Segment:
Adventure Touring (ADV)
Target Audience:
Owners of BMW R 1150 GS models seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, or professional motorcycle technicians.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Ténéré, KTM Adventure models, Triumph Tiger.
Motorcycle Appeal:
Renowned for its reliability, comfort over long distances, robust engineering, and go-anywhere capability.
Value For Money:
Provides essential technical data and procedures to maintain the longevity and performance of a complex motorcycle, potentially saving significant repair costs.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the BMW R 1150 GS motorcycle.
Secondary Coverage:
Specifications, diagrams, torque values, and step-by-step instructions for all major components and systems.
Type:
Factory-level Service/Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine:
Engine overhaul, component replacement (pistons, rings, valves, camshafts), cylinder head service, lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooling).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, EVAP system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and replacement, final drive (Paralever) maintenance, driveshaft and universal joint inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, ignition system (dual ignition), lighting system, instrumentation, sensor diagnostics (ABS, engine sensors).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (BMW Telelever) overhaul and adjustment, rear shock absorber replacement, wheel bearing service, steering head bearing maintenance.
Brakes:
Brake system (ABS II or Integral ABS), hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, brake pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, fuel tank removal, body panel adjustments.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve clearance adjustment, spark plug replacement, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, symptom-based problem solving for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
BMW diagnostic tool (e.g., GT1/ISTA) usage for error code retrieval and system analysis (where applicable to the specific manual's scope).
Depth:
Complete overhaul and detailed repair procedures, suitable for experienced mechanics and serious DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder engine
Displacement:
1130 cc (1130 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated overhead valves
Ignition System:
BMW dual ignition system
Horsepower:
85 hp (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 91 (RON+MON)/2
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Recommended Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 API SG or higher motorcycle oil
Gearbox Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Optional Features:
N/A (standard configuration)
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US qt)
Length:
Approx. 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) over handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) over windscreen
Dry Weight:
Approx. 226 kg (498 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Front Tire Size:
90/90-21 54V
Rear Tire Size:
140/80-17 69Q
Front Wheel Type:
Spoked, tubeless
Rear Wheel Type:
Spoked, tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gal)
Reserve Fuel:
Approx. 4 liters (1.05 US gal)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety ratings are not typically published in the same format as cars)
ABS:
Optional: BMW Motorrad ABS (ABS II or Integral ABS)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes with 4-piston calipers, single disc rear brake with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Trellis frame made of steel tubing.
Display Technology:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, gear indicator, clock, fuel level, engine temperature warnings.
Audio System:
N/A (Not equipped from factory)
ABS System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS system (Integral ABS on later models) for enhanced braking control.
Diagnostic Port:
Round diagnostic connector for BMW diagnostic tools.
Telelever Suspension:
BMW's proprietary front suspension system offering precise steering and feedback.
Paralever Suspension:
BMW's single-sided swingarm with integrated driveshaft, reducing unsprung weight and providing consistent geometry.
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 every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 40,000 km (24,800 miles).
Final Drive Service:
Inspect every 20,000 km (12,400 miles); change oil every 40,000 km (24,800 miles).
Coolant Type:
N/A (Oil-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder leaks, fuel pump issues, hall effect sensor failures, clutch disc wear, driveshaft U-joint wear.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on connectors, intermittent instrument cluster failures.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, technologically advanced, and capable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and touring prowess.
R Series Lineage:
The R 1150 GS is an evolution of the highly successful R 1100 GS, benefiting from increased displacement, power, and refined components, building on the GS (Gelände/Straße - Off-road/Street) philosophy.
Production Years:
1999 - 2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Special Editions:
Adventure model with larger fuel tank, longer suspension travel, and other touring enhancements.
Motorcycle Of The Year:
While not receiving specific 'Motorcycle of the Year' awards in mainstream media, the R 1150 GS was widely lauded by motorcycle publications for its versatility and capability.
Customer Satisfaction:
Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings for its durability, performance, and long-distance comfort.
Emissions Standards:
Meets relevant emissions standards for its production era (e.g., Euro-1/2).