🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Year:

1996

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Large-displacement adventure touring motorcycle.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, ensuring quality and cost savings. DIY mechanics and owners who value self-sufficiency.

Comparison:

The R1150GS platform, while robust, requires specialized knowledge for optimal maintenance. This manual provides the detailed, manufacturer-specific information often missing in generic repair guides.

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to maintain their BMW R1150GS with confidence, extending its lifespan and preserving performance through accurate, comprehensive guidance.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Comprehensive Service and Repair for BMW R1150GS (1996)

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Complete overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, valve adjustments, timing chain, oil pump, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (EFI) system diagnosis, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator.

Ignition System:

ECU, ignition coils, spark plugs, sensor testing and replacement.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, final drive (Paralever) maintenance and overhaul.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake system diagnostics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) bleeding and components, brake pad and rotor replacement.

Suspension Steering:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever (or Paralever depending on exact model year interpretation for R1150GS platform), fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, steering head bearing adjustment.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery testing and maintenance, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, fuse box, diagnostic connectors.

Chassis Bodywork:

Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, body panels.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, air filter service, spark plug replacement, drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, component inspection, measurement, and reassembly, including torque specifications.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of sensors, actuators, wiring harness continuity, and component resistance.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and gearbox overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications for critical fasteners.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or entire sections. Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine.

Displacement:

1130 cc (approximate, derived from R1150 platform evolution)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm (typical for R1150 series)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 (typical for R1150 series)

Horsepower:

Approx. 95 hp @ 7250 rpm (typical for R1150 series)

Torque:

Approx. 73 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm (typical for R1150 series)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2). Check manual for specific recommendations.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 Liters (5.3 US gallons)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 4.0 Liters

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-40 or 15W-50 (refer to manual for ambient temperature specific recommendations)

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 11 42 1 450 468 (or equivalent aftermarket)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox.

Optional Features:

N/A (Standard 6-speed manual for this model)

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via Paralever system.

Transmission Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W-90.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 Liters

Final Drive Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W-90.

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.22 Liters

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1485 mm (58.5 inches)

Seat Height:

Approx. 840 mm (33.1 inches) (adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 216 kg (476 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Overview:

Designed for stability and rider control in diverse conditions. Specific crash test ratings are typically not available for motorcycles in the same way as automobiles.

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Generation 2).

Braking System Front:

Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers.

Braking System Rear:

Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display (trip computer, clock, gear indicator on some variants).

ABS System:

Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, a sophisticated braking system that links front and rear brakes when the lever is pulled.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-II compatible or proprietary BMW diagnostic port for engine management system troubleshooting.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1000 km (600 miles): Oil and filter change, check all fasteners, adjust valve clearances, check/adjust clutch and throttle cables.

Subsequent Service Interval Major:

10,000 km (6,000 miles): Oil and filter change, air filter service, check valve clearances, inspect brake pads and fluid, lubricate pivot points.

Subsequent Service Interval Minor:

5,000 km (3,000 miles): Oil change, check tire pressures and condition, check all fluid levels.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

10,000 km (6,000 miles)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check manual for specific ABS compatibility).

Coolant Type:

Not applicable (Air/Oil cooled engine, separate oil cooler).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, front fork seals, wheel bearings, fuel pump, Hall sensor (early models), regulator/rectifier.

Electrical Concerns:

Loose connections at the alternator, failing regulator/rectifier units.

Fuel System Concerns:

Occasional issues with fuel pump longevity and injector clogging, especially with poor fuel quality.

Drivetrain Concerns:

Paralever pivot bearings require periodic greasing to prevent wear. Drive shaft U-joints may require inspection/replacement on higher mileage units.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly renowned for their boxer engines and adventure-touring capabilities.

R Series Lineage:

The R1150GS is a successor to the highly successful R1100GS and a predecessor to the R1200GS, representing a significant evolution in BMW's GS line, increasing displacement and refinement.

Production Era:

The R1150GS model range was produced from 1999 to 2004. The '1996' in the product name likely refers to a broader manual covering the earlier R1100GS platform and its transition to the R1150 series if not specifically an early R1150 prototype year.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Legacy:

The R1150GS platform is widely recognized as a benchmark in the adventure touring segment for its durability, comfort, and go-anywhere capability, contributing to BMW's dominant position in this market.