Market Segment:
Large-displacement adventure touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
BMW R1150GS owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics specializing in BMW motorcycles.
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Ténéré, Kawasaki KLR650 (though smaller capacity), Moto Guzzi Stelvio, Triumph Tiger.
Vehicle Appeal:
Robust engineering, shaft drive, long-distance comfort, off-road capability, boxer engine character.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level repair knowledge, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services and enabling timely repairs.
Applicable Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
500-800 (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (assumed, based on common market distribution and product description)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, valve train, timing, oiling system, cooling (oil), lubrication.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic variants), fuel pump, injectors, throttle bodies, sensors (TPS, MAP, etc.).
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, coils, ignition timing, Motronic control.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch (single dry plate), gearbox (6-speed), final drive (shaft drive), universal joints, spline lubrication.
Brakes:
Front (dual disc, possibly ABS-II or integral ABS), rear (single disc), brake fluid, bleeding procedures, caliper maintenance.
Suspension:
Front Telelever fork, rear Paralever swingarm, shock absorber adjustment and replacement, fork seal replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connector.
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame, subframe, fairing, body panels, seat, fuel tank, instrumentation, luggage system mounting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance checks/adjustments, clutch adjustment, final drive oil change.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting common issues, fault code reading (via diagnostic connector), electrical system testing.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component overhaul, electrical system repair.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine.
Displacement:
1130 cc (1130 cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for this model)
Valvetrain:
SOHC, two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated.
Horsepower:
Approximately 85 hp (63 kW) @ 6,750 rpm (rated at crank)
Torque:
Approximately 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm (rated at crank)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar variants).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Ignition Control:
Digital electronic ignition (Motronic)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled cylinders, oil-cooled cylinder heads.
Oil Type:
Typically SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (check manual for exact BMW spec).
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change.
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual gearbox.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated.
Drive System:
Shaft drive to rear wheel via enclosed driveshaft and final drive unit.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5 recommended, check manual for exact BMW spec).
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5 recommended, check manual for exact BMW spec).
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.8 liters (0.85 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.18 liters (0.19 US qt)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1,480 mm (58.3 inches) - varies slightly by model year and configuration.
Seat Height:
Adjustable, typically ranging from 820 mm to 850 mm (32.3 to 33.5 inches).
Dry Weight:
Approximately 230 kg (507 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approximately 250 kg (551 lbs) - with fluids and standard equipment.
Fuel Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal), including a 3-liter reserve.
Front Tire Size:
90/90-21
Rear Tire Size:
130/80-17
Wheel Type:
Spoked wheels (tubeless spoke design common).
Crash Safety Notes:
Motorcycle safety is primarily based on rider skill and component integrity, not standardized crash test ratings like cars. Manual would cover brake system integrity and ABS functionality.
ABS System:
Optional: BMW Motorrad ABS-II or Integral ABS (depending on model year and specification). Manual details its operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, LED taillight. Manual covers bulb replacement and electrical diagnostics.
Ergonomics:
Designed for long-distance comfort and control, with adjustable handlebars and seat.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display showing gear indicator, odometer, trip meters, clock, ambient temperature, fuel level (on most models).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (optional, as noted in safety section).
Diagnostic Port:
BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for Motronic system analysis and potential ABS diagnostics.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter with every oil change; air filter inspected at 10,000 km intervals, replaced as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Final Drive Oil Change Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific BMW specification).
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/oil-cooled engine, no coolant)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, final drive spline wear, alternator output issues, fuel pump relay failures, starter motor brushes, Telelever pivot bearings.
Potential Faults:
ABS system faults (especially if not used regularly), headlight bulb failures, intermittent electrical connections.
Spline Lubrication:
Crucial for final drive and transmission shaft longevity; manual details frequency and type of grease.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW).
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, renowned for its boxer engines and touring motorcycles.
Predecessor:
BMW R1100GS.
Key Enhancements:
Increased displacement (from 1085cc to 1130cc), improved torque, higher horsepower, updated fuel injection, and optional Integral ABS.
Successor:
BMW R1200GS (introduced in 2004).
Production Period:
1999 - 2004.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Market Reputation:
Widely regarded as a benchmark in the adventure touring segment during its production run, praised for its versatility, durability, and long-distance capability.
Motorcycle Journalist Reviews:
Consistently received high marks from motorcycle publications for its robust engineering and all-terrain performance.
Certification Notes:
Not applicable in the typical automotive sense; adheres to European emissions standards and BMW's internal quality controls.
