Market Position:
The R1150R was positioned as a versatile, sporty roadster, blending performance with touring capabilities. It appealed to riders seeking a well-engineered motorcycle with distinctive Boxer twin character and modern features.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other European and Japanese naked bikes and sport-touring models of its era, such as Ducati Monster, Triumph Bonneville/Speed Triple, and Yamaha FJR1300 (though the FJR is more touring-focused).
Key Features:
Shaft drive, robust Boxer twin engine, comfortable riding ergonomics, optional ABS, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, strong build quality synonymous with BMW.
Target Audience:
BMW R1150R owners, independent motorcycle mechanics, and aspiring DIY enthusiasts.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive coverage for all major mechanical, electrical, and bodywork systems of the BMW R1150R, including ABS and non-ABS models.
Page Count:
Approximately 400 pages (estimated, actual page count may vary by edition)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (internal components, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition), Transmission (clutch, gearbox, final drive), Chassis (frame, suspension, steering, wheels, brakes), Electrical System (wiring diagrams, lighting, starting, charging, ignition, ABS), Bodywork (fairings, seating, fuel tank).
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, engine disassembly and assembly, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, brake system service and bleeding, electrical system diagnostics and repair, fuel system troubleshooting, torque specifications, component replacement, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures.
Technical Depth:
In-depth technical detail suitable for both experienced mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical system diagnostics.
Troubleshooting Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting section with symptom-based diagnostic trees for common issues, electrical faults, and engine performance problems.
Diagnostics Coverage:
Covers basic diagnostic procedures for the fuel injection system (Motronic), ignition system, and ABS system. While not a full electronic diagnostic tool manual, it guides manual diagnosis and component testing.
Electrical System Detail:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component locations, testing procedures for lights, ignition, starting system, charging system (alternator, regulator), sensors, and ABS module.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for engine teardown, inspection, and reassembly, including piston ring replacement, bearing checks, and crankshaft servicing.
File Format:
Searchable PDF, high-resolution scans for clarity.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Content Organization:
Logically structured with clear chapter divisions for easy navigation, including detailed tables of contents and index.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat twin (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Horsepower:
95 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
3.0 Liters (3.2 US qt)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific engine oil
Cooling System Type:
Air-cooled cylinders and heads, oil cooler for engine oil.
Valve Train:
Overhead camshafts (single per cylinder), 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated (unique to BMW Boxer design, though this engine uses DOHC per cylinder).
Valve Adjustment Method:
Screw and locknut adjustment
Transmission Type:
6-speed constant mesh gearbox
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via BMW's Paralever system
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.25 Liters (0.26 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
0.18 Liters (0.19 US qt)
Length:
2,225 mm (87.6 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
900 mm (35.4 in)
Height To Seat Max:
800 mm (31.5 in)
Dry Weight:
230 kg (507 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
450 kg (992 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.5 Liters (5.4 US gal), including 3 Liters reserve
Front Wheel Size:
3.50 x 17 inch
Rear Wheel Size:
5.00 x 17 inch
Front Tire Size Recommendation:
110/80 ZR 18
Rear Tire Size Recommendation:
170/60 ZR 17
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS (optional, system can be deactivated)
Brakes Front:
Dual 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers (Brembo)
Brakes Rear:
Single 276 mm disc with two-piston caliper (Brembo)
Lighting:
Halogen Headlight, LED taillight
Infotainment Features:
Basic instrument cluster with analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display. Optional heated grips and power outlets available and covered in the manual.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional Integral ABS, a significant safety feature for its time. The manual details its operation and maintenance.
Connectivity Features:
No advanced electronic connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) in the modern sense. Focus is on mechanical and electrical system functionality.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Coolant Type:
BMW approved anti-freeze coolant (typically ethylene glycol based)
Known Issues:
Hall sensor failure (can cause intermittent starting/running issues), clutch slave cylinder leaks, front brake disc warping (less common with proper maintenance), occasional issues with ABS modulator. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
BMW 11 42 1 457 545 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
BMW 13 72 1 465 183 (or equivalent aftermarket)
Torque Specifications Coverage:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine, transmission, chassis, and braking system components.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of innovation and quality, particularly known for its Boxer engine motorcycles, which have been a cornerstone of their lineup for decades.
Model Evolution:
The R1150R is part of the R-series tradition, evolving from the R1100R. It received upgrades in displacement, power, and chassis technology, culminating in the R1200R.
Production Years:
2001-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
