🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1100R

Model Designation:

R1100 R Roadster

Engine Code:

Type 259

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R1100R positioned itself as a versatile naked sport-touring motorcycle, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and BMW's characteristic build quality in the mid-to-late 1990s. It appealed to riders looking for a capable machine for both commuting and longer journeys, distinguishing itself from more aggressively styled sportbikes and utilitarian touring models.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other naked bikes and sport-touring offerings from manufacturers like Ducati (Monster series), Honda (CB1000 series), Kawasaki (ZZ-R series), and Triumph (Speed Triple). Its Boxer engine and shaft drive offered a unique selling proposition in terms of low maintenance and a distinctive riding character.

Key Features:

Air/oil-cooled Boxer engine, Paralever single-sided swingarm, Telelever front suspension, shaft drive, powerful braking system (optional ABS), comfortable ergonomics for touring, robust construction.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Page Count:

Approximately 500+

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Manual Purpose:

Provides in-depth information for diagnosis, repair, maintenance, and overhaul of the BMW R1100R motorcycle.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Accessibility:

Downloadable digital format for convenient access on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, tuning, fuel injection system, ignition system, cooling system (oil), lubrication system, lubrication pump, oil filter, oil pan, engine mounting, cylinder head, valves, camshafts, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing chain, starter motor, alternator.

Transmission Systems:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, overhaul, clutch system (dry single-plate), shift mechanism, gear ratios, transmission fluid type and level checks.

Chassis Systems:

Frame, subframe, swingarm, Paralever rear suspension, Telelever front suspension, fork seals, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, drive shaft, final drive.

Braking Systems:

Front and rear brake systems (BMW Integral ABS optional), brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, brake disc replacement, brake pad replacement, master cylinder.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting system (headlight, taillight, turn signals), ignition system, starter system, instrument cluster, sensors, ECU diagnostics, fuses, relays.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if equipped).

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing components, fuel tank cover, seat, fenders, mirrors, luggage rack (if equipped).

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable, though R1100R has shaft drive), brake fluid flushes, clutch fluid flushes, air filter cleaning/replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues.

Repair Procedures:

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

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II (if applicable for the era) or BMW proprietary diagnostic codes and procedures, sensor testing.

Suspension Adjustment:

Information on adjusting the Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension for optimal handling and load carrying.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire changing, wheel balancing, rim specifications, tire pressure recommendations, wheel bearing maintenance.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque values for all critical fasteners and components, essential for correct assembly and safety.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, in-depth repairs, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and electrical system diagnostics. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Electrical Diagnostics Depth:

Detailed wiring diagrams with component identification, troubleshooting flowcharts for electrical faults, testing procedures for ignition and charging systems.

Engine Rebuild Depth:

Includes procedures for cylinder head removal, piston and connecting rod servicing, crankshaft inspection, timing chain replacement, and lubrication system overhaul. Detailed specifications for clearances and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original manual pages, clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed two-cylinder (Boxer) engine

Displacement:

1085 cc

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valve Train:

Two valves per cylinder, overhead camshaft (SOHC), pushrod actuated (later models R1150R used DOHC with 4 valves). Correction: R1100R uses 4 valves per cylinder with DOHC, actuated by pushrods and rockers. The initial description stated SOHC which is incorrect for R1100R.

Valve Actuation:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), pushrod and rocker arm operated.

Cooling Method:

Air and oil cooling

Horsepower:

90 HP (66 kW) at 7,250 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market/spec)

Torque:

98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market/spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON

Throttle Control:

Cable operated

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 recommended (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations).

Ignition Type:

Digital Electronic Ignition (BMW Twin Spark ignition system)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Constant mesh 5-speed gearbox

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive via Paralever system

Transmission Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific fill level and type).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2,180 mm (approx.)

Width:

800 mm (approx.)

Height:

1,150 mm (approx.)

Wheelbase:

1,495 mm (approx.)

Seat Height:

800 mm (approx., standard seat)

Dry Weight:

229 kg (505 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

450 kg (approx.)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21 liters (5.5 US gallons)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Availability:

Optional BMW Integral ABS

Braking System Front:

Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers

Braking System Rear:

Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper

Front Suspension Type:

BMW Telelever single-sided trailing arm fork

Rear Suspension Type:

BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm with central spring strut and adjustable preload

Frame Construction:

Steel tube frame

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel level indicator, engine temperature warning light. No advanced infotainment systems typical of modern motorcycles.

Driver Assistance Features:

Optional BMW Integral Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Connectivity Features:

None (basic motorcycle electronics).

🔧 Maintenance

First Service Interval:

1,000 km (600 miles) - Includes oil change, filter check, valve check, general inspection.

Subsequent Service Intervals:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Includes oil change, filter replacement, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, spark plug check/replacement, valve clearance adjustment (if needed), drive shaft lubrication.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years or 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for precise BMW recommendation).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90

Final Drive Fluid Specification:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (same as transmission)

Known Issues:

Potential for oil leaks from engine seals, occasional issues with the electronic fuel injection system (especially sensors), wear on steering head bearings, potential failure of the alternator stator, wear on the Paralever pivot bearings. The manual will detail how to diagnose and repair these.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

While generally robust, early models might show signs of fuel pump degradation; the manual will guide on testing and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad, established in 1923, has a long history of producing reliable and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its Boxer engine configurations and innovative engineering.

Model Evolution:

The R1100R is part of BMW's Boxer engine motorcycle lineage, evolving from earlier R series models. It introduced significant updates like the Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension, which improved handling and ride comfort. It was succeeded by the R1150R.

Production Years:

1994-2001 (for R1100R, sales continued into early 2000s for some markets)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the R1100R might be less prominent than for overtly sporting models, it was consistently praised in contemporary reviews for its comfortable ride, robust engine, and practical touring capabilities, establishing BMW's reputation in the naked sport-touring segment.