Model:
R Series (R80, R90, R100)
Engine Codes:
R80: 247, R90: 247, R100: 247
Chassis Codes:
R80/7, R90/6, R100/7, R100RS, R100RT, R100S, R100CS
Market Position:
Essential technical resource for owners and professional mechanics maintaining the iconic BMW R-series motorcycles of the early 1980s. Positions itself as the definitive guide for ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Competitive Analysis:
Offers superior depth and accuracy compared to generic Haynes or Clymer manuals for this specific model range. Provides factory-level detail and specific BMW procedures.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of R80, R90, and R100 variants, detailed diagrams, step-by-step repair instructions, troubleshooting guides, and electrical schematics.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Braking System, Suspension System, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count:
Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for this era's comprehensive manuals)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Print (likely bound book)
Systems Covered:
Airbox, Carburetors (Bing 32/40/45), Clutch Assembly, Commutator, Crankshaft, Cylinder Heads, Dynamo, Electrical Circuits, Engine Disassembly/Reassembly, Exhaust System, Final Drive, Gearbox (5-speed), Ignition System (Bosch), Oil Pump, Piston Assembly, Planetary Gearbox, Shaft Drive, Starter Motor, Steering Headstock, Suspension (Front Fork, Rear Swingarm), Tooling Requirements, Wheels and Tires, Wiring Harness
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed wiring diagrams for all lighting, ignition, charging, and accessory circuits.
Bodywork Repair:
Covers repair and refinishing of fuel tanks, fenders, side covers, and fairings where applicable.
Procedures Included:
Engine Tuning, Carburetor Adjustment, Valve Clearance Adjustment, Ignition Timing, Gearbox Oil Change, Drive Shaft Lubrication, Brake Bleeding, Suspension Overhaul, Electrical Component Testing, Troubleshooting Faults, Routine Maintenance, Component Replacement, Overhaul Procedures
Diagnostic Procedures:
Includes step-by-step troubleshooting for common electrical and mechanical faults, with expected readings and test procedures.
Suspension Adjustment:
Guidance on preload and damping adjustments for front forks and rear shock absorbers.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical systems)
Rebuild Specifications:
Provides critical torque values, bearing clearances, piston ring end gap specifications, and detailed assembly sequences for engine and gearbox components.
Print Quality:
Professional print quality, clear diagrams and text
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound for workshop use
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, suitable for workshop environments
Completeness:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of servicing and repair as intended by BMW technicians. Assumed to be a complete workshop manual, not a condensed version.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
R80: 82 mm x 74.6 mm; R90: 90 mm x 70.6 mm; R100: 94 mm x 74 mm
Displacement:
R80: 797.5 cc; R90: 897.7 cc; R100: 979.9 cc
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV) operated by pushrods and rocker arms.
Horsepower Approximate:
R80: 50-55 hp; R90: 65-70 hp; R100: 65-70 hp (depending on model variant, e.g., R100RS/RT vs. R100S/CS)
Torque Approximate:
R80: ~6.5 kgf·m; R90: ~7.3 kgf·m; R100: ~7.3 kgf·m
Fuel System Type:
Dual Carburetors (typically Bing)
Carburetor Models:
Bing 32/40/45mm depending on model and year
Fuel Type Required:
Unleaded gasoline (min. 91 RON/87 AKI)
Wheelbase Approximate:
1400-1450 mm (varies by model)
Seat Height Approximate:
780-820 mm (varies by model and seat type)
Dry Weight Approximate:
R80: ~190-200 kg; R90: ~200-210 kg; R100: ~210-230 kg (varies by model, e.g., RS/RT are heavier)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
24 liters (standard), some models may have 16 or 18 liter options
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically rated in the same manner as cars by agencies like NHTSA or Euro NCAP)
Active Safety Features:
Dual-piston front caliper brakes (often Brembo), Drum rear brake (on some models), robust chassis construction.
Passive Safety Features:
Engine guards (optional/standard on some models), durable frame construction.
Infotainment Systems:
N/A (Basic instrumentation only - speedometer, tachometer, indicator lights)
Ignition System:
Breakerless ignition system (Bosch electronic ignition) on later models, with distributor and points on earlier variants (covered in manual).
Charging System:
Dynamo with mechanical voltage regulator
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or annually
Valve Adjustment:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles)
Gearbox Oil Change:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles)
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle specific oil (API SF or SG classification)
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific caliper/master cylinder markings)
Coolant Type:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine)
Known Issues:
Sticking exhaust valves (especially on early R100RS), output shaft seal leaks, transmission input shaft seal leaks, general wear on the swingarm pivot and steering head bearings, carburetor synchronization difficulties, potential for ignition module failure (though generally robust).
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad, established in 1916, has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its innovative boxer-twin engines, shaft drive, and durable touring motorcycles.
Model Evolution:
The R80, R90, and R100 series represent the evolution of BMW's airhead boxer motorcycles. Building upon earlier designs like the R75/5 and R90/6, these models introduced further refinements in engine size, chassis, and features, culminating in the R100RS (full fairing), R100RT (touring fairing), and the powerful R100S/CS variants.
Key Variants 1983:
R80/7, R80G/S, R80ST, R90/6, R90S, R100/7, R100S, R100CS, R100RS, R100RT
Production Period:
The R100 series, including variants like the R100/7, R100RS, R100RT, and R100S, were produced from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. The R80 and R90 models had their own distinct production timelines that influenced this era.
Recognitions:
BMW R-series motorcycles are renowned for their durability, reliability, and suitability for long-distance touring, earning them a strong reputation among enthusiasts and a cult following.
Ratings:
Consistently rated highly for build quality and engineering by automotive journalists and owners from their era.
Certifications:
N/A (Certification is more applicable to vehicle safety standards than aftermarket manuals).
