Market Segment:
Sport Touring, Touring, Standard/Naked Motorcycle
Primary Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJ1200, Moto Guzzi California models
Bike Key Features:
Flat-twin boxer engine, shaft drive, robust chassis, advanced (for its time) ABS and Telelever suspension
Manual Value:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the detailed knowledge required for maintenance and repair, reducing reliance on expensive dealer services.
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly/reassembly, cylinder head, valve train, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox, clutch (dry single-plate), final drive, driveshaft, driveshaft boot inspection
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork (Telelever for RS/RT/GS, conventional for R), rear suspension (Monolever), wheel bearings, steering head bearings
Braking System:
ABS II/III systems, brake caliper maintenance, brake line replacement, master cylinder servicing, pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, battery maintenance, instrument cluster, diagnostic system (BMW's 10-pin connector)
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel tank maintenance
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal/installation, seat servicing, luggage systems (for RT), body panel repairs
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, throttle body synchronization, brake fluid flush, coolant flush
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Common fault diagnosis, error code interpretation (using BMW diagnostic tool or manual reference), electrical system troubleshooting
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission servicing, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair/replacement
Technical Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic owner maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin boxer
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower Output:
Approx. 90 hp @ 7,250 rpm
Torque Output:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON minimum recommended
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific, API SG or higher
Valve Clearance Intake:
0.10 mm - 0.20 mm (cold)
Valve Clearance Exhaust:
0.20 mm - 0.30 mm (cold)
Gearbox Type:
5-speed manual, constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via bevel gear
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (BMW recommendation)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.9 Liters (check dipstick)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for gear indicator, fuel level, clock, mileage, temperature.
ABS System Details:
Integral ABS II or III, combining brake actuation and ABS control. Some systems had integrated servo assistance.
Diagnostic Port:
10-pin diagnostic connector for use with BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) to read fault codes and perform system tests.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Major Service Interval:
Every 40,000 km (includes synching throttle bodies, checking gearbox oil, etc.)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (minimum)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based, BMW approved antifreeze (e.g., BMW Blue Performance Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.7 Liters
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, starter motor solenoid issues, driveshaft U-joint wear (though less common than on earlier models), fuel pump failures, ABS sensor issues, regulator/rectifier failures.
Wiring Harness Issues:
Degradation of insulation on older wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Wear in the Telelever pivot bearings can manifest as imprecise steering and clunking noises.
Importance Of Synching:
Regular throttle body synchronization is crucial for smooth engine operation and fuel efficiency.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing history in motorcycle production dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence and boxer engines.
R1100 Series Introduction:
Introduced in the early 1990s, the R1100 series represented a significant technological leap for BMW's boxer lineup, featuring the new R259 platform.
Model Differences:
RT (Touring, full fairing, luggage), RS (Sport Touring, partial fairing), GS (Adventure/Dual-Sport, longer travel suspension), R (Naked/Standard)
Production Years:
R1100 RT: 1994-2001; R1100 RS: 1993-2001; R1100 GS: 1993-1999; R1100 R: 1994-1999
