🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1150GS

Model Variant:

Standard, Adventure

Generation:

1st Generation (R21 platform)

Chassis Code:

R21

Engine Code:

M21

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R1150GS is an iconic dual-sport motorcycle, renowned for its robust engineering, long-distance touring capability, and off-road prowess. It occupied a premium segment in the adventure touring market.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other large-displacement adventure bikes like the Honda Africa Twin (though typically smaller displacement at the time), Triumph Tiger, and some off-road oriented large displacement motorcycles. Its boxer engine and shaft drive offered unique advantages in reliability and maintenance for long journeys.

Key Features:

Air/oil-cooled 1150cc boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, optional ABS, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance travel, durable construction.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Exhaust, Brakes, Suspension, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Comprehensive (typical for official service manuals, often 500+ pages)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

All major mechanical and electrical systems of the R1150GS, including the boxer twin engine, dual ignition, ABS II and integral ABS systems, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, fuel injection, and CAN-bus electrical architecture.

Procedures Included:

Complete teardown and rebuild, routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments), troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic procedures, electrical system testing, component replacement, torque specifications for all fasteners, specific procedures for ABS system bleeding and maintenance, wheel bearing replacement, driveshaft and final drive service.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to advanced troubleshooting and complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views, and part identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (boxer)

Displacement:

1130 cc (1150 cc class)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Valvetrain:

2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (SOHC), pushrod actuated

Cooling System:

Air/Oil Cooled

Power Output:

Approx. 85 hp (63 kW) at 6,750 rpm

Torque Output:

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

Ignition System:

Twin spark ignition (dual ignition)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic MA 2.4

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON (87 AKI) recommended

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 liters (5.3 US gal), 30 liters (7.9 US gal) for Adventure model

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual transmission

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios available in manual for diagnostic and performance analysis.

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 GL 5 gear oil (BMW recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) for standard, 2275 mm (89.6 in) for Adventure

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in) at windscreen (adjustable)

Seat Height:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) standard, adjustable

Dry Weight:

Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs) for standard, 240 kg (529 lbs) for Adventure

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features:

Integral ABS II (optional), braided stainless steel brake lines, robust chassis construction, 3-spoke cast aluminum wheels.

Active Safety Systems:

BMW Integral ABS II (optional), linked braking system (front brake lever activates front and rear brakes, rear brake pedal activates rear brake, and can be modulated independently).

Passive Safety Features:

Strong tubular steel frame, protective bodywork and fairings, standard handguards, optional engine crash bars.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Primarily focused on functionality rather than infotainment. Features include analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display, optional heated grips, optional ABS. No integrated audio or navigation systems on standard models.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Integral ABS II (optional anti-lock braking system).

Connectivity Features:

CAN-bus electrical system allows for diagnostic communication and integration with aftermarket electronic accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

10,000 km (6,000 miles) for oil change, 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for valve adjustment and spark plug replacement. Detailed schedule available in the manual.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 API SG/SH/SJ (or higher), synthetic or mineral. BMW recommends Castrol.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with oil filter change.

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 GL 5 gear oil

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W/90 GL 5 gear oil

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Coolant Type:

BMW recommended coolant/antifreeze mixture (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors.

Common Issues:

Oil leaks (especially from the cylinder head covers and transmission seals), clutch slave cylinder failure, worn driveshaft spline lubrication (requires regular greasing), potential for ABS modulator issues, electrical connector corrosion. The manual provides troubleshooting for these and other potential problems.

Torque Spec Engine Oil Drain Plug:

Refer to manual for precise torque (typically around 30-35 Nm)

Torque Spec Cylinder Head Bolts:

Crucial to follow the manual's multi-stage torque sequence and values (e.g., 25 Nm + 90 degrees + 90 degrees).

Maintenance Tasks Covered:

Spark plug replacement (dual plugs), air filter cleaning/replacement, fuel filter replacement, valve clearance adjustment (critical procedure), throttle body synchronization, ABS system checks and bleeding, driveshaft service (greasing), Paralever and Telelever pivot point lubrication.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history of producing reliable, technologically advanced, and capable motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments, with the 'GS' (Gelande/Strasse - Off-road/Street) lineage dating back to the R80G/S.

Model Evolution:

The R1150GS succeeded the R1100GS and represented an evolution of BMW's successful adventure platform. It introduced a larger displacement engine, improved ergonomics, and enhanced ABS capabilities. It was later succeeded by the R1200GS.

Production Years:

1999-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not often cited for specific awards in the way a car might be, the R1150GS is consistently lauded by motorcycle publications and riders for its reliability, capability, and value as a long-term adventure touring platform.

Owner Satisfaction Ratings:

Generally high owner satisfaction due to its durability and versatility, though maintenance can be more involved than some competitors.