🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1100 / R 850

Model Variants:

R 1100 R, R 1100 GS, R 1100 RT, R 1100 RS, R 850 R, R 850 GS, R 850 RT

Engine Codes:

R 1100: 1100cc Boxer Twin; R 850: 850cc Boxer Twin

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R 1100 and R 850 series represented BMW's significant advancements in touring and sport-touring motorcycles, combining boxer-twin engine reliability with modern technology and comfort. These models competed with other premium European and Japanese offerings.

Key Features:

Oil-cooled boxer-twin engines, Telelever front suspension (on most models), Paralever rear suspension, optional ABS braking, sophisticated electronic fuel injection and ignition (Motronic).

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine (mechanical & electronic), fuel system, exhaust system, transmission, clutch, drivetrain, chassis, suspension (front & rear), brakes (ABS & standard), electrical system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, bodywork, fairings, seats, wheels, tires, lubricants, fluids, and troubleshooting.

Page Count:

Approx. 500-600 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly and reassembly of cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valve timing, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), and torque specifications.

Engine Management:

Motronic fuel injection and ignition system, sensor testing (TPS, MAP, IAT, O2), injector testing, idle control, fault codes and diagnosis.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter service, valve clearance checks and adjustments, final drive oil changes, brake fluid replacement, clutch fluid replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, electrical system troubleshooting flowcharts, engine performance problems, starting issues, charging system faults.

Repair Procedures:

Complete step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls, including engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhauls, and electrical component replacement.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic owner maintenance to advanced diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and text.

Print Quality:

Printable at home or at a professional print shop, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled (oil-cooled cylinder heads) boxer-twin

Displacement R1100:

1085 cc

Displacement R850:

848 cc

Horsepower R1100:

Approx. 90 hp @ 7250 rpm (varies by model and tuning)

Torque R1100:

Approx. 97 Nm @ 5250 rpm (varies by model and tuning)

Horsepower R850:

Approx. 70-85 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies by model and tuning)

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (some models may have had optional 6-speed later in production, but 5-speed is standard for this range)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch (R 1100) / Wet multi-plate clutch (R 850 and later R 1100 models - specific model dependent)

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Approx:

1485 - 1505 mm (varies by model)

Dry Weight Approx R1100:

227 - 247 kg (varies by model, e.g., GS vs. RT)

Dry Weight Approx R850:

215 - 235 kg (varies by model)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional on most models (BMW Integral ABS)

Braking System:

Disc brakes front and rear. Front: dual discs. Rear: single disc. ABS system is typically servo-assisted for enhanced stopping power and control.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analog/digital instrument clusters. Some high-end touring models (RT) might have had optional radio or heated grips, but advanced infotainment was not a feature of this era.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional Integral ABS, heated grips (on some models), electric windshield adjustment (RT models).

Connectivity:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Interval:

Every 20,000 km (check and adjust as necessary).

Spark Plug Interval:

Every 20,000 km (check and replace as needed).

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (e.g., BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 20W-50 or equivalent).

Transmission Oil Spec:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (e.g., BMW Motorrad Gear Oil or equivalent).

Final Drive Oil Spec:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (e.g., BMW Motorrad Gear Oil or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 (e.g., Pentosin Super DOT 4 or equivalent).

Coolant Spec:

Air-cooled engine with oil-cooled heads; no dedicated coolant for the engine itself, but for potential oil coolers.

Common Issues:

Cracked fuel pump mounting plates, failing fuel pressure regulators, ABS sensor issues, worn clutch splines, Thermo bob failure (on some models), stator failure, output shaft seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a long history of producing robust and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines, which have been a hallmark since the 1920s. The R-series represents the pinnacle of their air-cooled boxer lineage before the transition to oil-cooling and later liquid-cooling.

Model Evolution 1100 850:

Building upon the R 100 series, the R 1100 and R 850 introduced significant upgrades including the oil-cooling of the cylinder heads, fuel injection, and the innovative Telelever front suspension. These models offered greater power, refinement, and comfort, catering to various riding styles with GS (adventure), R (naked), RT (touring), and RS (sport-touring) variants.

Production Years:

1993 - 2000 (for the R 1100 series), with the R 850 series often overlapping or serving as a slightly detuned variant.