Market Segment:
Sport touring motorcycle, known for its blend of comfort, performance, and technological innovation.
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Honda VFR750F/VFR800, Kawasaki GTR1000, and Yamaha FJR1300.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder engine.
Suspension System:
BMW's innovative Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear single-sided swingarm.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection system.
Brakes:
Integral ABS II braking system (optional, but common).
Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking a reliable, powerful, and comfortable machine for long-distance touring and spirited riding, with an interest in performing their own maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance for the BMW R1100RS 1998 model.
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, electrical system diagrams, torque specifications, and component overhauls.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals).
Type:
Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (likely PDF)
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the R1100RS boxer twin engine, including top-end, bottom-end, valve clearance, timing, fuel injection, ignition, and cooling systems.
Transmission:
Comprehensive information on the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, final drive, and associated lubrication.
Chassis:
Covers frame, suspension (Telelever front, Paralever rear), steering, wheels, and brakes.
Electrical:
Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, starting, charging, instrumentation, ABS (if equipped), and electronic control units (ECU).
Fuel System:
Detailed explanation of the fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, and sensors.
Bodywork:
Information on fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, and other body components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, and tire pressure checks.
Engine Repair:
Top-end overhaul (cylinder head removal, valve adjustment), piston ring replacement, bearing inspection, and seal replacement.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch replacement, and final drive maintenance.
Suspension And Steering:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, steering head bearing replacement, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Brake System:
Brake pad replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS system troubleshooting (if applicable).
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, component testing, and diagnostic codes.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding for common issues related to engine performance, electrical systems, and starting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic DIY maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin-cylinder engine.
Displacement:
1085 cc (66.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm (3.90 in x 2.78 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms.
Horsepower:
90 hp (67 kW) @ 7250 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
70 lb-ft (95 Nm) @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 electronic fuel injection with digital engine management.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON + MON)/2.
Cooling Method:
Air cooling with oil cooling through an integrated oil cooler.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive.
Optional Features:
N/A (5-speed manual was standard)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate clutch, operated hydraulically.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios are detailed within the manual, crucial for maintenance and performance tuning.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meters, clock, and warning lights. Often included optional heated grips.
ABS System:
BMW's Integral ABS II system, which integrates front and rear brake activation and provides anti-lock functionality.
Diagnostic Ports:
Specific diagnostic ports are present for connecting electronic diagnostic tools, covered in detail by the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Specific oil grades are critical.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). This is a crucial adjustment for boxer engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), depending on plug type and condition.
Engine Oil Type:
Fully synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50, API SG or higher, meeting BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 is often recommended but check manual for precise specification).
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
For oil-cooled engines, it refers to engine oil. If any additional cooling is present, specific coolant would be listed.
Common Problems:
Potential issues include a worn clutch slave cylinder seal, faulty Hall sensors, alternator belt wear, and occasional ABS system glitches. Sticking throttle bodies and fuel injector cleaning can also be relevant.
Maintenance Tips:
Regularly check the fuel lines for hardening, ensure proper torque on engine mountings, and keep the battery charged. The manual will guide on specific torque values and procedures to avoid common failures.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW Motorrad has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1923, renowned for its engineering, durability, and innovation, particularly with its boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
R1100 Series Introduction:
The R1100RS was part of the 'New Boxer' generation launched in the early 1990s, marking a significant departure from previous BMW designs with its four-valve cylinder heads and sophisticated chassis components like the Telelever and Paralever.
Production Years:
The R1100RS was produced from 1992 to 2001, with the 1998 model representing a mid-cycle iteration of this successful sport-touring platform.
Factory:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad's primary manufacturing facility).
Industry Acclaim:
The R1100RS was generally well-received for its touring comfort, stable handling, and powerful, characterful engine. While specific 'awards' are less common for individual model years of motorcycles, it solidified BMW's position in the sport-touring market.
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, characteristic of BMW engineering.
