Category:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Segment Description:
The R1150GS is renowned for its versatility, capable of comfortable long-distance touring, off-road exploration, and daily commuting. It established BMW's dominance in the adventure bike segment.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger, Yamaha Super Tenere, Moto Guzzi Quota.
Engine Layout:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder, DOHC, 8 valves.
Suspension System:
BMW Telelever front suspension and Monolever rear suspension for superior ride quality and handling.
Brakes:
Optional BMW Integral ABS system, providing linked braking for enhanced safety.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive for low maintenance and clean operation.
Engine:
Full coverage of the R21 boxer-twin engine, including disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, valve adjustment, timing chain, oil system, and cooling.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for the 5-speed transmission, clutch operation, gearbox internals, lubrication, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Coverage of the single-sided swingarm, driveshaft, final drive unit (including oil changes and seal replacement), and universal joint maintenance.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension system (fork oil, seals, bearings) and rear Monolever shock absorber (adjustment, replacement, linkage).
Brakes:
BMW Integral ABS system (front and rear brake actuation, ABS modulator, brake fluid flush, caliper service, pad replacement), hydraulic lines.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, starter system, alternator charging system, ignition system (spark plugs, coils), lighting, fuses, relays, and electronic control units (ECU).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), fuel tank maintenance, and emission control systems.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, fuel tank paneling, luggage system mounting points, and basic body panel repairs.
Wheels And Tires:
Spoke wheel maintenance, tire pressure specifications, tire replacement procedures, and wheel bearing service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, final drive oil change.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for common issues, electrical faults, engine performance problems, and ABS malfunctions.
Engine Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, cylinders, crankshaft), reassembly, and timing.
Transmission Repair:
Detailed guide for transmission disassembly, gear selection mechanism repair, bearing replacement, and synchromesh inspection.
Suspension Overhaul:
Instructions for replacing fork seals and oil in the Telelever system, and servicing the rear shock absorber unit.
Brake System Service:
Procedures for bleeding the Integral ABS system, replacing brake pads and rotors, caliper overhaul, and hydraulic line replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Guidance on using multimeter for testing circuits, diagnosing charging system faults, ignition system issues, and sensor testing.
Fuel Injection Tuning:
Basic adjustments and troubleshooting for the fuel injection system, including idle speed control and throttle position sensor calibration.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic to advanced diagnostics, repairs, and complete engine/transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke boxer-twin
Displacement:
1130 cc (1150cc nominal)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder), pushrod actuation (camshafts driven by timing chain).
Horsepower:
95 hp (70 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with two throttle bodies (45mm diameter).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 RON (91-93 AKI)
Fuel Capacity:
20.0 liters (5.3 US gal), including 3.0 liter reserve.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles), or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Engine Oil:
BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate Performance Engine Oil SAE 20W-50 (or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA compliant oil).
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5
Fork Oil Front:
SAE 5W (specific BMW fork oil recommended)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, embrittlement of fuel lines over time, potential for alternator bearing noise.
ABS System:
Occasional ABS modulator issues or sensor failures; regular fluid flushes are critical.
Telelever Suspension:
Wear in the pivot bearings of the Telelever system can affect handling.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
BMW has a long history of producing robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly in the touring and off-road segments.
Evolution From R1100Gs:
Increased engine displacement to 1130cc, revised cylinder head design for improved torque, updated styling, and optional Integral ABS II.
Production Period:
1999-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin Spandau plant, Germany
