🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1100 Series / R850 Series

Model Variants:

R1100GS, R1100R, R1100RS, R1100RT, R850R, R850RT

Product Type:

Motorcycle Repair Manual

E Code Designations:

E101 (R1100GS), E102 (R1100RS), E103 (R1100RT), E104 (R1100R), E247 (R850R/RT)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Premium touring and sport-touring motorcycles known for their Boxer engine, shaft drive, and robust build quality.

Key Competitors:

Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJ1200, Kawasaki GTR1000, Ducati ST series.

Platform Strengths:

Smooth Boxer engine, shaft drive reliability, excellent long-distance comfort, advanced (for its time) ABS and Telelever suspension.

Target Audience:

BMW motorcycle owners, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts looking for in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for BMW R1100 and R850 series motorcycles.

Estimated Page Count:

400+

Type:

Service/Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

1100cc and 850cc Boxer-twin engine overhaul, top-end and bottom-end components, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (oil). Includes details on Motronic engine management.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, throttle bodies, fuel lines, pressure regulation.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Gearbox (5-speed and 6-speed depending on model/year), clutch (dry single-plate or dual-plate), final drive (Paralever), driveshaft, and U-joints.

Brakes:

Integral ABS (II or III), hydraulic brake system, caliper overhaul, master cylinders, brake lines, rotor specifications, ABS sensor and module diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever (R850/R1100R/RS/RT) or Paralever (R1100GS) swingarm, shock absorber overhaul, fork seal replacement, spring rates, damping adjustments.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), battery, ignition system, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ABS electronics, Motronic control unit diagnosis.

Chassis Bodywork:

Frame, subframe, body panels, fairings, fuel tank, seat, wheels, tires, bearings (steering head, wheel), footpegs, handlebars.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, tire pressure checks, brake pad inspection/replacement.

Engine Repair:

Piston and ring replacement, cylinder head removal and overhaul, crankshaft inspection, bearing replacement, camshaft inspection, timing chain/belt inspection.

Transmission Repair:

Clutch plate replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, gear selection mechanism repair, final drive oil change and seal replacement.

Suspension And Brakes:

Front fork seal replacement, rear shock absorber service, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common electrical faults, testing ignition coils, checking charging system output, ABS fault code reading (if applicable), wiring harness repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Detailed diagnostic charts and flowcharts for common engine performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and braking system anomalies.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic user maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Digital format (PDF) optimized for clarity, searchability, and printing. May include high-resolution diagrams and schematics.

Print Recommendation:

Recommended for printing on a laser printer for optimal readability of technical diagrams and text.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Digital Paper Simulation:

Simulated glossy paper for diagrams, matte paper for text sections for ease of reading.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine.

Bore X Stroke R1100:

101 mm x 68 mm

Bore X Stroke R850:

90.0 mm x 78.0 mm

Displacement R1100:

1085 cc

Displacement R850:

848 cc

Compression Ratio R1100:

10.3:1

Compression Ratio R850:

9.2:1

Horsepower R1100 Gs:

80 hp (59 kW) @ 6750 rpm

Horsepower R1100 R Rs Rt:

90 hp (66 kW) @ 7250 rpm

Horsepower R850 Variants:

70 hp (51 kW) @ 7000 rpm

Torque R1100 Gs:

9.7 kg⋅m (95 N⋅m; 70 lb⋅ft) @ 5250 rpm

Torque R1100 R Rs Rt:

9.8 kg⋅m (96 N⋅m; 71 lb⋅ft) @ 5500 rpm

Torque R850 Variants:

7.7 kg⋅m (75 N⋅m; 56 lb⋅ft) @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, or 5.2 depending on model/year)

Fuel Type:

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

Valvetrain Layout:

Overhead camshafts (OHC), 4 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated (integrated into cylinder head, driven by timing chain).

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Constant mesh, sequential 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Manual transmission standard across the range).

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with Paralever (on GS) or Monolever (on R/RS/RT) single-sided swingarm.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate (early models) or dry dual-plate (later models, especially R1100 models) clutch, hydraulically operated.

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS: ~2230 mm)

Width Approx:

Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS: ~920 mm)

Height Approx:

Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS: ~1400 mm)

Dry Weight R1100Gs:

Approx. 232 kg (511 lb)

Wet Weight R1100Rt:

Approx. 270 kg (595 lb)

Wet Weight R850Gs:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lb)

Fuel Capacity R1100:

25 liters (6.6 US gal), including a 4-liter reserve

Fuel Capacity R850:

20 liters (5.3 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System Availability:

Optional or standard depending on model and year (BMW Integral ABS II or III).

Braking System:

Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear). Integral ABS system.

Suspension Design:

Telelever front suspension for improved stability and feedback, Paralever rear swingarm for shaft drive. Telescopic forks on R and RS models.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, multiple bulb taillight and turn signals. RT models often feature larger fairings with integrated lighting.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD displays for fuel level, gear indicator, mileage, and warning lights. RT models often feature more advanced dashboards with additional displays.

ABS System:

BMW's Integral ABS system, combining braking circuits and offering advanced modulation and, on later versions, anti-lock on both wheels.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) via the Motronic system, allowing for fault code reading with specialized tools. Manual details common codes and diagnostic procedures.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact specification.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified by BMW. Manual will provide exact figures and procedure.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Intervals vary, but generally around 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Manual will specify plug type and gap.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Manual will specify DOT rating.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG or higher. Manual will specify exact viscosity and classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change. Manual will confirm.

Transmission Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5). Manual will confirm.

Final Drive Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 (API GL-5). Manual will confirm.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4, low viscosity (for ABS systems). Manual will specify exact type.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Early models could experience fuel pump failures. Manual will aid in diagnosis and replacement.

Hall Sender Failures:

Occasional issues with Hall effect sensors affecting ignition and fuel injection. Manual will guide troubleshooting.

Stator Failures:

Charging system stator can be a point of failure. Manual covers testing and replacement.

Clutch Slave Cylinder:

Leaking clutch slave cylinders can occur. Manual provides repair and replacement procedures.

ABS Sensor Issues:

ABS sensor ring corrosion or damage can affect system performance. Manual covers inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their Boxer engines and shaft drive.

Introduction Year:

R1100 series introduced in 1993 (R1100RS), followed by R1100GS (1994), R1100R (1994), R1100RT (1995). R850 variants appeared in 1995/1996.

Technological Advancements:

These models represented a significant step forward for BMW with the introduction of the four-valve Boxer engine, Telelever front suspension (on GS/RT), and advanced Integral ABS.

Production Period:

Mid-1990s to early 2000s (e.g., R1100 models generally produced until 2000-2001, R850 models longer).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The R1100 series, particularly the GS and RT models, were widely praised for their comfort, capability, and technological innovation, contributing to BMW's reputation in the adventure and touring segments.