🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Motorcycle Type:

Sport Touring / Standard

Models Covered By Manual:

R1100RT, R1100RS, R850GS, R850R, R1100GS, R1100R

Primary Region Of Sale:

Global (likely focus on North America and Europe)

Generation Identifier:

R1100 / R850 Series (Air/Oil-Cooled Boxer Engine Era)

Engine Code Family:

M25X (Boxer Twin)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Sport Touring and Adventure Touring motorcycles.

Target Audience:

BMW motorcycle owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in BMW motorcycles.

Competitors To Manual:

Haynes, Clymer, unofficial online forums, and potentially proprietary BMW diagnostic tools.

Manual Advantage:

Official or factory-level detail, direct BMW specifications, comprehensive model coverage in a single volume, often superior to aftermarket publications in accuracy and completeness.

Essential Tool:

Indispensable for owners who want to maintain their BMW motorcycle to factory standards, understand its operation, and minimize dealership service costs.

Part Ordering Aid:

Provides detailed diagrams and component breakdowns, crucial for accurate part identification when ordering spares.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and overhaul procedures.

Specific Model Coverage:

BMW R1100RT, R1100RS, R850GS, R1100GS, R850R, R1100R (all variants and sub-models within these series).

Estimated Page Count:

400-600+ (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (implied by sales context, potentially PDF available)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Disassembly, assembly, inspection, overhaul of the 2-valve Boxer engine (R850/R1100 variants), cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooling), fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic).

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch operation, final drive (single-sided swingarm) maintenance and overhaul.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, ignition system, lighting, starting system, charging system (alternator, regulator), instrument cluster, diagnostics, ABS (optional models), heated grips, power outlets.

Chassis And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, suspension (telescopic front fork, Monolever/Paralever rear suspension), steering, brakes (front and rear calipers, master cylinders, lines, ABS components), wheels, tires, fuel tank, body panels, seats, fairings (RT/RS variants).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter service, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid replacement, coolant checks (if applicable to oil cooling), lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, common fault identification, systematic problem-solving for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, fork seal replacement, brake caliper rebuild, ABS bleeding procedures, fuel injection system servicing.

Special Tools And Jigs:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for complex procedures.

Depth:

Expert level. Covers complete tear-down and rebuild, detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.

Detail Level:

Highly detailed, including exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step instructions with photographic aids where applicable.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely a physical, bound book. If digital, expect searchable PDF with high-resolution images.

Quality:

High quality paper and print for durability in a workshop environment. Clear, crisp images and diagrams.

Binding:

Stapled, perfect bound, or spiral bound for lay-flat usability.

Paper:

Durable, likely glossy or semi-gloss paper to protect against workshop grease and oil.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer).

Engine Displacement R1100:

1085 cc

Engine Displacement R850:

848 cc

Bore Stroke R1100:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Bore Stroke R850:

82.5 mm x 80.4 mm

Compression Ratio R1100:

10.7:1

Compression Ratio R850:

9.7:1

Horsepower R1100 Approx:

90 HP @ 7,250 rpm

Torque R1100 Approx:

98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,250 rpm

Horsepower R850 Approx:

70 HP @ 7,500 rpm

Torque R850 Approx:

77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or MA 2.2)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with dual spark plugs per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Dry, single-plate clutch (actuated hydraulically).

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to the rear wheel (enclosed within the single-sided swingarm).

ABS:

Integral ABS II (optional on most models, standard on later R1100RT).

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios for each model variant will be detailed in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Varies by model (e.g., RT typically longer due to fairing).

Overall Width:

Varies by model.

Seat Height:

Varies by model and suspension adjustments.

Dry Weight Approx R1100:

230-260 kg (depending on model: GS lighter, RT heavier).

Fuel Capacity:

Typically 20-25 liters (e.g., R1100RT often 25L).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Not applicable in the same way as cars; focus on design integrity and component reliability.

ABS:

Optional Integral ABS II, offering anti-lock braking for enhanced control during deceleration.

Linked Braking:

Integral ABS often features linked braking where front brake lever partially actuates rear brake.

Chassis Design:

Sturdy frame construction, robust suspension components designed for stability and control.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlights (dual on RT), LED tail lights (later models), turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer, speedometer, digital odometer, clock, fuel gauge, engine temperature warning light, gear indicator (on some models).

ABS Type:

Integral ABS II (optional/standard depending on model and year).

Diagnostic Ports:

Proprietary BMW diagnostic port for advanced fault code reading (requires specific tools/adapters).

Heated Grips:

Standard or optional on most models, controllable via handlebar switch.

Electric Windscreen:

Standard on R1100RT, adjustable via handlebar controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000-10,000 miles (10,000-15,000 km) or annually.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Usually every 12,000-20,000 miles (20,000-30,000 km).

Major Service Interval:

Significant service often around 24,000-36,000 miles (40,000-60,000 km) including major checks.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil, typically SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (check specific model year and manual recommendation).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 liters (with filter change).

Gearbox Oil Type:

Gear oil SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-5 (check manual for exact spec).

Final Drive Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil SAE 80W-90 GL-5 (check manual for exact spec).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (for ABS and non-ABS systems).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, fuel pump failures, alternator brushes, rear shock absorber fatigue, some electrical connector issues, starter motor solenoid.

ABS Specific:

ABS modulator issues or pump failures can occur; bleeding procedure can be complex.

Maintenance Criticality:

Proper valve clearance, timely oil changes, and careful clutch operation are critical for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle History:

BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to 1923, known for engineering excellence, boxer engines, and shaft drive.

R Series Legacy:

The R1100/R850 series marked a significant evolution, introducing the 4-valve engine (though these specific models are 2-valve) and a new chassis design, while retaining the core boxer character.

Model Introduction:

These models were introduced in the mid-1990s, replacing earlier R100 series.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant).

Production Years Range:

Mid-1990s to early 2000s (e.g., R1100RT ~1994-2001).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Reputation:

BMW motorcycles are renowned for build quality, engineering, rider comfort (especially touring models), and reliability when properly maintained.

Motorcycle Reviews:

These models consistently received positive reviews for their touring capabilities, performance, and handling, establishing them as benchmarks in their classes.

Industry Standards:

Adherence to ISO standards for motorcycle manufacturing and safety.