🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1100 Series

Motorcycle Type:

Touring / Sport-Touring / Roadster

Engine Configuration:

Flat-twin (Boxer), 4-stroke, air/oil cooled

Internal Model Codes:

R1100GS, R1100R, R1100RS, R1100RT

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The R1100 series represented BMW's technological advancement in motorcycle design, offering a blend of touring comfort, sporty performance, and advanced engineering.

Competitors:

Competed with contemporary models from Honda (e.g., ST1100), Kawasaki (e.g., GTR1000), Yamaha (e.g., FJ1200), and Ducati (e.g., 900SS).

Feature 1:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a groundbreaking feature for its time.

Feature 2:

Telelever front suspension provided superior ride quality and handling compared to conventional forks.

Feature 3:

Paralever single-sided swingarm facilitated easier rear wheel removal and maintenance.

Feature 4:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection system for precise engine management.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW R1100GS, R1100R, R1100RS, R1100RT models

Secondary Coverage:

Specific variations and sub-models within the R1100 range

Estimated Pages:

600+

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, valve adjustment, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulation, fuel tank, lines.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, wiring diagrams.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation (dry, single-plate), gearbox overhaul, final drive (single-sided swingarm), driveshaft, universal joint.

Suspension Steering:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever (Paralever) suspension, shock absorber adjustment/rebuild, fork seals, steering head bearings, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

BMW EVO (Integral ABS) braking system (front and rear), brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, ABS modulator, brake fluid flush and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, diagnostic port.

Bodywork Chassis:

Frame inspection and repair, fairings, fuel tank removal/installation, seat, luggage systems, component mounting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, lubrication points, brake pad inspection, tire pressure checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, error code interpretation (where applicable), fault finding for electrical and mechanical issues.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair, ABS system servicing.

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation with torque specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine.

Displacement:

1085 cc (1100 cc class)

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.3:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), pushrod actuated.

Horsepower Approx:

90-95 HP @ 7250-7500 RPM (model dependent)

Torque Approx:

98-100 Nm @ 5500-6000 RPM (model dependent)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 2.1 / 2.2 / 2.4)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI minimum)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change

Oil Type Specification:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle specific API SG or higher (check manual for exact BMW approval).

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

5-speed manual constant mesh gearbox

Transmission Options:

N/A (all R1100 models featured a 5-speed manual)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate clutch, hydraulically actuated.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel via single-sided swingarm (Paralever system).

Final Drive Oil Specification:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 hypoid gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

2185 mm (R1100GS) to 2208 mm (R1100RT) (model dependent)

Width Approx:

850 mm (R1100R) to 920 mm (R1100GS) (model dependent, excluding mirrors)

Height Approx:

1290 mm (R1100R) to 1430 mm (R1100GS) (model dependent, excluding mirrors)

Dry Weight Approx:

230 kg (R1100GS) to 248 kg (R1100RT) (model dependent)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

430 kg (model dependent)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 liters (R1100GS) to 25 liters (R1100RT) (model dependent)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Adheres to relevant European and US motorcycle safety standards of the production era.

ABS:

BMW EVO Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on later RT/RS variants).

Braking System:

Dual disc front, single disc rear; Linked braking system (Integral ABS) where equipped.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on some later models), integrated turn signals.

Ergonomics:

Designed for rider comfort and control during extended use.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional for R1100RT, typically integrated with rider comfort features.

Navigation:

Provision for accessory GPS units, not integrated from factory.

ABS:

BMW EVO Integral ABS system with linked braking functionality.

Traction Control:

Not generally available on R1100 series models.

Diagnostic Port:

10-pin diagnostic connector for BMW specific diagnostic tools.

Lighting Control:

Electronically managed lighting systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Air Filter Cleaning:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replacement as needed.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 Motorcycle Synthetic/Mineral (API SG or higher).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5.

Coolant:

Not applicable (air/oil cooled).

Issue 1:

Hall sender unit failure (can cause intermittent starting or running issues).

Issue 2:

ABS modulator failure (expensive to repair or replace).

Issue 3:

Leaking oil seals (crankshaft, transmission input shaft).

Issue 4:

Telelever pivot bearing wear.

Issue 5:

Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and rider-focused design, particularly in the boxer-engine tradition.

Predecessors:

Evolved from the R100 series, incorporating significant technological upgrades.

Successors:

Paved the way for the R1150 and R1200 series, continuing the boxer engine platform with further refinements.

Production Years:

Approximately 1993 - 2002 (model dependent)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards are difficult to pinpoint for individual years, the R1100 series was widely praised by motorcycle publications for its engineering, comfort, and performance, cementing BMW's reputation in the touring and sport-touring segments.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable with diligent maintenance, though specific component failures can occur.