BMW R1150GS
BMW R1150GS Adventure
ManufacturerBMW Motorrad
Parent companyBMW
Production1999–2004
2005–2006
PredecessorR1100GS
SuccessorR1200GS
ClassDual-sport
Engine1,130 cubic centimetres (69 cu in), flat twin, air/oil cooled
(twin spark plugs on later models)
Bore / stroke101 mm × 70.5 mm (3.98 in × 2.78 in)
Compression ratio10.3:1
Power85 hp (63 kW) @ 6,750 rpm[1]
Torque75 lb⋅ft (102 N⋅m) @ 5,250 rpm
Transmission6-speed, shaft drive
SuspensionFront: BMW Telelever
Rear: BMW Paralever
BrakesFront: 4-piston callipers with 305 mm discs
Rear: 2-piston calliper with single 276 mm disc
Optional ABS (servo assisted on later models)
TiresFront: 110/80HR19
Rear: 150/70HR17
Spoked, tubeless wheels
Seat height840 mm (33 in)
Weight229 kg (505 lb) (dry)
Fuel capacityStandard – 22 L (4.8 imp gal; 5.8 US gal)
Optional – 30 L (6.6 imp gal; 7.9 US gal)

The BMW R1150GS and R1150GS Adventure are motorcycles that were manufactured by BMW Motorrad from 1999 through 2004. There was a limited run of 2005-06 model year R1150GSA models as well. The R1150GS models are part of the BMW GS family of dual-sport or adventure motorcycles that have been produced from 1981 to the present date. The bikes have a 1,130 cc horizontally opposed flat-twin engine and shaft drive.

Production history

The 1,130 cc R1150GS had a new six-speed gearbox. It replaced the R1100GS, which had a 1,085 cc engine and a five speed gearbox.

The standard R1150GS model was produced from 1999 to 2004, when it was replaced by the more powerful and lighter R1200GS. The R1150GS Adventure, which was produced from 2001 to 2005, was replaced by the R1200GS Adventure in 2006.

In late 2002, the optional ABS system was replaced with an electrically servo-assisted combined braking system. In addition the engines were equipped with twin spark plugs on each cylinder; this was intended to improve emissions and improve a persistent surging problem that affected many BMW boxer models.

A total of 58,023 standard R1150GS models and 17,828 Adventure models were made.[2]

A BMW R1150GS parked on a gravel trail with scrub-covered mountains in the background
The R1150GS is a popular bike for offroad trails

Model differences

The R1150GS Adventure had a number of differences over the standard bike to make it more suitable for overland and adventure travel.[3] These included an optional 30-litre (6.6 imp gal; 7.9 US gal) fuel tank, larger screen, single-piece seat, 20 millimetres (0.8 in) taller suspension front and rear, lower first gear and a conventional sixth gear in place of the standard model's overdrive gear. An anti-knock sensor adjustment change allowed the adventure version to run on lower quality gasoline as well. Common options on both models were heated handgrips and ABS brakes.

Awards and long-distance riding

In 2000, Cycle World Magazine awarded the R1150GS "Best Sport Touring Bike".[4] In 2005, the R1150GS Adventure was awarded "Best Traillie" by British publication RiDE Magazine, and the standard model came third.[5] The R1150GS Adventure was ridden in 2004 by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in their 18,887-mile (30,396 km) ride from London to New York City, depicted in the book and TV series Long Way Round.[6] The R1150GS's successor, the R1200GS Adventure was used in the follow-up Long Way Down trip. It was also ridden by Guinness World Record motorcycle endurance holder Simon Newbound.[7] Kevin Sanders and his wife Julia rode the R1150GS for their Guinness World Record for the fastest world circumnavigation by motorcycle in 2002. They also rode the R1150GS Adventure for their record-breaking traversal of the Pan-American Highway in 2003.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "BMW R1150GS (1999–2005) Review". Motorcycle News. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  2. ↑ "BMW's 100,000th R1200GS". webBikeWorld (from BMW press release). 3 August 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  3. ↑ Ash, Kevin (30 March 2002). "The spirit of Adventure". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 9 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Best Sport-Touring Bike: BMW R1150GS". Cycle World. 2000. Archived from the original on 12 August 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  5. ↑ "BMW Motorrad Dealership wins top honours in prestigious awards". BMW Group. 9 September 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  6. ↑ Ash, Kevin (15 January 2005). "In for the long haul". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  7. ↑ "A British Couple Participating in One of the Greatest Modern Day Challenges has Received Official Confirmation They Have Successfully Broken the Worlds most Demanding World Record". PRweb. 2 November 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  8. ↑ Tim Walker (29 September 2005), How to have a real adventure: Take a train or get on a bike to experience the thrill of travel as it used to be, The Independent (UK), archived from the original on September 28, 2010, retrieved 30 March 2010
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