Jump to content

BMW R1150GS

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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
OptionalABS(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)

TheBMW R1150GSandR1150GS Adventurearemotorcyclesthat were manufactured byBMW Motorradfrom 1999 through 2004. There was a limited run of 2005-06 model year R1150GSA models as well. The R1150GS models are part of theBMW GSfamily ofdual-sportor adventure motorcycles that have been produced from 1981 to the present date. The bikes have a 1,130 cc horizontally opposedflat-twin engineandshaft drive.

Production history

[edit]

The 1,130 cc R1150GS had a new six-speed gearbox. It replaced theR1100GS,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-assistedcombined braking system.In addition the engines were equipped with twinspark plugson 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

[edit]

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 andABS brakes.

Awards and long-distance riding

[edit]

In 2000,Cycle World Magazineawarded the R1150GS "Best Sport Touring Bike".[4] In 2005, the R1150GS Adventure was awarded "Best Traillie" by British publicationRiDE Magazine,and the standard model came third.[5] The R1150GS Adventure was ridden in 2004 byEwan McGregorandCharley Boormanin their 18,887-mile (30,396 km) ride fromLondontoNew York City,depicted in the book and TV seriesLong Way Round.[6]The R1150GS's successor, theR1200GS Adventurewas used in the follow-upLong Way Downtrip. It was also ridden byGuinness World Recordmotorcycle endurance holderSimon Newbound.[7] Kevin Sandersand 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 thePan-American Highwayin 2003.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^"BMW R1150GS (1999–2005) Review".Motorcycle News.Retrieved2008-01-05.
  2. ^"BMW's 100,000th R1200GS".webBikeWorld (from BMW press release).3 August 2007.Retrieved2008-01-05.
  3. ^Ash, Kevin(30 March 2002)."The spirit of Adventure".The Daily Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 9 January 2008.Retrieved2008-01-05.
  4. ^"Best Sport-Touring Bike: BMW R1150GS".Cycle World.2000. Archived fromthe originalon 12 August 2009.Retrieved7 July2009.
  5. ^"BMW Motorrad Dealership wins top honours in prestigious awards".BMW Group. 9 September 2005.Retrieved7 July2009.
  6. ^Ash, Kevin(15 January 2005)."In for the long haul".The Daily Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 13 September 2012.Retrieved2008-01-05.
  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. Archived fromthe originalon September 19, 2006.Retrieved7 July2009.
  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 fromthe originalon September 28, 2010,retrieved30 March2010
[edit]