Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, long-distance travelers, owners seeking comprehensive self-maintenance.
Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Kawasaki GTR1400 (later models).
Key Differentiation:
Unique boxer-twin engine configuration, Telelever front suspension, Integral ABS, extensive touring comfort features.
Engine:
1085cc Boxer-twin, air/oil-cooled.
Suspension:
Telelever front, Paralever rear.
Brakes:
BMW Integral ABS (Generation 1).
Comfort:
Adjustable windscreen, integrated luggage, comfortable rider ergonomics.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed overhaul procedures for cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train.
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 fuel injection and ignition system diagnostics, component testing, and adjustment.
Transmission Gearbox:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, inspection, assembly, and lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Final drive unit maintenance, shaft drive inspection, and universal joint servicing.
Suspension Front:
BMW Telelever front suspension: fork seal replacement, oil level adjustment, spring replacement, and component inspection.
Suspension Rear:
Paralever rear suspension: shock absorber replacement, linkage inspection, and swingarm bearing service.
Braking System:
BMW Integral ABS (Generation 1): system bleeding procedures, component testing (pump, accumulator, master cylinder), pad and disc replacement.
Electrical System Lighting:
Headlight adjustment, bulb replacement, and wiring harness inspection.
Electrical System Instruments:
Instrument cluster removal, diagnostics, and warning light functions.
Electrical System Battery:
Battery maintenance, charging procedures, and replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, injector cleaning, and fuel tank servicing.
Cooling System Oil:
Engine oil and filter change intervals, oil specifications, and oil cooler servicing.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter inspection, muffler replacement, and exhaust gasket sealing.
Body Panels:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, luggage system mounting.
Controls:
Handlebar, levers, and cables adjustment and replacement.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed guides for routine checks, fluid changes, and component inspections at specified intervals.
Engine Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, rebuilding, and reassembly.
Suspension Overhaul:
Comprehensive procedures for overhauling both front and rear suspension systems.
Brake System Repair:
Detailed repair procedures for the Integral ABS system, including bleeding and component replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, wiring diagrams, and component testing.
Bodywork Repair:
Instructions for removing, installing, and repairing body panels and fairings.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Radio:
Optional factory-fitted radio/cassette system on some models.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (Generation 1) - enhances safety and stability during braking.
Diagnostics:
Motronic 2.2 system allows for diagnostic readouts via a specialized BMW tool; manual details manual diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting BMW specification
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.25 liters (0.26 US qt)
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
0.18 liters (0.19 US qt)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 for enhanced performance)
Coolant:
N/A (Air/Oil cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, starter motor solenoids, alternator brushes, fuel pump failure, rear shock absorber degradation.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aged wiring, corrosion in connectors, and failing relays, particularly in the ABS and Motronic systems. Manual's diagnostic section is crucial.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Periodic inspection and lubrication of the Telelever pivot bearings is recommended to prevent wear.
ABS Accumulator Failure:
The ABS accumulator can degrade over time, affecting brake performance. Manual details testing and replacement.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle production, dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence and innovation.
R Series Legacy:
The R1100RT is part of BMW's long-standing tradition of boxer-engined touring motorcycles, evolving from earlier R100RT models.
Introduction Of R1100 Platform:
The R1100 platform, introduced in the early 1990s, featured a significant redesign with the Telelever front suspension and a new engine configuration.
Production Years:
1994 - 2001
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)