Segment:
Large-displacement adventure touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts
Key Competitors At Launch:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, Triumph Tiger
Unique Selling Proposition:
BMW's hallmark boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, robust build for long-distance touring and off-road capability
Engine Configuration:
Torquey Boxer-twin engine, known for its character and reliability
Suspension System:
Innovative Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear drive, offering excellent ride comfort and stability
Fueling System:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system
Braking System Options:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), typically ABS II or later iterations
Durability And Reliability:
Built for long-distance travel, often favored for its robust construction
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance for BMW R1150GS
Diagnostic Coverage:
Troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures
Electrical System Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, and repair
Fuel System Coverage:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, and tank maintenance
Engine Mechanical Coverage:
Internal engine components, timing, and valve adjustments
Transmission Coverage:
Clutch, gearbox, and final drive maintenance and repair
Suspension Coverage:
Front fork (Telelever) and rear shock absorber (Paralever) servicing
Brake System Coverage:
ABS II or ABS-NT, hydraulic systems, and component replacement
Chassis And Bodywork Coverage:
Frame, body panels, fairings, and seating
Wheels And Tires Coverage:
Tire changing, wheel balancing, and bearing maintenance
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific publication, but typically 300-600+ pages
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (most common, confirm specific edition)
Format:
Digital (PDF/eBook)
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling, valve train, ignition
Fuel And Emission Systems:
Fuel delivery (EFI), exhaust system, emission control components
Transmission And Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch operation, gearbox rebuild, final drive maintenance
Electrical And Electronic Systems:
Battery, charging system, lighting, starter, ignition control unit (Motronic)
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic brake circuits, ABS module, brake pad/disc replacement
Suspension And Steering Systems:
Telelever fork service, Paralever rear suspension, steering head bearings
Body And Frame Systems:
Fairing removal/installation, seat adjustment, chassis components
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement
Engine Repair Procedures:
Top-end overhaul, piston/ring replacement, bearing replacement, oil seal replacement
Fuel System Procedures:
Injector cleaning, fuel pressure testing, throttle body synchronization (if applicable)
Transmission And Drive Procedures:
Clutch fluid bleed, gearbox oil change, final drive oil change
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Fault finding using wiring diagrams, component testing
Suspension Servicing:
Fork oil change, seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment/replacement
Brake System Maintenance:
Brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS system bleeding
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire mounting/balancing, wheel bearing inspection and replacement
Diagnostic And Troubleshooting Guides:
Common problems and their solutions, diagnostic flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive; from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with exploded diagrams and torque specifications
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Enables identification of electrical faults, engine performance issues, and mechanical wear
Displacement:
1130 cc (nominally 1150 cc)
Configuration:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, actuated by pushrods and rocker arms
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 or 10.0:1 (depending on model year/variant)
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 85-95 hp @ 6,750 rpm (varies by market and tuning)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 98-102 Nm (72-75 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, octane rating 91 or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gallons) for Standard, 26 Liters (6.9 US gallons) for Adventure
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, claw-shifted gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via BMW's Paralever system
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are detailed within the manual, but designed for touring and varied terrain.
Transmission Oil Type:
BMW recommends specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5, verify with manual)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) for Standard
Width:
Approx. 880 mm (34.6 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in) at seat (seat height adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 212 kg (467 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies, check specific model documentation
Safety Certification:
CE marking (European Conformity) and relevant national certifications
ABS System:
Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II or ABS-NT (Integrated or non-integrated)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight (on some later models/aftermarket), integrated turn signals
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame providing structural integrity
Crash Protection:
Engine guards, optional crash bars, handguards
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital multi-function display for odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel level, gear indicator (on some models), and warning lights.
Audio System:
N/A (Not equipped with factory audio)
ABS:
Optional ABS II or ABS-NT, adjustable/defeatable
Diagnostics Port:
OBD-II style diagnostic connector for electronic fault diagnosis (requires appropriate BMW diagnostic tool or adapter)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (verify with manual)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified
Air Filter Maintenance:
Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), clean or replace as needed
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as per manual recommendations
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA/MA2 rated - consult manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (BMW recommends specific fluid, verify)
Final Drive Oil Type:
Gear Oil SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (BMW recommends specific fluid, verify)
Coolant Type:
Not applicable, air/oil-cooled engine
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal, alternator drive belt, fuel pump internals, hall sensor failure (early models), brake light switch
Maintenance Focus Areas:
Regular valve adjustments, clutch maintenance, and ensuring proper fuel system function are critical for optimal performance.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable motorcycles, particularly renowned for its boxer-twin engines and touring capabilities since the R32 in 1923.
Key Developments From R1100Gs:
Increased engine capacity (1130cc vs 1085cc), improved torque, revised styling, optional ABS enhancements, and introduction of the Adventure variant.
Production Years:
1999 to 2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Adventure Bike Accolades:
Consistently praised in motorcycle press for its versatility, comfort, and go-anywhere capability, often winning 'Adventure Bike of the Year' awards in its era.
Owner Satisfaction:
High owner satisfaction ratings for reliability and long-term ownership experience, despite some known maintenance points.
Emission Standards:
Meets Euro-1/Euro-2 emission standards for its production period.