Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, workshop technicians.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha TDM, Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada (various generations).
Design Philosophy:
Robust, long-distance touring capability with off-road prowess. Characterized by its boxer-twin engine and Telelever/Paralever suspension.
Versatility:
Adaptable for commuting, touring, and light off-road use.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, diagnosis, troubleshooting, valve adjustment, fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, exhaust system, oil system, cooling system (oil).
Transmission:
Gearbox removal and installation, clutch operation and adjustment, internal transmission components, shift mechanism.
Drivetrain:
Final drive (shaft drive), bevel gear housing, driveshaft, universal joints, torque specifications.
Chassis:
Frame, subframe, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper maintenance, disc replacement, pad replacement.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starter motor, lighting system, horn, instrument cluster, electronic control unit (ECU), diagnostics, fuses, relays.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, diagnostic connectors.
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems (integral and optional), fuel tank mounting, fenders.
Controls:
Throttle cables, clutch cable, brake levers, clutch lever, foot controls, hand controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/driveshaft lubrication, brake fluid flush, coolant checks (where applicable), air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problems and solutions, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system diagnosis.
Repair:
Component disassembly and reassembly, part replacement, engine rebuilding, transmission repair, suspension servicing, brake system overhaul, electrical component repair.
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, clutch free play, throttle cable free play, idle speed adjustment, ABS system calibration.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to advanced mechanical and electrical repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine
Displacement:
1130cc (1.13 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 85 hp @ 6750 rpm (variations may exist between early and late models).
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (variations may exist).
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gallons)
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, clock, engine temperature warning light, odometer, trip meters.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad ABS, a sophisticated system for its time, significantly enhancing braking safety.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics port for fault code retrieval (requires specific BMW diagnostic tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Varies by plug type, often around 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-24,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil, API SG/SH or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 (API GL-5 recommended for final drive).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.4 Liters (0.42 US quarts) for the gearbox.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, fuel pump strainers, starter motor brushes, front brake line corrosion, rear shock absorber seals, steering head bearings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues, particularly related to connectors or grounds, though generally robust.
ABS Sensor Issues:
ABS sensor rings can accumulate dirt or become damaged, leading to ABS faults.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, durable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engine platform and touring capabilities.
Successor:
BMW R1150GS Adventure / BMW R1200GS
Development:
The R1150GS built upon the success of the R1100GS, featuring an increased engine displacement, a sixth gear, improved ergonomics, and subtle styling updates. It was a key model in solidifying BMW's dominance in the adventure touring market.
Production Years:
1999 - 2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
