🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R1150GS Motorcycle Type: Adventure Touring Codes Chassis Code: R21 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Iconic adventure touring motorcycle, known for its versatility and ruggedness Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Ténéré, KTM Adventure series Key Features Durability: Renowned for its robust construction and long-distance capability Engine Character: Torquey boxer twin engine providing smooth power delivery Suspension Technology: Innovative Telelever front suspension for enhanced handling and comfort Adaptability: Suitable for both on-road touring and off-road exploration 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Overhaul: Complete tear down and rebuild Maintenance: Routine maintenance procedures Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures and common issues Electrical System: Wiring diagrams and component diagnostics Chassis Components: Suspension, brakes, steering, wheels Bodywork: Fairings, panels, seat, fuel tank Fuel System: Fuel injection, fuel pump, lines Exhaust System: Muffler, catalytic converter, headers Cooling System: Oil cooler, oil lines Clutch System: Hydraulic clutch operation and maintenance Drivetrain: Shaft drive, final drive maintenance Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 500-700 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF), potentially available in print 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: BMW Boxer Twin, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, air/oil-cooled Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Braking System: BMW Integral ABS (optional), conventional braking system Suspension Front: Telelever front suspension system Suspension Rear: Monolever rear suspension system Electrical Components: Ignition, lighting, charging system, starter Procedures Included Engine Rebuild: Piston removal/installation, cylinder head service, valve adjustment, crankshaft inspection Transmission Service: Gearbox disassembly, reassembly, clutch replacement Brake Service: Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, ABS bleeding procedures Suspension Adjustment: Front and rear shock absorber adjustments, fork service Electrical Diagnostics: Fault code reading (if applicable), component testing, wiring harness repair Wheel Bearing Replacement: Front and rear wheel bearing service Tire Mounting: Tire mounting and balancing procedures Final Drive Maintenance: Shaft drive lubrication, seal replacement Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Visuals: Includes pictures and part diagrams Torque Specifications: Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF (searchable text, printable pages) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans or original manufacturer quality Binding Type Binding: N/A (for digital format); If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability Paper Type Paper: N/A (for digital format); If printed: Durable, glossy paper stock to withstand shop conditions ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: BMW Boxer Twin, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder Displacement: 1130 cc (1130 cubic centimeters) Bore X Stroke: 95 mm x 79 mm (typical) Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 (typical) Cooling System: Air/oil-cooled with oil cooler Valve Train: 2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC), pushrod activated Performance Horsepower: Approx. 85-90 hp @ 6750 rpm Torque: Approx. 98-100 Nm @ 5250 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 Fuel Capacity: Approx. 20-22 liters (depending on model variant/year) Lubrication Oil Type: API SG/SH or JASO MA approved 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 recommended Oil Capacity: Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed constant mesh manual gearbox Optional Features: No automatic transmission option available Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch Drive System: Enclosed shaft drive to rear wheel Lubrication Gearbox Oil Type: SAE 75W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil (or as specified in manual) Gearbox Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.65 liters Final Drive Final Drive Oil Type: SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil (or as specified in manual) Final Drive Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.18 liters 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) Width Handlebar: Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) Height Seat: Approx. 840-860 mm (33.1-33.9 in) (adjustable seat height) Wheelbase: Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in) Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs) Wheels Tires Front Tire Size: 90/90-21 54V Rear Tire Size: 130/80-17 65S Front Wheel Type: Spoked, 2.50 x 21 Rear Wheel Type: Spoked, 4.00 x 17 Bolt Pattern Wheels: 5 x 114.3 mm (typical for BMW R series) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: N/A (Motorcycles are not typically crash-tested by agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP) Active Features ABS: BMW Integral ABS (optional, disengageable) - provides combined braking and anti-lock functionality Traction Control: Not standard; some later models or aftermarket modifications may have it. Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlight, LED tail light, turn signals Protection: Engine crash bars, handguards standard or optional depending on trim 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrument Cluster: Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel level indicator, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights. Driver Assistance ABS System: BMW Integral ABS system, providing enhanced safety for both braking systems. Connectivity Diagnostic Port: On-board diagnostics (OBD) port...
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Visuals:
Includes pictures and part diagrams
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Likely PDF (searchable text, printable pages)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans or original manufacturer quality
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (for digital format); If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (for digital format); If printed: Durable, glossy paper stock to withstand shop conditions
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
BMW Boxer Twin, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder
Displacement:
1130 cc (1130 cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
95 mm x 79 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical)
Cooling System:
Air/oil-cooled with oil cooler
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC), pushrod activated
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 85-90 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 98-100 Nm @ 5250 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 20-22 liters (depending on model variant/year)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
API SG/SH or JASO MA approved 4-stroke motorcycle engine oil, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 recommended
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed constant mesh manual gearbox
Optional
Features:
No automatic transmission option available
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Drive System:
Enclosed shaft drive to rear wheel
Lubrication
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil (or as specified in manual)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.65 liters
Final Drive
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil (or as specified in manual)
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.18 liters
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width Handlebar:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in)
Height Seat:
Approx. 840-860 mm (33.1-33.9 in) (adjustable seat height)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 232 kg (511 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Wheels Tires
Front Tire Size:
90/90-21 54V
Rear Tire Size:
130/80-17 65S
Front Wheel Type:
Spoked, 2.50 x 21
Rear Wheel Type:
Spoked, 4.00 x 17
Bolt Pattern Wheels:
5 x 114.3 mm (typical for BMW R series)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically crash-tested by agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP)
Active Features
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (optional, disengageable) - provides combined braking and anti-lock functionality
Traction Control:
Not standard; some later models or aftermarket modifications may have it.
Passive Features
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, turn signals
Protection:
Engine crash bars, handguards standard or optional depending on trim
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel level indicator, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights.
Driver Assistance
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS system, providing enhanced safety for both braking systems.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for engine management system and ABS diagnostics (requires specific BMW diagnostic tools).
Lighting Technology
Headlight Type:
Dual halogen headlights for excellent night visibility.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Check Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), or more frequently in dusty conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles)
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG/SH or JASO MA
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or as specified for Integral ABS system)
Coolant:
N/A (air/oil-cooled)
Known Issues
Fuel Pump:
Early models can experience fuel pump failure; diagnosis and replacement covered.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Hydraulic clutch slave cylinder seal leaks can occur; manual covers seal replacement.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Wear in Telelever pivot bearings can affect steering precision; maintenance and adjustment procedures outlined.
Hall Effect Sensor:
Failure of the Hall effect sensor (for engine timing) can cause starting issues or stalling; troubleshooting provided.
ABS Modulator:
ABS modulator issues can lead to braking system faults; diagnostic procedures are included.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, dating back to 1923, with a strong reputation for engineering innovation and durability.
Model Evolution
R Series Legacy:
The R1150GS is part of the evolution of BMW's successful 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - off-road/street) line, which began with the R80G/S in 1980. It represents a significant upgrade in performance, technology, and comfort over its predecessors like the R1100GS.
The R1150GS was a highly successful model for BMW, consistently ranking among the best-selling large-displacement adventure touring motorcycles globally. It earned a reputation for reliability and capability among riders.
Ratings
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to its versatility, comfort on long rides, and durability.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Meets European emissions standards for its production era (e.g., Euro 1 or Euro 2, depending on specific market and year).