Market Position:
The R 1150 RT was positioned as BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and touring capability for long-distance riding and everyday use.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other large-displacement sport-touring motorcycles from manufacturers like Honda (ST series), Yamaha (FJR series), Kawasaki (Concours), and Triumph (Trophy).
Key Features:
Characterized by its boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, integrated fairing with adjustable windscreen, comfortable ergonomics, and optional ABS and heated grips.
Systems Covered Overview:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, chassis, suspension, brakes, electrical system, fuel system, exhaust, bodywork, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs.
Page Count:
Approximately 400 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print (likely comb-bound or perfect bound for durability).
Engine:
Detailed breakdown of the R 1150 RT's horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine, including cylinder head removal, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod service, valve timing and adjustment, lubrication system (oil pump, filter, oil cooler), cooling system (air cooling specifics), and engine management.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Comprehensive coverage of the 5-speed transmission, clutch (dry single-plate), final drive (shaft drive), gearbox disassembly, inspection, and assembly, including U-joint and driveshaft maintenance.
Chassis Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension system (fork assembly, shock absorber, linkage) and rear Paralever suspension system (swingarm, monoshock absorber, pivot bearings) overhaul, adjustment, and maintenance. Wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, including brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, master cylinder service, and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and troubleshooting specific to the R 1150 RT.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for ignition system (Motronic), starting system (starter motor, battery), charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), lighting, instrumentation, and accessories. Fuel injection system components (injectors, throttle body, sensors).
Fuel System:
Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel injection system diagnostics, idle speed control, and throttle position sensor (TPS) adjustment.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, luggage system components, and trim piece replacement.
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid replacement, drive shaft lubrication, and general inspection schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and step-by-step troubleshooting flowcharts.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs, brake system servicing, and bodywork repairs.
Installation:
Instructions for installing optional accessories and replacement parts.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications, special tool requirements, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (boxer) twin-cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1130 cc (1.13 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Cooling System:
Air-cooled with oil cooling (oil cooler integrated).
Horsepower:
95 hp @ 7,250 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,750 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 electronic fuel injection with digital engine management (DME).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane Rating).
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (including oil filter change).
Transmission Type:
Constant mesh 5-speed gearbox
Clutch:
Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically operated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed within the manual.
Transmission Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval).
Safety Ratings General:
As a motorcycle, specific crash test ratings like automotive cars are not applicable. Safety features focus on active and passive rider aids.
ABS:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (fully coupled braking system).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame construction and fairing designed for rider protection from elements.
Infotainment Features:
Often equipped with an integrated audio system (radio/cassette or CD player), though this was often an optional extra or later aftermarket addition. Typically features a rider-focused instrument cluster with analog tachometer and speedometer, plus digital displays for fuel level, gear indicator, and engine warnings.
Driver Assistance:
Optional Integral ABS system significantly enhances braking safety.
Connectivity:
Limited connectivity by modern standards. Primarily designed for mechanical and operational functionality.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Drive Shaft Lubrication:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher, BMW Approved (e.g., BMW Motor Oil 20W-50).
Transmission Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5, BMW Approved (e.g., BMW Getriebeol).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Coolant:
N/A (Air/oil-cooled engine).
Known Issues:
Common issues often discussed include potential failure of the clutch slave cylinder, the Hall effect sensor, paralever pivot bearings wear, and occasional issues with the ABS modulator. Electrical connector corrosion can also occur.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines and shaft drive systems dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution:
The R 1150 RT is an evolution of BMW's established R series touring motorcycles, building upon the R 1100 RT platform. It introduced increased engine displacement, higher horsepower, and refined features.
Production Years:
Produced from 1995 (as R 1100 RT, evolving to R 1150 RT in 2001) to 2006.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany