Model:
K1100LT, K1100RS, R850R, R1100R, R1100RS, R1100GS
Motorcycle Type:
Touring, Sport Touring, Roadster, Adventure Touring
Covered Generations:
Primarily covers the models from their introduction through the late 1990s. Specific years will vary by sub-model.
Chassis Codes:
K1100LT: K589, K1100RS: K589, R850R: R259R, R1100R: R259R, R1100RS: R259S, R1100GS: R259G
Segment:
Premium sport touring, adventure touring, and roadster segments.
Competitors Era:
Competed against models from Honda (ST series, Gold Wing), Kawasaki (GTR series), Yamaha (FJR series), and other European manufacturers.
Bmw Innovation:
Known for advanced engineering, shaft drive, sophisticated suspension systems (Telelever), and robust build quality characteristic of the era.
Dealer Equivalence:
Provides the same authoritative information used by authorized BMW dealerships, enabling accurate and efficient servicing.
Systems Covered Overview:
Comprehensive coverage of all major mechanical, electrical, and bodywork systems for the specified BMW motorcycle models.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 800 pages (typical for this level of detail across multiple models).
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Manual Purpose:
Dealer-level workshop manual for maintenance, servicing, diagnosis, and repair.
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, repair, and specifications for 4-valve Boxer (R series) and 4-cylinder Inline (K series) engines, including timing, valve adjustment, lubrication, cooling systems.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for manual transmissions, clutch systems (including hydraulic actuation), and final drive units (drive shaft, bevel gear).
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection systems, fuel pumps, injectors, throttle bodies, fuel tank, and associated lines and sensors.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, and electronic control units (ECUs).
Braking System:
Front and rear brake systems, including ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and service, brake fluid bleeding, caliper and master cylinder repair.
Suspension Steering:
Front forks (including Telelever on R series), rear shock absorbers, swingarms, steering head bearings, and complete steering assembly.
Bodywork Chassis:
Frame components, body panels, fairings, seats, fuel tank, exhaust system, luggage systems (e.g., panniers, top case).
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, air filter service, spark plug replacement, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues across all major vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for virtually every part of the motorcycle.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners and engine components, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams with component identification and troubleshooting steps for electrical faults.
Depth Of Information:
Extensive technical detail suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics, covering everything from basic checks to complete engine rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
Procedures and specifications for using specialized BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTeC, Koder) where applicable for ECU reading and system checks.
K1100 Engine Type:
16-valve inline four-cylinder, longitudinally mounted
K1100 Displacement:
1093 cc
K1100 Bore X Stroke:
77.5 mm x 58.0 mm
K1100 Horsepower Approx:
100 hp @ 7500 rpm (K1100RS/LT)
K1100 Torque Approx:
97 Nm (71.5 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (K1100RS/LT)
R850 R1100 Engine Type:
8-valve flat-twin (boxer) engine, horizontally opposed
R850 Displacement:
848 cc
R1100 Displacement:
1085 cc
R850 R1100 Bore X Stroke:
R850: 82.5 mm x 75 mm; R1100: 99 mm x 70.5 mm
R850 Horsepower Approx:
70 hp @ 6750 rpm (R850R)
R1100 Horsepower Approx:
90 hp @ 7250 rpm (R1100R/RS/GS)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI) with engine management.
Cooling Method:
K-series: Liquid-cooled; R-series: Oil-cooled with cylinder head air cooling.
Wheelbase Approx:
Varies by model, e.g., ~1495 mm for R1100 models, ~1505 mm for K1100 models.
Dry Weight Approx:
K1100LT: ~250 kg, K1100RS: ~240 kg, R1100GS: ~207 kg, R1100RS: ~220 kg, R1100R: ~210 kg, R850R: ~195 kg (all approximate and vary by specific equipment).
Fuel Capacity Approx:
K-series: ~21 liters, R-series: ~20 liters (all approximate).
Safety Features Overview:
BMW's emphasis on rider safety through robust construction, advanced braking systems, and stable handling.
ABS:
BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) is a significant safety feature on many of these models, with detailed diagnostic and service procedures covered.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis or monocoque frame designs providing excellent rigidity and impact protection.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive analog and digital instrument clusters providing speed, RPM, fuel level, gear indication, warning lights, and trip data. Some models offered heated grips and electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) precursors.
ABS System:
The integrated BMW ABS II system is a key technological feature for enhanced braking safety.
Diagnostic Ports:
Diagnostic connectors allowing interface with BMW's specialized diagnostic equipment for advanced troubleshooting.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Specifics vary by model year and driving conditions.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Generally every 20,000 km to 40,000 km, depending on engine type and specific model. Crucial for optimal performance and longevity.
Engine Oil K Series:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., API SG or higher).
Engine Oil R Series:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., API SG or higher). The oil also lubricates the transmission and final drive.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Gearbox Oil:
For R-series, the engine oil serves the gearbox. For K-series, the manual will specify gearbox oil, typically a 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Common Wear Items:
Fuel pump wear (especially early models), alternator brushes, fuel injector clogging, steering head bearings, and ABS sensor issues can be potential areas of concern addressed in the manual.
K Series Cooling:
Potential for coolant leaks or blockages; maintenance of the radiator and hoses is important.
R Series Telelever:
Periodic inspection and lubrication of the Telelever suspension linkage is recommended.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and building durable, high-performance motorcycles since the early 20th century.
K Series Development:
The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move into inline multi-cylinder engines, offering smooth power delivery and touring comfort.
R Series Boxer Revival:
The R850/R1100 series marked a significant evolution of the iconic boxer engine, adopting four valves per cylinder and the innovative Telelever front suspension system (on most models).
Production Era:
These models were primarily produced throughout the 1990s, with the K1100 models evolving from earlier K-series designs and the R850/R1100 line establishing a new platform.