Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and mechanics seeking detailed repair and maintenance information for BMW R80GS and R100GS models
Competitors:
Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki DR-Z/DR BIG series (though the R80/R100GS pioneered the segment)
Vehicle Type:
Dual-sport motorcycle with robust build and off-road capability
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of these classic BMW motorcycles
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain, oil pump, lubrication system
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Bing) disassembly, adjustment, cleaning; fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable)
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, points, condenser, spark plugs, ignition coils, electronic ignition systems (if applicable for later revisions/models covered within the year range)
Transmission Gearbox:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, gear selection, clutch operation, drive shaft, final drive
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, battery, instrumentation, fuses
Brakes:
Front disc brake system (caliper, master cylinder, fluid), rear drum brake system, brake lines, adjustments
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (oil change, seal replacement, spring preload), rear monolever (or twin shock for early R80), shock absorber adjustment
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm pivot
Bodywork Trim:
Fairing (if applicable), fuel tank removal, seat, fenders, luggage racks
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug checks, air filter cleaning, chain adjustment (if applicable for pre-Monolever models), brake fluid changes
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault diagnosis for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostics:
Component testing, measurement specifications, wiring checks
Adjustments:
Valve clearance, carburetor synchronization, idle speed, clutch cable, brake lever free play
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine/gearbox rebuilds)
Detail Level:
Mechanic-grade, with torque specifications, clearances, and schematics
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder
Bore X Stroke R80:
82.0 mm x 74.6 mm
Bore X Stroke R100:
94.0 mm x 70.5 mm
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Displacement R100:
979.7 cc
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50 hp @ 6200 rpm
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 65 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque R80:
Approx. 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) @ 4700 rpm
Torque R100:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5700 rpm
Carburetors:
2 x Bing 32/36/32/40/40/42mm (depending on specific model variant and year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Oil Type Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 recommended (check specific manual for variations)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 quarts)
Safety Standards:
Industry standard for the era, focused on mechanical integrity and rider control
Braking:
Front hydraulic disc, rear drum brake, designed for predictable stopping power
Suspension:
Stable chassis and adjustable suspension contribute to rider control
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment:
Every 10,000 - 12,000 km (6,000 - 7,500 miles)
Spark Plug Check:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles)
Fork Oil:
Typically SAE 15W or 10W (check manual for exact specification and volume per fork leg)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, starter motor brushes, charging system components (rectifier, stator), steering head bearings, final drive spline wear
Engine Characteristics:
Tendency to burn oil if not maintained, occasional exhaust valve guide wear
Carburetor Maintenance:
Regular cleaning and synchronization of Bing carburetors is crucial for smooth running
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, well-engineered motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive
Gs Development:
The 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) designation signifies BMW's pioneering efforts in the adventure touring segment, building upon the R series platform with longer travel suspension and more rugged components
Introduction Year:
The R80G/S was introduced in 1980, and the R100GS followed in 1987, but this manual covers models from the early 1980s which are foundational to the GS lineage. The 1982 models are representative of the initial R80G/S generation.
Manufacturing Origin:
Germany
