The 2000-2002 BMW R1150GS

by Jeff Dean

In September 2001, BMW introduced a special R1150GS designed
for adventure touring. For details, click on the photo below:

Y2K BMW R1150GS

Above: A 2000 BMW R1150GS on Redington Pass, east of Tucson, Arizona; the San Pedro Valley is in the background. The windshield and headlight guards are from Cee Bailey. The chrome safety bars are made by Hepco & Becker, and allow you to change oil without removing them.

The BMW R1150GS, introduced in 1999, is the latest in BMW's "GS" (Gelande Strasse) dual-purpose motorcycle series. Compared to the previous model, the R1100GS, this newest model boasts five more horsepower at 85 HP, a significant boost in midrange torque, a six-speed tranny, a revised chassis with long-travel suspension, and a lighter front telelever (photo above right). Unusual both in appearance and function, the GS is what riders now call an adventure bike. Even if you don't take yours on an adventure, people will think you have.

The R1150GS is sold as a bare motorcycle without accessories. BMW accessories on the motorcycle above include saddlebags with protectors, a top case, a headlight switch, and valve cover protectors. Aftermarket goodies on the bike include PIAA auxiliary lights, Hyper-Lites, and, on the lower four photos, a Givi extra-tall windshield.

Here is the link to BMW of North America's R1150GS web page.

Even though the R1150GS is a new model, it has already received some awards. In its July 2000 issue, Cycle World named it the world's best “Best Sport-Touring Bike.” It published, ...get past the GS's lunar-rover esthetics and you'll discover perhaps the best sightseeing platform ever to roll on two wheels. Big, thick saddle, height-adjustable for those not in the NBA. Two-stage heated handgrips as addictive as opium. More than enough backroad chops to embarrass sportbike jockeys, thanks to bags-o'-torque, never-ending cornering clearance, and the leverage provided by that dirtbike-wide handlebar. And should your own private road-less-traveled include dirt, gravel, and the occasional creek crossing, nothing with saddlebags even gets a whiff of the 1150.

Personally, I can testify that the 1150GS has a wonderful torquey engine. It is a great machine for places where paved roads are not as abundant as they are in the East—say, for example, in Arizona. It is wonderful on dirt and gravel roads as well as I-roads with 75 MPH speed limits. But if you intend to go down footpaths or sandy washes with the 586-pound-wet GS (that is only 36 pounds lighter than a fully-fueled R1100RT!), you will need a lot more off-road skill than I have!

Cee Bailey now produces a tall windshield (photo left) for the R1150GS. It is made any height desired, up to 8" higher than the stock shield. It is thicker than the stock item—it's just longer. It mounts on the GS with the stock hardware. The Cee Bailey windshield ends wind buffeting for taller riders and makes the GS a great touring motorcycle.

BMW R1150GS Specifications

Engine
Type: Air cooled/Oil cooled twin
Cylinder bore x stroke: 101 mm x 70.5 mm
Displacement: 1130 cc
Horsepower: 85 Bhp @ 6750 rpm
Torque: 71 lb.-ft. @ 5250 rpm
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1
Valve Gear: HC, chain-driven
Valves: 2 x 34 mm intake -- 2 x 29 mm exhaust
Valve Timing (measured at 3 mm valve clearance):

intake opens 1 degree before TDC

intake closes 25 degrees after BDC

exhaust opens 31 degrees before BDC

exhaust closes 13 degrees before TDC
Valves per cylinder: Four
Camshafts: 284 degrees
Engine Oil Capacity: 4 quarts of SF, SG motor oil, also w/CC or CD
Engine Oil Filter: spin-on Micronic filter cartridge
Carburetion: fuel injection and electronic ignition MA 2.2
Ignition: controlled by Bosch Motronic
Fuel Demand: unleaded, middle-grade premium, 90 (AKI)
Fuel Tank: steel tank with enclosed fuel pump and filter
Fuel Capacity: 5.8 US gallons including one gallon reserve
Air Filter: Paper-type element

Electrics
Charging system: 14 V, 50 Amp Alternator (700 watts)
Battery: BMW Mareg, 12V-14 Amp/h low maintenance
Cooling System: Combined air/oil cooled

Drivetrain
Primary drive: Helical-cut gears with tensioner
Clutch: 165mm dry, single plate with diaphragm spring
Gear Ratios:

1st gear: 2.04:1

2nd gear: 1.60:1

3rd gear: 1.26:1

4th gear: 1.03:1

5th gear: 0.90:1
Drive System: enclosed driveshaft with two universal joints and integral torsional damper
Final Drive: spiral bevel gears, 2.82:1 ratio
Front Suspension:

Telelever with central spring strut.

Progressive coil spring.

Travel Dimensions: 7.46 inches total travel, 5-position preload
Rear Suspension:

Patented BMW Paralever swingarm and shaft final drive

Single shock with variable rebound damping

7.81 inches total travel, travel, hydraulic adjust, 40 positions

Brakes
Brake System: BMW-FAG anti-lock brake system, ABS II
Front Brakes: two 4-piston calipers, wear compensation

Front Rotors: dual 12.0 inch floating rotors

Actuation method: hydraulic, DOT 4 fluid type
Rear Brake: one 4-piston caliper, floating mount

Rear Rotor: single 10.9 inch diameter fixed rotor

Actuation method: hydraulic, DOT 4 fluid type

Wheels and Tires
Front Wheel: 2.50 x 19 MT-H2 — Patented Cross-Spoke Wheels
Rear Wheel: 4.00 x 17 MT-H2 — Patented Cross-Spoke Wheels
Front Tire: 110/80 -- R 19 59H tubeless
Rear Tire: 150/70 -- R 17 69H tubeless

Dimensions
Overall Length = 86.2 inches (2189 mm)
Overall Width = 35.9 inches (920 mm) (overmirrors)
Wheelbase = 58.9 inches (1509 mm) (unladen)
Ground Clearance = 7.8 inches (200 mm) (unladen)
Seat Height = 33.1 / 33.8 inches (840 / 860 mm)
Handlebar Width = 35.5 inches (903 mm) (with weights)
Steering Angle = 62.9İ
Front Wheel Trail = 4.5 inches (115 mm) (unladen)
Weight = Dry 480 lbs.
Weight = Wet 536 lbs.
Maximum Load = 1,014 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
Maximum Carrying Capacity = 478 lbs.
Wheel load limits: Front = 397 lbs.; Rear = 661 lbs.

Standard Equipment
Adjustable seat height (2 positions)
Single key lock system for ignition, steering, fuel cap, and seat storage compartment locks
Integrated ignition and steering lock
Adjustable windshield
Catalytic converter
Valve cover protection
Hazard warning flashers
Power acessory socket
ABS II (anti-lock braking system)
Sump protection plate
Full protection front fender
Heated Hand Grips
Rider Information Display (RID)

Click here to read English R1100GS specifications from BMW A.G., Munich, Germany. (The R1150GS specifications are not yet available on the BMW A.G. website, so I have listed them above.)