🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1150 GS

Generation Identifier:

R21

Internal Model Code:

R21

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Key Competitors:

Triumph Tiger, Honda Africa Twin (though earlier models), Moto Guzzi Quota, Ducati Multistrada (later models).

Design Philosophy:

Robust, versatile, and comfortable for long-distance touring and off-road capability, known for its boxer engine character and telelever front suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2000 onwards (specifically covering the R21 platform which includes 2000-2003 models, and potentially later updates)

Specific Variants:

Covers standard R 1150 GS models. May also include information applicable to R 1150 Adventure variants (distinguished by larger fuel tank and longer suspension travel).

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical service manuals of this era for BMW motorcycles are 500+ pages)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English (implied by product description)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

1150cc Twin-cylinder boxer engine (oil-cooled, 4-stroke), including fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.

Transmission:

6-speed gearbox, clutch system (single-plate dry clutch), driveshaft, and final drive.

Suspension:

Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension (including shock absorbers, springs, fork seals, and adjustments).

Brakes:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) - front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, calipers, discs, master cylinders, and servo assistance (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics, wiring diagrams, sensors, and actuators.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, throttle bodies, and fuel pressure regulation.

Bodywork:

Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, luggage systems (panniers, top case), and mounting hardware.

Wheels Tires:

Spoke wheels (front 19-inch, rear 17-inch), tire pressure specifications, and wheel bearing maintenance.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, clutch adjustment, brake fluid replacement, coolant checks (if applicable), and lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking system malfunctions, and suspension problems. Includes fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component replacement, and bodywork repairs.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and diagnostic parameters.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, and sensor/actuator resistance and voltage checks.

Suspension Adjustment:

Instructions for adjusting spring preload and damping on the rear shock absorber, and fork oil level adjustment.

Wheel Hub Service:

Procedures for wheel removal, tire mounting/demounting, balancing, and inspection of wheel bearings.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific procedures (e.g., flywheel holder, clutch alignment tool).

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

Professional quality, high-resolution (expected for a factory-type manual), likely with searchable text.

Print Readability:

Designed for clarity of diagrams and text, suitable for printing at home or a professional print shop.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

Paper Recommendation:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

1130 cc (1150 cc for marketing designation)

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 or 10.0:1 (depending on specific model variant and market)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder (pushrod actuated)

Horsepower:

Approx. 85 hp @ 6,750 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection system

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (octane rating)

Oil Type:

Synthetic motorcycle engine oil, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ or higher.

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled with oil cooler

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual sequential gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch (actuated hydraulically)

Drive Type:

Shaft drive

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 1:3.00 (27 teeth on pinion, 31 teeth on crown wheel for most R1150GS models)

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 hypoid gear oil, API GL-5 specification

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)

Width Handlebar:

Approx. 915 mm (36.0 in)

Height Seat:

Approx. 835 mm (32.9 in) (standard seat height, adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 216 kg (476 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 430 kg (948 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

25 liters (6.6 US gallons), including a 4-liter reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (optional on earlier models, standard on later R1150GS variants). System provides combined braking on both wheels from either brake lever, with optional ABS deactivation.

Braking System:

Dual 305 mm front discs with 4-piston calipers; Single 276 mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. Unified braking system integrated with ABS.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light (on some models), integrated turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, clock, and warning lights. Optional heated grips and power outlet.

ABS Integration:

Integral ABS with servo-assistance, a significant safety feature for its time, allowing for unified braking control.

Diagnostics:

BMW's diagnostic connector allows for reading fault codes and real-time engine data with appropriate diagnostic tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (or as per manual recommendation).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.25 liters (for gearbox); Approx. 0.18 liters (for final drive).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 liters with filter change; 2.75 liters without filter change.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, alternator output issues, ABS modulator failures, wear in the Telelever pivot bearings, and potential issues with the O-ring on the output shaft of the transmission.

Fuel System Considerations:

Fuel pump strain on early models, potential for injector clogging if fuel quality is poor.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable and capable motorcycles, particularly in the adventure touring segment with its R series boxer engines.

R Series Adv:

The R 1150 GS is a direct evolution of the legendary R 80 G/S and R 100 GS, further refining the adventure-touring formula with increased displacement, modern fuel injection, and improved suspension technology.

Production Period:

Produced from 2000 to 2003, succeeding the R 1100 GS and being replaced by the R 1200 GS.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reputation:

The R 1150 GS is widely regarded as one of the most capable and reliable adventure touring motorcycles of its generation, praised for its comfort, durability, and versatility across diverse terrains.