Market Segment:
High-end adventure touring motorcycle.
Competitors:
Competed with other large-displacement adventure bikes like the Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Tenere, and Ducati Multistrada during its era.
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, long-distance comfort, off-road capability, and characteristic BMW Boxer engine.
Distinctive Elements:
Shaft drive, Telelever front suspension (on later R1150 models, though this 1993 manual is likely for the R1100GS as R1150GS wasn't released in 1993. Clarification needed on product title accuracy.), Boxer twin engine.
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, including top end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), timing system, lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler), fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors, sensors), and exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox service, clutch operation and adjustment, shaft drive maintenance (universal joint, drive shaft, final drive).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic, oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber (spring preload, damping adjustment), wheel bearing service, steering head bearing maintenance, frame inspection and repair.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, brake lines), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, pad and rotor service.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), ignition system, lighting system, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, instrument cluster.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, throttle control.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat service, fuel tank removal, luggage system mounting points.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air), spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable), lubrication points.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking problems, and starting difficulties.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic checks to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds. Suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians.
Digital Format Details:
Typically PDF. Searchable text for easy navigation. High-resolution diagrams and images. Printable pages.
Print Quality Attributes:
If printed: High-quality paper stock, clear and sharp text, legible diagrams. Binding quality suitable for workshop use.
Binding Type Attributes:
If printed: Spiral-bound or lay-flat binding recommended for workshop use. If digital: N/A.
Paper Type Attributes:
If printed: Durable, possibly laminated pages for resistance to grease and oil. If digital: N/A.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer).
Displacement:
1130 cc (for R1150GS, but product title indicates 1993 which aligns with R1100GS which had 1085cc. Assuming the manual is for the R1100GS based on the year, or the title is erroneous and it's for an early R1150 prototype/variant.)
Bore X Stroke:
R1100GS: 99 mm x 70.5 mm / R1150GS: 101 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
R1100GS: 10.7:1 / R1150GS: 10.7:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), pushrod operated (on older Boxer designs, but R1100/R1150 use OHC with rocker arms).
Horsepower:
R1100GS: Approx. 80 hp @ 6750 rpm / R1150GS: Approx. 85 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
R1100GS: Approx. 97 Nm @ 5250 rpm / R1150GS: Approx. 98 Nm @ 5250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with sequential injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (Octane Rating).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-22 Liters (4.4-4.8 US gallons)
Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad recommends SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil. (Refer to manual for exact specification).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 Liters with filter change.
Cooling Method:
Air cooling supplemented by oil cooling via an integrated oil cooler in the engine crankcase.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Clutch:
Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically operated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with single-sided swingarm (Paralever).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual. Typically designed for versatile touring and off-road use.
Transmission Oil:
Gearbox and final drive oil specifications (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil) will be provided.
Length:
Varies by model year and specific configuration, typically around 2230 mm.
Width:
Varies by model year and specific configuration, typically around 880 mm (handlebar width).
Height:
Varies by model year and specific configuration, typically around 1350 mm (seat height can vary with suspension adjustment).
Dry Weight:
Approx. 230-240 kg (507-529 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs)
Front Wheel Size:
19-inch
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R19
Rear Tire Size:
150/70 R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (spoked wheels with tubeless tires)
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycles are not subjected to standardized crash tests in the same way as automobiles.
Braking System:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on later models and highly recommended. Standard BMW hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Chassis Stability:
Paralever rear suspension and Telelever front suspension (on R1150 models) contribute to stable handling and reduced dive under braking.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control over long distances and varied terrain.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, clock, gear indicator (on some models), warning lights for oil pressure, neutral, turn signals, high beam, and ABS.
ABS System:
Integral ABS was an optional feature, integrating braking functions. Manual will detail operation and maintenance of this system.
Diagnostic Interface:
BMW's proprietary diagnostic system (often accessed via a specific plug) would be detailed for fault code retrieval and system checks.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles). These boxer engines require periodic valve clearance checks and adjustments.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Gearbox Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification, especially if ABS is equipped).
Coolant Type:
Not applicable, as it's an oil-cooled engine.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, fuel pump, voltage regulator, starter motor bushings, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, exhaust headers (corrosion).
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, particularly around the ABS unit and main wiring harness, can lead to intermittent electrical faults. Some models may experience issues with the instrument cluster.
Engine And Transmission:
While generally robust, occasional oil leaks from seals and gaskets can occur. The gearbox and final drive are typically very durable, but proper maintenance is key.
Maintenance Schedule Highlights
Mileage Based Tasks:
10,000 km: Oil change, oil filter, air filter check, spark plugs check/replace, gearbox oil check, final drive oil check. 20,000 km: Valve clearance check/adjustment, spark plugs replacement, brake fluid change, clutch fluid change.
Heritage Overview:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century, with a particular legacy in durable, reliable, and technologically advanced Boxer-engined motorcycles.
Gs Lineage:
The 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - off-road/street) designation signifies BMW's pioneering adventure touring motorcycle line, starting with the R80G/S. The R1100GS was a significant evolution, followed by the R1150GS which offered increased displacement and further refinements.
Year Discrepancy Note:
The R1150GS model was introduced for the 2000 model year. A '1993 BMW R1150GS' product title is likely an error; it most likely refers to the R1100GS model, which was produced from 1994 onwards. This manual likely covers the R1100GS. The manual's content will accurately reflect the specifications for the model it was intended for, irrespective of the product title's potential inaccuracy.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant).
Industry Accolades:
The R1100GS and subsequent R1150GS models were consistently praised in motorcycle publications for their versatility, comfort, and ability to cover vast distances, earning them numerous 'Touring Bike of the Year' or similar awards during their production runs.
Customer Satisfaction:
High customer satisfaction ratings due to reliability and capability, particularly among long-distance touring and adventure riders.
Manufacturing Standards:
Manufactured under strict BMW quality control standards, adhering to European automotive and motorcycle manufacturing regulations.