🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Model Variant:

All Variants (Adventure, Standard, Rockster)

Engine Code Family:

1150cc Twin-Cylinder Boxer

Chassis Code Family:

259

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The R1150GS is a highly capable adventure touring motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, durability, and comfort on long distances and varied terrains. It occupied a premium segment of the adventure bike market.

Competitors:

Competed with motorcycles such as the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere in its era.

Features:

Characterized by its robust 1150cc boxer-twin engine, sophisticated Telelever front suspension, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, and strong off-road capability.

Purpose:

This manual provides technicians and knowledgeable owners with the specific, authoritative information required to properly maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW R1150GS across its entire model run from 2000 onwards.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Repair

Model Year Coverage:

2000 onwards

Estimated Pages:

500+

Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Motronic, injectors, throttle body), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank, fuel lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, Motronic control unit, wiring.

Transmission:

Clutch operation and maintenance, gearbox (six-speed), final drive (Paralever), driveshaft, universal joint, spline lubrication.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, brake discs, calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, ABS (optional EVO/Integral), bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever or Paralever suspension, forks, shock absorber, springs, adjustments.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starter motor, lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Bodywork:

Frame, fairing, body panels, seat, fuel tank, instrumentation, controls, luggage systems (optional).

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire pressures, wheel types (spoked, alloy).

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, clutch adjustment, final drive oil change, brake pad replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic codes, common faults, electrical issues, engine performance problems, starting difficulties.

Repair:

Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components, internal engine repairs, gearbox rebuilds, suspension overhauls, electrical component replacement.

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic tools, interpretation of fault codes, electrical system testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine

Displacement:

1130 cc

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 or 10.0:1 (depending on variant/market)

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-operated overhead valves with BMW's distinctive cam-in-head design.

Horsepower:

Approx. 85-95 hp (63-70 kW) @ 6750 rpm (variant dependent)

Torque:

Approx. 98-100 Nm (72-74 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (variant dependent)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition (Motronic ECU control)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled cylinders, oil-cooled cylinder heads.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

6-speed, constant mesh gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch, hydraulically actuated.

ABS Integration:

Optional EVO or Integral ABS system integrated with braking and potentially engine management.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with BMW's Paralever single-sided swingarm (rear wheel).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) for standard model

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1380 mm (54.3 in) at seat height (adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 240 kg (529 lbs) (fully fueled)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs)

Fuel Capacity:

20 liters (5.3 US gal), including reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (EVO) or non-Integral ABS.

Braking System:

Dual disc front, single disc rear, with advanced ABS capabilities when equipped.

Chassis Design:

Robust steel tube frame providing excellent stability and rider protection.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for fuel level, clock, gear indicator (on some models), and warning lights.

Optional Accessories:

Provision for heated grips, auxiliary power outlets, and integrated navigation systems (e.g., early BMW Navigator).

ABS System:

The integral ABS system, when equipped, links front and rear brakes and can be activated independently or simultaneously, enhancing safety in braking scenarios.

Diagnostic Port:

Features a diagnostic connector (often under the seat) for reading fault codes with compatible BMW diagnostic tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or annually.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting BMW Motorrad specifications (e.g., API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA E2).

Transmission Oil:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic gear oil.

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Spline wear on driveshaft and final drive, clutch slave cylinder leaks, starter motor brushes, ABS sensor failures, intermittent electrical connections, fuel pump issues.

Maintenance Recommendations:

Regular lubrication of driveshaft and final drive splines is critical to prevent wear. Careful attention to clutch slave cylinder sealing and ABS system health.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments. The boxer-twin engine is a hallmark of the brand.

R1150Gs Predecessor:

Evolved from the highly successful R1100GS, incorporating a larger engine displacement and chassis refinements.

R1150Gs Variants:

Included the standard R1150GS, the more off-road-oriented R1150GS Adventure with a larger fuel tank and suspension travel, and the R1150 Rockster (a more minimalist, naked variant).

Production Period:

Produced from 1999 through 2003, with the manual covering models from 2000 onwards.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Of The Year:

While specific model awards are less common for this era of production, the R1150GS was widely praised by the motoring press for its versatility and capability, contributing to BMW's dominance in the adventure bike segment.

Adventure Touring Capability:

Consistently rated highly by motorcycle publications for its long-distance comfort, load-carrying capacity, and ability to handle diverse road conditions.