🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80GS / R100GS

Model Designation:

R 80 GS / R 100 GS

Chassis Code:

247

👋 Introduction

Description:

The BMW R80GS and R100GS are iconic adventure touring motorcycles renowned for their durability, off-road capability, and boxer-twin engine character. They represent a significant period in BMW's dual-sport motorcycle development.

Competitors:

Competitors of the era included motorcycles like the Yamaha XT500/XT600, Honda XL series, Kawasaki KLR series, and Suzuki DR series, though the BMWs often occupied a more premium and long-distance touring segment.

Features:

Shaft drive, horizontally opposed boxer twin engines, long-travel suspension, robust construction, excellent touring capabilities, and significant off-road potential. The R100GS notably introduced the Paralever rear suspension system for improved handling.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1978-1996

Total Pages:

168

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage including air-cooled boxer twin engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for 5-speed transmission (Type 247) maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive system, universal joint, final drive unit maintenance and repair.

Suspension:

Front telescopic forks (including optional USD forks for some R100GS models), rear Monolever or Paralever swingarm system, shock absorber servicing, fork seal replacement, and adjustments.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brake systems, caliper overhaul, master cylinder repair, brake line replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system (points or electronic), charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, starter system, and instrument cluster troubleshooting.

Fuel System:

Carburetor servicing (Bing type), fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, mufflers, and mounting hardware inspection and replacement.

Bodywork:

Fairing (often optional), fuel tank, seat, fenders, and side panel removal and installation.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, and lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic steps for common and complex issues, fault finding guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and final drive rebuild procedures.

Adjustments:

Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, and brake lever free play.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic charts and detailed specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams and text.

Printability:

Designed for clear printing, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine.

Bore X Stroke R80:

80.0 mm x 78.0 mm

Bore X Stroke R100:

94.0 mm x 70.7 mm

Displacement R80:

797.5 cc

Displacement R100:

980 cc

Compression Ratio:

8.2:1 (typical, may vary slightly by year/model)

Horsepower R80:

50 hp (37 kW) at 6,500 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower R100:

65 hp (48 kW) at 7,250 rpm (approx.)

Torque R80:

57 Nm (42 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm (approx.)

Torque R100:

74 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (approx.)

Carburetors:

2 x Bing 32mm (R80GS), 2 x Bing 40mm (R100GS)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 90 RON / 87 AKI)

Fuel Capacity:

Approx. 19-21 liters (including reserve, depending on tank size)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox (Type 247)

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with enclosed universal joint and final reduction gear.

Transmission Fluid:

SAE 80W/90 hypoid gear oil (API GL-5 recommended)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,465 mm - 1,495 mm (depending on model and year)

Dry Weight R80:

Approx. 196 kg

Dry Weight R100:

Approx. 202 kg (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 370 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Manufactured to meet relevant European and international motorcycle safety standards of the period. No formal NCAP ratings for motorcycles.

Braking System:

Dual disc front brakes (single disc on some earlier R80GS models) and single disc rear brake, often with Brembo components. ABS was not standard on these models.

Frame Construction:

Steel tube duplex cradle frame for rigidity and durability.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (No integrated infotainment systems typical for this era of motorcycle).

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control were standard on these models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km or annually. Refer to manual for exact specifications.

Valve Clearance Interval:

Every 10,000 km or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km, depending on type.

Engine Oil Type:

Mineral or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 recommended (API SG or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 liters (depending on oil filter change)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Fork Oil Type:

Motorcycle fork oil, SAE 7.5W or 10W recommended (check manual for specific viscosity and level)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, output shaft seal leaks, rear main crankshaft seal (crank seal), carburetor float bowls, fuel line degradation, ignition coil failure, swingarm bearings, and fork stanchion wear.

Electrical Gremlins:

Wiring harness chafing, loose connections, and aging rectifier/regulator units can cause intermittent electrical faults.

Paralever Maintenance:

The Paralever driveshaft boot and universal joint require regular inspection and lubrication to prevent premature wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW's motorcycle division has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence and innovative designs.

Gs Development:

The GS (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) line originated with the R80G/S in 1980, which established BMW's reputation in the dual-sport segment. The R80GS and R100GS were direct evolutions, with the R100GS introducing the Paralever rear suspension in 1987 for improved ground clearance and reduced drivetrain lash.

Production Period:

R80GS produced from 1987-1990. R100GS produced from 1987-1996. The R80GS Paris-Dakar models were special editions based on these platforms.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Icon:

The R80GS/R100GS series are widely recognized as pioneering adventure touring motorcycles and have achieved cult status among enthusiasts for their ruggedness and capability.

Reliability Reputation:

Generally regarded as very reliable and robust with proper maintenance, capable of extremely high mileage.