🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80 GS, R100 R

Model Variant:

GS (Off-road/Dual-Sport), R (Roadster)

Chassis Codes:

R80GS: 247E, R100GS: 247E/247G, R100R: 247S

Engine Codes:

R80GS: 247/1, R100GS: 247/2, R100R: 247/2

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Dual-sport and Roadster motorcycles with classic appeal and robust engineering.

Target Audience:

Owners and mechanics of BMW R80 GS, R100 GS, and R100 R motorcycles seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

Competitor Manuals:

Haynes, Clymer (often less detailed or specific for BMW airheads).

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage of the iconic R80 and R100 airhead models, detailed diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and specific torque values. Essential for maintaining these classic BMWs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1974-1994

Models Covered:

BMW R80 GS, R100 GS, R100 R

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 300-500 pages (varies by specific edition and detail level)

Manual Type:

Workshop & Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full overhaul, top-end rebuild, bottom-end rebuild, valve adjustment, carburetor tuning, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling (air-cooled specific), performance tuning.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly/assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, final drive maintenance, shift mechanism.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/regulator), ignition system troubleshooting, lighting, horn, starter system, instrument cluster.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front forks (R80/R100GS dual shocks, R100R monolever), rear suspension (shock absorbers, swingarm, driveshaft), steering head bearings, wheel bearings, brake system overhaul (disc and drum), wheel/tire maintenance.

Bodywork And Frame:

Frame inspection, fuel tank removal/installation, seat, fenders, fairings (if applicable), handlebars, footpegs.

Fuel System:

Carburetor identification (Dell'Orto, Bing), disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel tank repair, fuel lines, petcock.

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, battery checks, valve clearance adjustment, shaft drive lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides for common performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems, braking issues, suspension irregularities.

Repair And Overhaul:

Complete engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilding, electrical component replacement.

Technical Data And Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical resistance values, engine tuning parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and chassis overhauls. Suitable for both novice mechanics and experienced technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans or professionally created PDFs, ensuring readability and clarity of text and diagrams. Searchable text functionality is highly probable.

Print Recommendation:

Printable on standard printers. Recommended to print key sections or the entire manual for workshop use. Pages are typically letter or A4 sized.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement R80Gs:

797.5 cc

Displacement R100Gs R100R:

980 cc

Bore X Stroke R80Gs:

84.8 mm x 70.6 mm

Bore X Stroke R100Gs R100R:

94 mm x 70.6 mm

Compression Ratio R80Gs:

8.2:1

Compression Ratio R100Gs R100R:

8.5:1

Horsepower R80Gs:

50 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower R100Gs:

60 hp @ 7000 rpm

Horsepower R100R:

60 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque R80Gs:

57 Nm (42 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm

Torque R100Gs R100R:

70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm

Carburetors R80Gs:

2 x Bing 32mm CV (Constant Velocity)

Carburetors R100Gs R100R:

2 x Bing 40mm CV (Constant Velocity)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (minimum 90 RON recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with hypoid bevel gear (Monolever for R100R, Paralever for R100GS)

Gear Ratios Typical:

Refer to manual for specific ratios per model and year (e.g., 1st: 3.00, 2nd: 2.06, 3rd: 1.55, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00)

📐 Dimensions

Length R80Gs:

Approx. 2220 mm

Length R100R:

Approx. 2150 mm

Height R80Gs:

Approx. 1300 mm

Height R100R:

Approx. 1230 mm

Dry Weight R80Gs:

Approx. 190 kg

Dry Weight R100Gs:

Approx. 195 kg

Dry Weight R100R:

Approx. 190 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity R80Gs:

26 Liters (including reserve)

Fuel Tank Capacity R100Gs R100R:

26 Liters (including reserve)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed by specific features and handling, not standardized crash ratings like cars)

Braking System:

Dual disc front brakes (often Brembo), single disc rear brake. ABS was not standard during this period.

Suspension:

R80/R100GS: Telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers with adjustable preload. R100R: Telescopic front forks, Monolever rear suspension with adjustable shock.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED or incandescent taillight and turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (No integrated infotainment systems typical for this era. Focus is on mechanical reliability and rider feedback.)

Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like traction control or ABS standard on most models in this range. Focus on rider skill and mechanical feedback.)

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No digital connectivity or smart features.)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact specification.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km. Crucial for optimal performance and engine longevity.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km, depending on plug type and condition.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (mineral or semi-synthetic recommended). Check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 Liters (with filter change)

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.9 Liters

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.2 Liters

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Issues Engine:

Oil leaks (pushrod tubes, base gasket), worn valve guides, starter clutch wear, gearbox output shaft seal leaks.

Common Issues Electrical:

Diode board failure, regulator issues, aging wiring harnesses, intermittent electrical contacts.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn fork seals, rear shock absorber fatigue (especially on high-mileage GS models), steering head bearing adjustment.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Heritage:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of producing reliable, innovative, and robust motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engine configuration and touring capabilities.

R Series Evolution:

The R series, particularly the 'airheads,' evolved from the successful R50/5, R60/5, and R75/5 models. The R80 GS introduced the dual-sport category in 1980, followed by the R100 GS and the road-focused R100 R in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Production Period:

R80 GS: 1980-1987. R100 GS: 1987-1996. R100 R: 1991-1994.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognition:

The R80 GS is widely credited with pioneering the adventure touring motorcycle segment. Both GS models are renowned for their durability, go-anywhere capability, and long-distance comfort, earning them a cult following and numerous accolades in enthusiast media.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally high reliability when properly maintained. Known for robust engineering and longevity, often exceeding 200,000 km with proper care.