🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R 1150 GS Model Designation: R 1150 GS Generation Generation Code: 2nd Generation R Series (Oilhead) Generation Years: 1999-2005 Codes Chassis Code: R22 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW R 1150 GS is a highly regarded 'adventure touring' motorcycle, known for its robust engineering, off-road capability, and long-distance comfort. This manual targets owners who wish to maintain and repair this capable machine themselves, bypassing potentially expensive dealership labor costs. Competitive Analysis Competitors: This manual serves owners of a premium adventure motorcycle that competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin (older generations), Triumph Tiger, and Ducati Multistrada in its era. Key Features Manual Selling Points: Empowers DIY repairs, detailed illustrations, expert troubleshooting, complete coverage of all major systems, cost savings on maintenance and repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance Secondary Coverage: Troubleshooting, diagnostics, technical specifications Page Count Estimated Pages: 500+ Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Full overhaul, internal components, combustion system, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, valve adjustments, oil lubrication system. Drivetrain: Clutch operation and service, gearbox disassembly and assembly, final drive (Paralever) system, driveshaft, universal joints. Electrical System: Ignition system (Motronic), fuel injection system (EFI), battery and charging system (alternator, starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), horn, instrument cluster, message systems, electronic control units (ECUs). Chassis: Frame, steering head bearings, forks (Telelever front suspension, conventional telescopic rear), rear shock absorber (Monolever or Paralever depending on exact model variant), wheel bearings. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper service, pad replacement, disc inspection, master cylinder service, brake line routing and replacement. Cooling System: Oil cooling system, oil circulation, oil cooler maintenance, oil filter replacement. Lubrication: Engine oil and filter change, gearbox oil change, final drive oil change, lubrication points. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant (oil) level checks, valve clearance adjustments, tire pressure checks, chain lubrication (if applicable for specific sub-models). Repair: Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel injector cleaning/replacement. Troubleshooting: Misfires, oil leaks, fuel delivery problems, starting issues, electrical faults, braking system anomalies, suspension noises. Diagnostics: OBD-II (if applicable for later models), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic tools, reading sensor data. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for quality manuals) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine Displacement: 1130 cc Bore X Stroke: 101 mm x 70.5 mm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Valve Train: 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with overhead camshafts. Performance Horsepower: Approx. 85 hp @ 6,750 rpm Torque: Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm Fuel System Fuel Induction: Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane Oil System Engine Oil Type: SAE 20W-50 API SG or JASO MA certified motorcycle oil Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change 🔧 Transmission Standard Gearbox Type: Constant-mesh 5-speed transmission Optional Transmission Features: Optional 6-speed transmission available on some later models/variants. Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch Final Drive: Shaft drive via Paralever single-sided swingarm Fluid Gearbox Oil Type: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil Gearbox Oil Capacity: Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US quarts) Final Drive Oil Type: SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil Final Drive Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2,255 mm (88.8 in) Width: Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) Height: Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) (without mirrors) Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) Wet Weight: Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs) (with 90% fuel load) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Systems: Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on most models. System is deactivatable. Active Features Braking System: Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Hydraulic actuation. Optional ABS. Lighting: Halogen headlight, multi-reflector design. LED taillight and indicator bulbs. Passive Features Frame Construction: Steel-tube Trellis frame for rigidity and rider protection. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Not applicable for most 2000s era motorcycles of this type; focus is on core mechanics and rider controls. May have provisions for aftermarket audio systems. Driver Assistance Rider Aids: Integral ABS (optional), deactivatable. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (standard for the era); may have diagnostic port for ECU...
The BMW R 1150 GS is a highly regarded 'adventure touring' motorcycle, known for its robust engineering, off-road capability, and long-distance comfort. This manual targets owners who wish to maintain and repair this capable machine themselves, bypassing potentially expensive dealership labor costs.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
This manual serves owners of a premium adventure motorcycle that competed against models like the Honda Africa Twin (older generations), Triumph Tiger, and Ducati Multistrada in its era.
Key Features
Manual Selling Points:
Empowers DIY repairs, detailed illustrations, expert troubleshooting, complete coverage of all major systems, cost savings on maintenance and repairs.
Clutch operation and service, gearbox disassembly and assembly, final drive (Paralever) system, driveshaft, universal joints.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (Motronic), fuel injection system (EFI), battery and charging system (alternator, starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), horn, instrument cluster, message systems, electronic control units (ECUs).
Chassis:
Frame, steering head bearings, forks (Telelever front suspension, conventional telescopic rear), rear shock absorber (Monolever or Paralever depending on exact model variant), wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper service, pad replacement, disc inspection, master cylinder service, brake line routing and replacement.
OBD-II (if applicable for later models), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using diagnostic tools, reading sensor data.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for quality manuals)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Displacement:
1130 cc
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated with overhead camshafts.
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 85 hp @ 6,750 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Induction:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Oil System
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Gearbox Type:
Constant-mesh 5-speed transmission
Optional
Transmission Features:
Optional 6-speed transmission available on some later models/variants.
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via Paralever single-sided swingarm
Fluid
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US quarts)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2,255 mm (88.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) (without mirrors)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs) (with 90% fuel load)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Systems:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on most models. System is deactivatable.
Active Features
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Hydraulic actuation. Optional ABS.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, multi-reflector design. LED taillight and indicator bulbs.
Passive Features
Frame Construction:
Steel-tube Trellis frame for rigidity and rider protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Not applicable for most 2000s era motorcycles of this type; focus is on core mechanics and rider controls. May have provisions for aftermarket audio systems.
Driver Assistance
Rider Aids:
Integral ABS (optional), deactivatable.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (standard for the era); may have diagnostic port for ECU access.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (long-life iridium plugs)
Gearbox Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, moisture-resistant
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from the timing chain cover or cylinder head gaskets, clutch slave cylinder leaks, ABS sensor failures, fuel pump issues (especially after extended storage), Telelever pivot bearing wear.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly check and top-up engine oil, inspect for oil leaks, clean fuel injectors periodically, ensure ABS sensors are clean and free from debris.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, reliable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and adventure-touring capabilities, dating back to models like the R 32 and the highly influential R 80 GS.
Model Evolution
Gs Lineage:
The R 1150 GS is a direct descendant of the R 1100 GS and preceded the R 1200 GS. It represented a significant evolution in engine power, suspension refinement, and overall technology for BMW's flagship adventure bike. Key improvements over the R 1100 GS included increased engine displacement and torque, and a refined chassis.
Production
Production Years:
1999-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards And Recognition:
The R 1150 GS is widely recognized as a benchmark in the adventure touring segment and has received numerous accolades from motorcycle publications for its versatility, durability, and capability across various terrains and distances. It is often cited as one of the most iconic and capable GS models produced.
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