🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1150 RT

Engine Code:

1150cc Boxer Twin

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance touring riders, riders seeking comfort, performance, and BMW's renowned engineering.

Competitors:

Honda ST1100/ST1300, Kawasaki GTR1000/1400, Yamaha FJR1300, Moto Guzzi Norge/California.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on rider comfort for long distances, integrated luggage systems, robust powertrain, and advanced (for its time) technology like ABS.

Unique Selling Points:

Characteristic BMW boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, standard ABS, shaft drive, and excellent weather protection.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

Likely spans the primary production run of the R 1150 RT, typically including model years from 2000 to 2006. Specific years may vary based on manual edition.

Geographic Markets:

Global (as BMW is an international manufacturer, and service procedures are generally consistent across markets for this model).

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (as stated in product description, typical for comprehensive service manuals).

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (standard for most commercially available manuals of this nature).

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the 1150cc boxer twin engine, including valve adjustment, timing chain, lubrication system, cooling system (oil-cooled), fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), and exhaust system.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation (single dry plate), final drive (driveshaft and bevel gear housing), including lubrication and adjustment procedures.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of the BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) II, including hydraulic systems, caliper maintenance, pad replacement, fluid bleeding, and diagnostic procedures for both front and rear braking systems.

Electrical:

Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition system, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, instrument cluster, and accessory circuits.

Suspension And Steering:

Maintenance and repair of the Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension, including fork seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment/replacement, steering head bearing service, and wheel bearing replacement.

Chassis And Bodywork:

Procedures for removing and refitting body panels, fairings, seat, fuel tank, and other chassis components. Includes instructions for basic frame and subframe checks.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, drive belt inspection/replacement, brake fluid renewal, tire pressure checks, and general inspection points.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and uncommon mechanical and electrical issues, including error code interpretation if applicable to the model's diagnostics.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly for virtually all major systems of the motorcycle.

Component Replacement:

Detailed guidance for replacing wearable parts such as brake pads, clutch plates, tires, batteries, bulbs, and fluid seals.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic user maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and suspension tuning. Suitable for both amateur mechanics and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if the PDF is well-generated, allowing for quick location of specific topics or parts.

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing all diagrams, schematics, and illustrations clearly.

Binding Method:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding).

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Configuration:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement:

1130 cc (90.0 mm bore x 84.0 mm stroke)

Fueling:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)

Ignition:

Digital electronic ignition system with dual spark plugs per cylinder

Horsepower:

Approximately 95 hp (70 kW) at 6,750 rpm (subject to regional variations)

Torque:

Approximately 99 lb-ft (134 Nm) at 5,250 rpm (subject to regional variations)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, premium octane rating recommended (e.g., 91-98 RON / 87-93 AKI)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 26 liters (6.9 US gallons), including a reserve of about 4 liters.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual constant-mesh gearbox

Transmission Options:

No automatic or dual-clutch transmission options were typically offered for this model.

Drive Type:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approximately 930 mm (36.6 in) at mirrors

Height:

Approximately 1380 mm (54.3 in) at seat

Dry Weight:

Approximately 255 kg (562 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approximately 280 kg (617 lbs) (fully fueled and ready to ride)

Maximum Load:

Typically around 200-220 kg (440-485 lbs), including rider, passenger, and luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Motorcycles of this era were not typically subjected to standardized automotive crash test ratings. Safety is primarily inherent in design and active safety features.

ABS:

BMW Integral ABS II (standard feature on most R1150RT models), which links front and rear brakes with anti-lock control.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, and often an auxiliary brake light or integrated taillight design for high visibility.

Ergonomics:

Designed for rider comfort and control over long distances, reducing fatigue.

Fairing And Windscreen:

Provides significant wind and weather protection for the rider and passenger, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional integrated radio/cassette or CD player with speakers was available on some models, often controlled via handlebar buttons.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, clock, ambient temperature, and gear indicator. Also features warning lights for ABS, oil pressure, etc.

ABS:

Integral ABS II – a highly regarded feature for its time, enhancing braking safety significantly.

Connectivity Options:

Limited by modern standards. Typically includes provision for accessory power outlets, and some models might have had provisions for heated grips and seats.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), or as indicated by engine performance.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for the main plug, secondary plug may vary. Refer to manual for exact spec.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to moisture absorption.

Engine Oil:

SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Castrol Activ 4T, Motul 5100/7100). Capacity: approx. 3.0 liters without filter change, 3.5 liters with filter change.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW's recommended fluids or equivalent). Capacity: approx. 0.25 liters.

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW's recommended fluids or equivalent). Capacity: approx. 0.18 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 low-viscosity brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, driveshaft U-joint wear (though shaft drive is generally reliable), Telelever pivot bearings, and starter motor reliability can be concerns on older models.

Electrical Gremlins:

While generally robust, some owners report occasional issues with the ABS modulator or dashboard electronics, often resolved by inspecting connections and ensuring the battery is in good health.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Regular inspection of fuel lines for degradation, and occasional fuel injector cleaning may be beneficial for optimal performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to 1923, renowned for its boxer engines, shaft drive, and innovation in motorcycle technology, particularly in touring and sport-touring segments.

Predecessors:

Evolved from the R1100RT, which introduced the Telelever front suspension and the 1100cc boxer engine to the touring line. Also builds upon the legacy of earlier RT models like the R100RT.

Successors:

Succeeded by the R1200RT, which featured a new generation of the boxer engine with more power, reduced weight, and updated technology.

Production Years:

Approximately 2000-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Accolades:

While specific 'awards' might be scarce for individual model years, the R 1150 RT consistently received positive reviews from motorcycle publications for its comfort, capability, and longevity in the sport-touring category.