🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1100LT / K1100RS

Model Designation:

K1100LT (Touring) / K1100RS (Sport Touring)

Engine Code:

1100/4

Chassis Codes:

K1100LT, K1100RS

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Sport Touring / Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Motorcyclists seeking comfortable, high-performance long-distance touring capabilities with a premium feel.

Key Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Voyager, Yamaha Venture, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

Aerodynamics:

Full fairings with integrated wind protection, contributing to rider comfort on long journeys.

Engine Layout:

Inline-four cylinder, longitudinally mounted, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive, providing low maintenance and smooth power delivery.

ABS:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a significant safety feature for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 400+ pages for comprehensive BMW service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, valve clearance, compression testing, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain.

Fuel System:

Bosch Motronic fuel injection system (LE-Jetronic/LH-Jetronic variants), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant replacement and bleeding, troubleshooting overheating.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, gasket replacement, troubleshooting exhaust leaks.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch operation (single plate dry clutch), gear shift mechanism, transmission fluid replacement and level check.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, final drive (bevel gear housing), rear axle, bearing checks, lubricant specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system (ABS II, ABS-N variants), brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, pad and rotor replacement, troubleshooting brake fade or sponginess.

Suspension:

Front forks (Telescopic forks), rear monoshock suspension, spring preload adjustment, damping adjustments, fork oil replacement, seal replacement.

Steering:

Handlebar, steering head bearings, adjustment, lubrication, troubleshooting steering play or stiffness.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting circuits (headlight, taillight, turn signals), wiring diagrams, fuse box, troubleshooting electrical gremlins.

Instrumentation:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure light, warning lights, diagnostic codes (if applicable), calibration.

Bodywork And Fairings:

Fairing removal and installation, panel alignment, seat removal, luggage systems (LT model), accessory mounting.

Ignition System Coverage:

Ignition coil, spark plugs, ECU (Motronic unit), timing verification, troubleshooting ignition faults.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, chain lubrication (if applicable, although shaft drive), brake fluid flushes, coolant checks/changes.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic steps for common and uncommon faults, fault codes interpretation, electrical system diagnostics.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.

Adjustments:

Valve clearance adjustments, throttle cable adjustments, clutch adjustment, suspension settings, idle speed adjustment.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic owner maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific topics.

Print Readability:

Designed for clarity, often including detailed diagrams and schematics.

Binding Description:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Description:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, inline four-cylinder

Displacement:

1093 cc

Bore X Stroke:

77 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 100 hp (74 kW) @ 7500 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 104 Nm (76.7 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt)

Recommended Oil:

SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 API SG/SH or higher (check manual for specific BMW approval)

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US qt)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition (BMW Motronic)

Spark Plug Type:

NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

5-speed manual

Transmission Type:

N/A (All K1100 models featured a 5-speed manual)

Clutch:

Dry single-plate clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Transmission Oil Type:

GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific BMW recommendation)

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.3 liters (0.32 US qt)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1568 mm (61.7 inches)

Length:

K1100LT: Approx. 2340 mm (92.1 inches) / K1100RS: Approx. 2225 mm (87.6 inches)

Width:

K1100LT: Approx. 950 mm (37.4 inches) / K1100RS: Approx. 790 mm (31.1 inches)

Height:

K1100LT: Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 inches) / K1100RS: Approx. 1275 mm (50.2 inches)

Dry Weight:

K1100LT: Approx. 255 kg (562 lbs) / K1100RS: Approx. 234 kg (516 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Check owner's manual for specific model

Front Tire Size:

120/70-17

Rear Tire Size:

170/60-17

Front Wheel Type:

Cast aluminum alloy

Rear Wheel Type:

Cast aluminum alloy

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional (ABS II or ABS-N)

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake with hydraulic actuation.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight (on some later models/variants), multiple indicator lights.

Frame Construction:

Trellis frame (Tubular steel)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

The K1100LT often featured an integrated stereo system (radio, cassette player) with handlebar controls, a premium feature for touring bikes of the era.

ABS System:

BMW's early ABS systems (ABS II and ABS-N) provided significant safety benefits in braking, reducing stopping distances and preventing wheel lock-up.

Diagnostics:

While not OBD-II, BMW motorcycles of this era had diagnostic connectors allowing for fault code retrieval using specialized tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendation.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 2-3 years or as per manual.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Motorcraft or equivalent conforming to API SG/SH or higher, viscosity 20W-40 or 20W-50.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (BMW recommended type or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Early models could experience fuel pump failures, though often serviceable.

Clutch Slave Cylinder:

Potential for leaks or failure of the clutch slave cylinder seal.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or degradation of electrical connectors, especially in older units, can lead to intermittent faults.

Rubber Components:

Degradation of rubber hoses, seals, and mounts over time due to age and environmental factors.

ABS Sensor Issues:

ABS sensors or control units can be prone to failure on high-mileage machines.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle History:

BMW Motorrad, established in 1916, has a long history of producing high-quality, innovative, and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer twins and later their inline-four 'K' series.

K Series Development:

The K1100 series evolved from the earlier K100 and K75 models, utilizing the longitudinal inline-four engine layout that offered smoothness and advanced technology for its time. The K1100 represented a performance and refinement upgrade.

K1100Lt Rs Differentiation:

The LT (Luxus Touring) variant focused on comfort and long-distance touring with a larger fairing, more comfortable seating, and often amenities like audio systems and luggage. The RS (RennSport - Racing Sport) variant offered a more aggressive, sport-touring stance with a smaller fairing and sportier ergonomics.

Production Years:

1991-1999 (K1100LT: 1991-1996, K1100RS: 1991-1996, though some markets may have extended availability).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Critical Reception:

The K1100 series was generally praised for its performance, touring comfort (especially the LT), and technological advancements like fuel injection and ABS. It solidified BMW's reputation in the sport-touring and touring segments.

Owner Satisfaction:

Historically, BMW K-series owners have reported high satisfaction due to reliability, comfort, and performance, though maintenance costs can be higher than some competitors.

Iso Certification:

N/A (Vehicle specific)