Segment:
Sport Touring / Roadster Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda CB750, Yamaha XJ900, Kawasaki Z1000 (at the time of its introduction).
Design Philosophy:
BMW's signature boxer twin engine, shaft drive, and robust touring capabilities.
Target Audience:
Experienced riders seeking a reliable, comfortable, and versatile motorcycle for touring and everyday use.
Applicable Years:
1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and specifications for the twin-cylinder boxer engine.
Transmission:
Disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and repair of the gearbox and clutch.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment (Dell'Orto PHM 40 or Bing 40), fuel pump, fuel lines, and tank maintenance.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), starter motor, and wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (BMW Telelever or conventional telescopic fork depending on specific sub-model/year variations within the R100R family), rear swingarm, shock absorbers, and steering head bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system maintenance, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, disc replacement, and hydraulic system.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fenders, and exhaust system.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common running issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, and more.
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, clutch adjustment.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of specific BMW special tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic servicing to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
980 cc (97.7 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 70.6 mm
Valve Train:
Overhead camshafts (OHC), two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 hp (45-48 kW) at 6,250 rpm (depending on specific market tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 57-60 lb-ft (77-81 Nm) at 4,500 rpm
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto PHM 40 or 2 x Bing 40 carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 octane recommended)
Oil System:
Integrated dry sump lubrication with oil reservoir in the crankcase.
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition system (BMW breakerless)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch
Drive Type:
Shaft drive (enclosed driveshaft)
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W/90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific BMW part number and viscosity recommendations).
Crash Test Results:
Motorcycles of this era did not undergo standardized crash testing as cars do.
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake (often with ABS as an option on later models or specific variants, though not standard on all R100R models from the 1987-1996 range).
Suspension Stability:
Stable chassis design contributing to predictable handling.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, taillight, and turn signals for improved visibility.
Frame Construction:
Steel tubular frame offering structural integrity.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, warning lights. No digital or advanced infotainment systems.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional extra on some later models within this range, but not standard across all R100R variants.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact intervals.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check at major services, replace as needed, typically every 10,000-20,000 km.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 motorcycle oil. (Consult manual for specific BMW approval and viscosity guidance).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (depending on specific system and ABS if fitted). Always use fresh, correctly specified fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, starter motor brushes, ignition coil failure, carburetor synchronization drift, front fork seal leaks, driveshaft spline wear.
Airhead Specifics:
Potential for oil leaks from cylinder head gaskets or crankcase seals over time. Regular inspection and gasket replacement are key.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Legacy:
BMW is renowned for its engineering excellence, reliable boxer engines, and focus on rider comfort and touring capability, dating back to its motorcycle production in the early 20th century.
Predecessors:
Direct descendant of BMW's long line of R-series boxer twins, including the R75/5, R90/6, R100/7, R100RS, R100RT, and R100GS models.
R Series Development:
The R 100 R represented BMW's continued refinement of the air-cooled boxer platform, often seen as a more stripped-down, 'naked' version compared to its faired RS/RT or adventure GS counterparts, focusing on classic styling and straightforward engineering.
Production Period:
The R 100 R model range was produced from 1987 until 1996, concluding the air-cooled R-series era before the introduction of the oil-cooled R1100 models.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany
