage systems (panniers, top case).

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Fault codes, diagnostic procedures, testing of sensors and actuators.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, drive shaft lubrication.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, clutch replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Tracing electrical faults, testing sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Fuel System Service:

Injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pressure testing, fuel pump replacement.

ABS System Service:

Bleeding ABS system, diagnostics of ABS sensors and hydraulic unit.

Suspension Adjustment:

Setting sag, adjusting damping (where applicable), servicing fork seals.

Wheel Tire Service:

Wheel bearing replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable), tire pressure checks and adjustments.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth troubleshooting and major component overhauls.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

Professional Quality

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

1130 cc

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.8:1

Cooling System:

Air/Oil Cooled

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

95 hp (70 kW) at 7250 rpm

Torque:

98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON + MON)/2

Oil Type Capacity:

SAE 20W-50, approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) without filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual transmission

Options:

None typically offered for this model year generation.

Clutch:

Single-plate dry clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) at windshield

Dry Weight:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

26 liters (6.9 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Motorcycles are not typically rated by governmental crash test agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP.

ABS:

BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on later versions) - combines braking functions, can be partially or fully deactivated.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - optional feature on some models.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, clear lens turn signals, integrated rear brake/taillight.

Chassis Design:

Sturdy frame and suspension components designed for stability and load-carrying capacity.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip computer, fuel level indicator, gear indicator (on some models), various warning lights.

Traction Control Asc:

Optional feature providing enhanced grip on slippery surfaces.

ABS Integral:

Optional feature that integrates front and rear braking, offering advanced stopping power.

Electrical System:

Standard 12V electrical system, CAN bus architecture for diagnostics and communication between modules.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

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

Engine Oil Change:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

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

Valve Clearance Check:

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

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Final Drive Oil Change:

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

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5.

Common Problems:

Fuel pump failure, issues with the ABS hydraulic unit (especially older models), clutch slave cylinder leaks, Telelever pivot bearings wear, some electrical connector corrosion.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad boasts a rich history dating back to 1923, renowned for its engineering innovation, particularly with the boxer engine and the GS series which redefined adventure touring.

Gs Lineage:

The R 1150 GS is part of the highly successful GS family, which began with the R80G/S in 1980. The R 1150 GS evolved from the R1100GS, featuring a larger displacement engine, improved chassis dynamics, and enhanced features like optional ABS and ASC.

Production Years:

1999-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

Consistently praised by motorcycle publications for its versatility, durability, and adventure capabilities. Voted 'Motorcycle of the Year' by various outlets in its initial release years.