Model:
R 1100 Series / R 850 Series
Model Variant:
R 1100 R, R 1100 GS, R 1100 RS, R 1100 RT, R 850 R, R 850 GS, R 850 RT
Production Years:
1993-2000
Engine Codes:
1100cc: Boxer 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, air/oil-cooled; 850cc: Boxer 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, air/oil-cooled
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, valve adjustment, piston and cylinder inspection, crankshaft and bearing service, timing chain and guides, lubrication system, oil pump, oil filter housing.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (Motronic), ignition system, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, lambda, throttle position, intake air temperature, oil temperature), ECU diagnostics, troubleshooting fuel and ignition faults.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox (5-speed), final drive assembly, driveshaft and U-joints, rear wheel hub and bearings.
Suspension Steering:
Front Telelever suspension system, rear Monolever system, shock absorber service, fork seal replacement, steering head bearing maintenance, wheel bearing service.
Brakes:
BMW Integral ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, caliper service, master cylinder rebuild, brake line inspection, pad and disc replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), horn, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, instrument cluster.
Bodywork Chassis:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairing components (GS, RS, RT models), seat, fuel tank, side stands, center stands.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug service, drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid flush, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable to specific models, though most used shaft drive).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues, including fault codes where applicable for Motronic systems.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, ABS system bleeding and diagnostics, clutch replacement.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, valve clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for experienced DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Type:
BMW Boxer 2-cylinder, 4-stroke
Bore X Stroke 1100:
101 mm x 67.5 mm
Bore X Stroke 850:
85 mm x 70.5 mm
Displacement 1100:
1085 cc
Horsepower 1100:
90 PS (66 kW) @ 7,250 rpm (approximate, varies by model)
Torque 1100:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm (approximate, varies by model)
Horsepower 850:
70 PS (51 kW) @ 7,500 rpm (approximate, varies by model)
Torque 850:
77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm (approximate, varies by model)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium) - Minimum 95 RON
Ignition System:
Digital ignition with knock control
Overall Length:
Varies by model (GS, RT, RS, R) - approximately 2200-2300 mm
Overall Width:
Varies by model - approximately 800-1000 mm
Seat Height:
Varies by model (e.g., GS typically higher) - approximately 780-840 mm
Dry Weight:
Approximately 225-260 kg (depending on model and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 450-490 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20-25 liters (depending on model)
Crash Safety:
Motorcycles are not subject to standardized crash ratings like automobiles. Emphasis is on rider protection through design and available rider aids.
Braking System:
BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on later RT/RS). Features include dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake, and advanced ABS control.
Suspension Stability:
Telelever front suspension and Monolever rear suspension contribute to stable handling and predictable braking behavior.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, comprehensive taillight and indicator array.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control, reducing fatigue on long rides.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, fuel gauge, clock, and warning lights. Some models featured optional heated grips and ABS indicators.
ABS:
BMW Integral Anti-lock Braking System (optional on many models, standard on later variants), a significant technological advancement for its time.
Diagnostics:
Motronic engine management system allows for diagnostic readouts, often accessed via proprietary BMW connectors and tools.
Oil Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually
Engine Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 API SG/SH or higher (e.g., Castrol Power 1 4T 20W-50)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters with filter change (check manual)
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 7.5W or 10W (check manual for specific model/year)
Hall Effect Sensor:
Failure can lead to starting issues or sudden engine cut-off. Replacement is a common repair.
Fuel Pump:
Can degrade over time, leading to poor performance or no-start conditions. Manual covers testing and replacement.
Regulator Rectifier:
Overheating can cause failure, leading to charging system issues. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
ABS Pump Motor:
Can fail, rendering the ABS system inoperative. Requires specialized bleeding procedures.
Detailed Charts:
Manual provides detailed graphical and tabular maintenance schedules for various mileage and time intervals.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for engineering excellence, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design.
R Series Legacy:
The R 1100/850 series represents a significant evolution from earlier air-cooled boxer twins, introducing fuel injection, more sophisticated suspension, and ABS as key advancements.
Introduction Of Telelever:
The R 1100 series was one of the first BMW models to widely adopt the Telelever front suspension system, offering superior ride control and stability compared to traditional telescopic forks.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Market Impact:
These models cemented BMW's reputation in the large-displacement touring and sport-touring segments, becoming popular for their reliability and comfort.
