Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners, mechanics, enthusiasts of BMW R80 GS and R100 GS motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin (XRV650/750), Yamaha Tenere (XT600Z/XTZ660), Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650/750S/800S.
Vehicle Attributes:
Robust air-cooled boxer twin engines, shaft drive, long-travel suspension, rugged construction for off-road capability and long-distance touring.
Manual Value:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing these iconic adventure bikes, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, component replacement (e.g., cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, valve train)
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch service, final drive maintenance
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning, overhaul, and synchronization; fuel pump and lines
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting and repair, lighting, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor
Suspension:
Front fork (telelever/duolever depending on exact model variant for 1994, but likely conventional telescopic for R80/R100 GS) maintenance and overhaul, rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement, paralever rear drive system
Brakes:
Brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, ABS troubleshooting (if equipped)
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairings, seat, controls, exhaust system
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, brake adjustments, chain maintenance (if applicable)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, electrical faults, starting problems
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostics:
Fault finding guides, symptom analysis
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder
R80 Displacement:
797.5 cc
R100 Displacement:
979 cc
Bore X Stroke R80:
81 mm x 78 mm
Bore X Stroke R100:
94 mm x 70.6 mm
R80 Horsepower:
Approx. 50 hp @ 6,500 rpm
R100 Horsepower:
Approx. 65 hp @ 7,000 rpm
R80 Torque:
Approx. 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
R100 Torque:
Approx. 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Carburetors:
Dual BMW/Bing constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm for R80, 36mm for R100)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-95 RON (Octane rating)
Valve Train:
Overhead camshafts, pushrods, rocker arms
Oil System:
Wet sump with oil cooler
Wheelbase R80:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase R100:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)
Dry Weight R80:
Approx. 185 kg (408 lbs)
Dry Weight R100:
Approx. 195 kg (430 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gal), including 4-liter reserve
Front Wheel Size:
2.50 x 19 inches
Rear Wheel Size:
4.00 x 17 inches
Front Tire Size:
90/90-19 (e.g., Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara)
Rear Tire Size:
130/80-17 (e.g., Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Cast alloy wheels, hub-mounted)
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle, no formal crash ratings like cars)
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear (dual piston calipers front, single piston rear). ABS was optional on later models and may be present on some 1994 variants.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals.
Frame:
Steel tube frame providing robust structural integrity.
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position for comfort and control.
System:
Basic analog instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights. No advanced infotainment systems typical of modern vehicles.
ABS:
Optional Antilock Braking System (ABS) available on some R100GS models, likely introduced around this period.
Features:
N/A (No electronic connectivity features).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000-20,000 km (6,000-12,000 miles)
Major Service Interval:
Comprehensive inspection and potential overhaul every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.8 liters (0.85 US quarts).
Final Drive Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US quarts).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Engine:
Oil leaks from cylinder base gaskets, pushrod seals, and output shaft seals. Valve seat wear can occur. Carburetor synchronization drift.
Suspension:
Front fork seals prone to leaks. Rear shock absorber damping may degrade with age and mileage.
Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, regulator/rectifier failure, aging wiring harnesses.
Paralever:
Wear in the universal joint of the driveshaft, wear in the Paralever pivot bearings.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad, known for engineering excellence, air-cooled boxer engines, shaft drive, and durability since the early 20th century.
Gs Lineage:
The R80 G/S (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) was a pioneering dual-sport motorcycle introduced in 1980. The R100GS, introduced in 1987, was its larger, more powerful successor, featuring the Paralever single-sided swingarm for improved handling and shaft drive durability.
1994 Updates:
By 1994, the R100GS had seen refinements, including improved suspension, chassis tweaks, and engine updates. The R80GS was largely superseded by the R80GS Basic in some markets, but the R100GS remained the flagship of the GS line for this era.
Production Period:
R80GS: 1980-1987. R100GS: 1987-1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
