🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1100 S

Model Nickname:

R1100S

Body Style:

Sport Touring Motorcycle

Generation:

First Generation

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a capable long-distance motorcycle with sportbike-like handling characteristics, appealing to experienced riders and those transitioning from sportbikes.

Key Competitors:

Honda VFR series, Ducati ST series, Kawasaki GTR series, Yamaha FJR series, Triumph Sprint ST.

Engine Layout:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive (Paralever system).

Suspension:

Unique front suspension (often Telelever or similar innovative design) and rear monoshock with linkage, providing advanced damping and handling.

Braking System:

Optional Integral ABS, showcasing BMW's commitment to rider safety.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on rider comfort for long distances, combined with sporting prowess and BMW's characteristic engineering quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

1996-2005 (presumed, based on model production)

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 Pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Shop Manual

Language:

English (presumed, based on typical product offerings)

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the Boxer twin engine, including top-end, bottom-end, timing, cooling, lubrication, and fuel injection systems.

Transmission:

Complete service and repair procedures for the 5-speed gearbox, clutch assembly, and final drive (Paralever).

Electrical System:

Comprehensive troubleshooting and repair for wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starter, alternator, battery, and electronic control units (ECU).

Chassis And Suspension:

Detailed information on frame, front fork (Telelever or conventional depending on sub-model), rear monoshock (often with Hossack-like linkage), wheels, bearings, and steering.

Braking System:

In-depth coverage of front and rear brake systems, including ABS (Integral ABS if equipped), calipers, rotors, fluid lines, and master cylinders.

Fuel System:

Service for fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, and Bosch Motronic fuel injection system.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust headers, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable).

Bodywork And Fairings:

Disassembly, reassembly, and repair procedures for body panels, fairings, seat, and luggage options.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug service, valve clearance checks, drive belt inspection/replacement, and general lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides for common problems and electrical system faults, including fault codes (if applicable).

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, seals), and reassembly.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for gearbox disassembly, gear inspection, shifting mechanism repair, and clutch replacement.

Suspension Servicing:

Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, linkage maintenance, and wheel bearing replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake bleeding, caliper rebuilding, pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, and ABS system diagnostics.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness testing, component testing, and use of diagnostic tools (if applicable).

Fuel Injection Tuning:

Basic adjustments and troubleshooting for the fuel injection system.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced internal engine and transmission repairs, including electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if an original scanned document with OCR, or image-based if not.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans/illustrations for clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Illustrations:

Detailed step-by-step illustrated instructions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer) engine

Displacement:

1085 cc (1.085 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valve Train:

2 valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC), pushrod actuated (traditional BMW Boxer layout).

Power Output:

Approx. 90 hp (66 kW) at 7250 rpm

Torque Output:

Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5750 rpm

Top Speed:

Approx. 205 km/h (127 mph)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic system)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON or higher)

Fuel Capacity:

Approx. 23 Liters (6.1 US gallons)

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled cylinders with oil cooling for the cylinder heads.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, cable operated.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with BMW's Paralever single-sided swingarm.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios would be detailed in the manual. Typical ratios for this era would favor highway cruising.

Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 SAE 90 hypoid gear oil (or as specified by BMW, e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2195 mm (86.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 910 mm (35.8 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1275 mm (50.2 in) at windscreen

Dry Weight:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 237 kg (523 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 440 kg (970 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certification:

Compliant with relevant motorcycle safety standards of its era.

Braking System:

Optional BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) providing synchronized braking front and rear.

Handling:

Advanced suspension geometry and chassis design contribute to stable and predictable handling.

Lighting:

Dual-bulb headlight for improved nighttime visibility.

Ergonomics:

Comfortable rider triangle designed for extended periods in the saddle.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Generally minimal by modern standards, focused on core riding functions. Some models may have provision for accessory radios or heated grips.

ABS System:

Available Integral ABS, a significant safety feature for its time.

Diagnostic Ports:

Likely features proprietary diagnostic connectors for use with BMW-specific tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Valve Clearance Interval:

Recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual.

Drive Shaft Service:

Lubrication of splines typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting API SG/SH/SJ or higher. Consult manual for exact BMW specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (refer to manual for precise type, especially for ABS systems).

Coolant Type:

Not applicable (air/oil-cooled)

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Early models could experience fuel pump issues; later revisions are more robust.

Paralever Spline Wear:

Regular lubrication is key to preventing wear on the Paralever drive shaft splines.

ABS System Maintenance:

Requires periodic flushing and bleeding of the brake fluid to maintain ABS performance.

Wiring Harness Integrity:

As with many bikes of this era, inspecting and securing wiring harnesses is important to prevent chafing and short circuits.

Clutch Actuation:

Cable adjustment and proper lubrication of clutch pushrod are important for smooth operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design, particularly with its Boxer engine configurations.

Predecessors:

Evolved from earlier large-displacement BMW Boxer models like the R 100 RS and R 100 R, with a focus on sportier performance.

Key Advancements:

Introduction of the R 1100 series in the early 1990s brought significant updates, including fuel injection, advanced suspension (Telelever front, Monolever/Paralever rear), and increased power. The R 1100 S specifically catered to a sportier rider than the RT or GS variants.

Production Period:

1996 - 2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Press Reviews:

Generally received positive reviews from motorcycle publications for its unique blend of sport and touring capabilities, and its distinct Boxer character.