🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Model Codes:

R1150GS (all variants including Adventure)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R1150GS is a legendary dual-sport motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, durability, and off-road capability. It occupies a premium segment in the adventure touring market, appealing to riders who seek robust performance for long-distance touring and exploring challenging terrains.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with other large-displacement adventure bikes such as the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, and Yamaha Super Tenere of its era, differentiating itself with its boxer-twin engine, robust Telelever front suspension (on some models), and extensive aftermarket support.

Key Features:

Torquey boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding, robust build quality, excellent fuel range, adaptable for various terrains, significant customization potential.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for all systems of the BMW R1150GS.

Page Count:

Estimated 500+ pages (typical for a full WSM)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual (WSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable PDF, allowing for quick location of specific topics or procedures.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including internal components), Fuel System (injection, fuel pump, lines), Ignition System, Electrical System (wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter), Transmission (gearbox, clutch), Drivetrain (driveshaft, final drive), Suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber, paralever), Brakes (ABS, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders), Wheels and Tires, Chassis and Frame, Bodywork and Trim, Instruments and Controls, Lighting System, Exhaust System, Cooling System (oil cooler), Seat and Luggage Systems.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Driveshaft Maintenance, Final Drive Service, Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Service, Brake Bleeding, ABS System Diagnosis and Repair, Electrical Troubleshooting, Wiring Harness Repair, Component Removal and Installation, Tune-up Procedures, Diagnostic Fault Codes (where applicable), Specialized Tool Usage, Torque Specifications, Specifications and Data Tables.

Special Tool Usage:

Information on required special tools for specific tasks (e.g., clutch alignment tool, engine turning tools, suspension assembly tools).

Technical Depth:

In-depth, professional-level coverage suitable for qualified technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, exploded views, and troubleshooting guides.

Diagnostics Coverage:

Includes troubleshooting flowcharts, fault code interpretation (if applicable via BMW diagnostic tools of the era), and symptom-based diagnostic procedures.

Technical Data Coverage:

Detailed specifications for all components, including wear limits, tolerances, torque values, and electrical resistance measurements.

Bodywork Coverage:

Removal and installation of fairings, fuel tank, seat, luggage racks, fenders, and other body panels. Repair of minor body damage.

Electrical Coverage:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, starter motor and alternator testing, battery maintenance, and troubleshooting for lighting and accessory circuits.

Wheels Tires Coverage:

Tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tension adjustment (if applicable), and wheel balancing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Manual Completeness:

Full Workshop Service Manual (WSM) offering complete coverage, not an owner's manual or a condensed version.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

1130 cc (1150 cc nominal)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated, OHV

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic) with dual spark plugs per cylinder for improved combustion.

Cylinder Head Design:

Two valves per cylinder, pushrod operated, overhead valve (OHV)

Horsepower:

85 hp (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm

Torque:

98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm

Engine Layout:

Horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled with oil cooler

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gearbox Type:

Constant mesh, sequential shifting

Gear Ratios:

Manual specifies ratios for each gear; typically around 1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.77, 3rd: 2.08, 4th: 1.65, 5th: 1.34, 6th: 1.13

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approximately 910 mm (35.8 in)

Height:

Approximately 1350 mm (53.1 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 1487 mm (58.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 229 kg (505 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 445 kg (981 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

26 liters (6.9 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

As a motorcycle, does not have traditional automotive crash test ratings. Safety is primarily derived from design and rider skill.

Active Safety Features:

Optional ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), powerful disc brakes, responsive suspension.

Passive Safety Features:

Sturdy frame, comprehensive bodywork offering some protection, robust componentry.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic instrumental cluster with tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, and warning lights. No integrated infotainment systems like modern bikes.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional ABS II system is the primary electronic rider aid.

Connectivity Features:

N/A. Relies on basic electrical systems.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, LED tail light (often upgraded), incandescent turn signals. Manual covers bulb replacement and wiring.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Intervals typically include: Oil and filter change every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), air filter inspection/replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment (often at 20,000 km intervals), brake fluid change, final drive oil change (typically every 20,000 km or annually), drive shaft boot inspection. Detailed intervals are provided in the WSM.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40, API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA rated synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change.

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

0.75 liters (0.79 US qt).

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil.

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

0.18 liters (0.19 US qt).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.

Fork Oil Type:

Typically SAE 7.5W or 10W suspension fluid.

Fork Oil Capacity:

Specified per fork leg, varies slightly by year/sub-model.

Known Issues:

Common issues addressed in the manual may include: clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator output issues, fuel pump reliability, embrittlement of fuel lines, paralever joint wear, ABS sensor issues, heated grip failures, and potential transmission output shaft seal leaks. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long and distinguished history dating back to the 1920s, establishing itself as a manufacturer of high-quality, innovative, and durable motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments.

Model Evolution:

The R1150GS is part of the highly successful 'GS' line, evolving from the R850GS and R1100GS. It represented an enhancement of the R1100GS with increased displacement, improved power delivery, and refinements to chassis and electronics. It was later succeeded by the R1200GS.

Production Years:

2000-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The R1150GS is widely acclaimed for its reliability, adventure touring capabilities, and overall design, earning it a cult following among motorcycle enthusiasts and numerous accolades in motorcycle publications over its production run.