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.

An anti-knock sensor adjustment change allowed the adventure version to run on lower quality gasoline as well.

[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.

It was also ridden by Guinness World Record motorcycle endurance holder Simon Newbound.