Motorcycle Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and independent mechanics for the BMW R1100 RS and RT models
Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models)
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature boxer twin engine, shaft drive, and rider comfort for long distances
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on dealership costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox, clutch, final drive, driveshaft
Chassis Suspension:
Front forks (Telelever), rear shock absorber (Paralever), wheel bearings, steering
Braking System:
Brake calipers, master cylinders, ABS (if applicable), brake lines, fluid service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, sensors
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank, filter
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, body panel repairs
Controls And Cables:
Throttle cables, clutch cable, brake levers
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, valve clearance checks
Engine Overhaul:
Piston replacement, cylinder head service, bearing inspection, seal replacement
Transmission Repair:
Clutch adjustment/replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly
Suspension Service:
Fork oil change, seal replacement, shock absorber service
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedure
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting wiring faults, component testing
Fuel Injection Tuning:
Basic adjustments, sensor diagnostics
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic problem diagnosis for common issues
Depth Of Information:
Detailed, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic procedures and fault codes (where applicable)
Special Tools:
Lists specific BMW special tools required for certain procedures
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin
Displacement:
1085 cc (1.1 L)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 68 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, OHC (Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower:
Approx. 90 hp @ 6750 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (Motronic)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Oil Type Recommendation:
Synthetic or semi-synthetic SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oil (refer to manual for exact BMW specifications)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled cylinders, oil cooling for the engine block
Length:
Varies slightly between RS and RT models (approx. 2200-2250 mm)
Width:
Varies slightly between RS and RT models (approx. 780-900 mm with fairings/bags)
Height:
Varies slightly between RS and RT models (approx. 1350-1450 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 230-245 kg (507-540 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for motorcycles in the same way as cars, but includes rider, passenger, and luggage.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet then-current European and North American motorcycle safety standards.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Braking Performance:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. Excellent stopping power with ABS integration.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame providing excellent stability and rider protection.
Lighting:
Dual halogen headlights (RS), single headlight with integrated driving lights (RT) for enhanced visibility.
Audio System:
Optional on RS, often standard on RT. Early systems may be cassette-based, later ones could include CD compatibility.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital display for fuel level, temperature, clock, gear indicator (on some models).
ABS System:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a pioneering feature for BMW motorcycles of this era, offering enhanced safety.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to power outlets for accessories or charging devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Filter Change Interval:
With every oil change.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every two years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting BMW specifications (refer to manual for specific BMW approvals).
Gearbox Oil Spec:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G4 or SAE 90 GL-5 transmission oil.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, starter motor brushes, fuel pump reliability, paralever pivot bearing wear, alternator brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes experience minor electrical issues related to corrosion or failing components like the instrument cluster or ABS sensors.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Can occur with poor fuel quality or infrequent use, leading to rough running.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engine and shaft drive.
R1100 Series Introduction:
The R1100 series, including the RS and RT, marked a significant evolution with the introduction of the 4-valve per cylinder boxer engine and advanced suspension systems (Telelever front, Paralever rear).
Rs Vs Rt Distinction:
The RS (Rennsport) variant is the sport-touring model, while the RT (Reise-Tourer) is the dedicated touring model with more aerodynamic fairing, often including audio systems and heated grips as standard.
Production Period:
1994-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Industry Recognition:
Praised for its comfort, build quality, and touring capabilities. A strong contender in the sport-touring segment.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered a reliable and durable motorcycle, though regular maintenance is key, especially for the complex systems.
Emissions Compliance:
Designed to meet the emissions standards of its production period.
