Positioning:
The R 1150 GS is a legendary dual-sport motorcycle, renowned for its go-anywhere capability, robust engineering, and enduring reliability, making it a favorite for long-distance touring and adventure riding.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans in its era, but distinguished itself with its boxer twin engine and unique Telelever front suspension.
Features:
Air/oil-cooled opposed-twin engine, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, optional ABS, shaft drive, large fuel tank, durable construction for adventure touring.
Overall Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the BMW R 1150 GS motorcycle.
Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for this type of manual, actual may vary).
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Print or Digital (PDF) - commonly available in both.
Engine:
Detailed breakdown of the R 1150 GS Boxer engine, including top-end, bottom-end, lubrication, cooling, and fuel injection systems.
Transmission:
Complete service and repair procedures for the 5-speed gearbox, clutch, driveshaft, and final drive unit.
Chassis:
Suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, braking system (ABS, dual disc front, single disc rear), wheels, and tires.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics, battery, ignition, lighting, starter motor, alternator, instrumentation, and accessory wiring.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, and emissions control.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake pad inspection/replacement, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues related to engine performance, electrical systems, and fuel delivery.
Engine Repair:
Top-end overhaul (cylinder head, piston, valves), bottom-end rebuild (crankshaft, connecting rods), camshaft timing.
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, final drive seal replacement.
Suspension And Steering:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, steering head bearing adjustment.
Brake System Service:
Brake fluid bleeding, caliper overhaul, ABS system diagnostics and service.
Depth:
Extensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and diagnostic flowcharts.
Digital Format:
PDF, often searchable text, high-resolution images.
Print Quality:
Professionally printed with clear diagrams and text (if applicable).
Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect bound for easy lay-flat use in a workshop environment (if printed).
Paper:
Durable, often glossy or semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and protect diagrams (if printed).
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1130 cc (1150 cc for marketing purposes)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled with oil cooling via oil cooler
Horsepower:
Approx. 85 HP (63 kW) at 6,750 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection, sequential multi-point
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Fuel Capacity:
26 liters (approx. 6.9 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.22, 3rd: 1.64, 4th: 1.32, 5th: 1.13
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 1:3.167 (12/38 teeth on output shaft and ring gear)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) (over cylinder heads)
Height:
Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 in) (seat height approx. 840 mm / 33.1 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 213 kg (470 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
Front Wheel:
2.50 x 21 inch spoke wheel
Rear Wheel:
4.00 x 17 inch spoke wheel
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (common for BMW motorcycles)
Safety Features:
Optional Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), linked braking system.
Braking System:
Dual 305mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear). Integral ABS II provides combined braking.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, LED taillight.
Chassis Design:
Robust steel tube frame designed for durability and stability in varied conditions.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital multi-function display (time, trip meters, gear indicator, outside temperature, warning lights). Often equipped with CAN-bus diagnostics port.
ABS System:
Integral ABS II was a significant technological feature for its time, offering linked braking and anti-lock functionality for enhanced safety.
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-II compatible diagnostic connector for engine management and ABS fault code reading.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Driveshaft Greasing:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified by manual.
Engine Oil:
BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate 15W-50 (or equivalent API SL/JASO MA certified synthetic oil). Capacity: approx. 4.0 liters with filter change.
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W/90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5). Capacity: approx. 0.7 liters.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W/90 hypoid gear oil (API GL-5). Capacity: approx. 0.25 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for ABS and non-ABS systems).
Common Problems:
Cracked fuel pump flanges (especially on early models), worn clutch slave cylinder seals, potential fuel injector issues, ABS modulator problems, and intermittent electrical gremlins are often cited. Driveshaft splines require regular greasing to prevent wear.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and pioneering adventure touring capabilities.
R Series Gs:
The R 1150 GS is a direct descendant of the iconic R 80 G/S and R 100 GS, evolving to offer increased power, improved comfort, and advanced features for adventure touring.
Production Years:
1999 - 2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany