Segment:
Dual-sport motorcycle
Positioning:
The R80GS and R100GS were pioneering models in the adventure touring segment, offering robust performance and off-road capability.
Competitors 1986:
Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki DR650/750S.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled boxer twin-cylinder
Drivetrain Gs Specific:
Paralever single-sided swingarm with shaft drive (introduced on GS models for reduced torque reaction).
Suspension Gs Specific:
Long-travel suspension for off-road capability.
Fuel Delivery:
Dual Bing carburetors.
Engine:
Detailed diagrams, disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting for both R80 and R100 boxer engines.
Transmission:
Gearbox maintenance, repair, overhaul, troubleshooting, lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Final drive (Paralever system), driveshaft, universal joints, clutch maintenance and repair.
Suspension:
Front forks (including telescopic fork maintenance, seal replacement), rear shock absorber (monoshock for GS models), Paralever rear suspension system adjustments and rebuild.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), caliper maintenance, master cylinder rebuild, fluid replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), lighting, starter motor, battery, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Carburetor service and tuning (Bing carburetors), fuel tank maintenance, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system maintenance (oil cooler, lines).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, muffler inspection and replacement.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing, seat, fuel tank removal and installation, fenders, luggage rack mounting.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve adjustments, brake fluid changes, chain adjustment (if applicable).
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, gearbox overhaul, suspension component refurbishment.
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization, idle speed adjustment, ignition timing, suspension sag.
Specifications Torque:
Torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder
Bore X Stroke R80:
80.0 mm x 78.0 mm
Bore X Stroke R100:
94.0 mm x 70.7 mm
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Displacement R100:
980 cc
Compression Ratio R80:
8.2:1
Compression Ratio R100:
8.5:1
Horsepower R80:
50 HP @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower R100:
65 HP @ 7250 rpm
Torque R80:
57 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Torque R100:
70 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Carburetor Type:
2 x Bing 32mm CV (Constant Velocity) carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium)
Valve Actuation:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated
Valve Clearance Spec Intake:
0.10 mm - 0.20 mm (cold)
Valve Clearance Spec Exhaust:
0.20 mm - 0.30 mm (cold)
Safety Certification:
N/A (Motorcycle, certification standards vary by region).
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (typically Brembo or ATE).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated taillight/brake light, turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Steel tube frame for durability.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km.
Spark Plug Check Interval:
Every 10,000 km.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 motorcycle specific oil (or as per manual: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters (without filter change) / 3.0 Liters (with filter change)
Clutch Lever Play:
Excessive clutch lever play can indicate worn clutch plates or cable adjustment issues.
Paralever Joint:
Wear in the Paralever pivot bearings can lead to clunking noises and imprecise handling.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Ignition coils can be prone to failure over time, affecting spark.
Carburetor Sync Drift:
Carburetors may require frequent synchronization to maintain smooth running.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can cause intermittent faults.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive.
Gs Lineage:
The R80GS and R100GS are direct descendants of the R80G/S, which established the GS (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) concept.
Paralever Introduction:
The 1987 R100GS (and later 1988 R80GS) featured the revolutionary Paralever single-sided swingarm, significantly improving rear suspension performance and reducing shaft drive effects.
Production Years R80Gs:
1987-1990 (for the Paralever version, often referred to alongside the 1986 models, although the 1986 model year might reference earlier monolever versions or the start of production).
Production Years R100Gs:
1986-1996
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
