Model:
R Series (R80, R90, R100)
Engine Codes Covered:
R80 (Type 247E), R90/6 (Type 248), R90S (Type 241), R100/7 (Type 247), R100S (Type 244), R100CS (Type 246), R100RS (Type 246), R100RT (Type 247), R100GS (Type 247E)
Segment:
Premium Airhead BMW Motorcycles
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information for a highly regarded and mechanically robust series of motorcycles, essential for owners seeking to maintain or restore their vehicles.
Manual Advantage:
Directly sourced from BMW factory documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness unmatched by aftermarket manuals. Covers multiple popular 'Airhead' models within a single, comprehensive resource.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Fuel System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Charging System, Lighting, Brakes (Front & Rear), Suspension (Front & Rear), Frame, Bodywork, Exhaust System, Wheels & Tires, Tools & Equipment, Troubleshooting, Torque Specifications
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all engine components including cylinder head, valves, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump. Includes timing procedures.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul (Bing), fuel pump operation, fuel tank maintenance, fuel line routing and specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all models, battery service, starter motor, alternator, ignition system (points, electronic), lighting circuits, instrument panel, horn, starter interlock.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement, wheel bearing service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, spark plug replacement, air filter service, valve adjustment procedures, drive shaft lubrication, final drive oil changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common running issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and performance issues, with step-by-step guidance.
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding carburetors, brake calipers, transmission components, and engine internals.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Readability:
High-resolution scans, suitable for printing. Clear text and legible diagrams.
Physical Binding If Printed:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Ideal Print Paper:
N/A (Digital Download PDF)
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin (Flat-twin)
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc (48.67 cu in)
Displacement R90:
897.7 cc (54.77 cu in)
Displacement R100:
979.9 cc (59.79 cu in)
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50-55 hp @ 6200-7000 rpm (varies by sub-model)
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 65-70 hp @ 7000-7250 rpm (varies by sub-model)
Carburetors:
Dual Bing Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors (e.g., 32mm for R80, 40mm for R100 models)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.5:1 to 9.5:1, model dependent
Type:
5-speed constant mesh, sequential manual gearbox
Final Drive:
Shaft drive (via driveshaft and bevel gear)
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, operated by hydraulic actuation
Typical Ratios:
Manual provides specific ratios for each model variant.
Wheelbase Approx:
1400 - 1500 mm (55 - 59 inches), model dependent
Dry Weight Approx:
200 - 230 kg (440 - 507 lbs), model dependent
Tank Capacity:
Typically 17 - 24 liters (4.5 - 6.3 US gallons), model dependent
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle, data not applicable in automotive context)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brake (most models), single disc rear brake. Often Brembo or ATE calipers. ABS was not standard equipment for this era.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated taillight and brake light, turn signals.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage. Manual specifies exact intervals.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles). Manual provides precise procedures.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., BMW Advantec or equivalent API SG/SH or higher).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, final drive splines lubrication, fork seals, ignition coil failure, starter motor bushings. Manual addresses diagnosis and repair for these.
Oil Filter:
Specific part numbers vary by model and oil filter type (e.g., canister vs. spin-on adapter). Manual will detail correct part numbers.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history, particularly with its horizontally opposed boxer engine, dating back to the 1920s. The 'Airhead' series represents a significant and enduring era.
R Series Development:
The R80, R90, and R100 series evolved from earlier boxer twins, culminating in refined and powerful machines known for their durability, torque, and touring capabilities. 1987 represents a later stage of this successful lineage.
Production Era:
The 'Airhead' models were produced from the late 1960s through the early 1990s, with significant updates and displacements introduced throughout this period.
Model Accolades:
The BMW R series of this era is widely recognized for its reliability, touring comfort, and enduring build quality, often winning accolades in motorcycle press for their practicality and longevity.
Owner Satisfaction:
Consistently high owner satisfaction due to robust engineering and relatively simple, albeit specific, maintenance requirements. This manual is key to maintaining that satisfaction.
Manual Validation:
Factory original documentation, representing the highest level of accuracy and detail approved by the manufacturer.
