🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R100

Year:

1978

Engine Code:

Not specified in product info, typically 'R100/7' or similar variant

Chassis Code:

Not specified in product info, typically refers to the specific frame designation for the R100 series

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Air-Cooled Boxer Twin Motorcycle

Target Audience:

BMW motorcycle enthusiasts, owners seeking to maintain or repair their R100

Competitors Era:

Honda CB750, Kawasaki Z1, Moto Guzzi V7, Ducati 860 GT

Unique Selling Points:

BMW's engineering, shaft drive, boxer engine configuration, touring capability

Engine Configuration:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Drive System:

Shaft drive

Frame Type:

Steel tube frame

Braking System:

Disc brakes (front and rear for many R100 models of this era, though early models may have drum rear)

📋 Manual Details

Countries:

Global (English language)

Regions:

North America, Europe, Asia, etc. (as applicable to the R100 model)

Pages:

Estimated 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Purpose:

DIY repairs, professional workshop use, maintenance guidance

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, final drive, clutch

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, brakes

Electrical:

Ignition system, lighting, charging system, starting system, instruments, wiring diagrams

Fuel System:

Carburetors (Bing), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers

Bodywork:

Body panels, fairings (if applicable), seats, fuel tank mounting

Maintenance:

Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, lubrication points

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding charts

Repair:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, electrical component replacement

Adjustment:

Carburetor tuning, valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, clutch adjustment

Overhaul:

Engine rebuild, gearbox rebuild, carburetor overhaul

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (if professionally scanned/created)

Printability:

Printable

Image Resolution:

Dependent on source scan quality; expect clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled boxer twin

Displacement:

980 cc (approximate)

Bore X Stroke:

94 mm x 70.6 mm (typical for R100)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.5:1 or 9.0:1, depending on specific variant

Valve Train:

Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated

Power Output:

Approx. 65-70 hp at 7000-7250 rpm (varies by specific R100 model and tune)

Peak Torque:

Approx. 75-80 Nm at 5500-6000 rpm (varies)

Carburetors:

Dual Bing 32mm CV (Constant Velocity) or similar

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (with filter change)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate, consult manual for exact spec)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Clutch:

Dry single plate, diaphragm spring

Features:

N/A (Standard for the model)

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with bevel gear

Gearbox Oil:

GL-5 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2180 mm (varies by specific model variant)

Width:

Approx. 750 mm (handlebar width)

Height:

Approx. 1180 mm (seat height)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 210-225 kg (varies by model variant and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified for motorcycles in this manner

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 18-21 liters (including reserve, varies by model)

Front Wheel Size:

19 inch

Rear Wheel Size:

18 inch

Front Tire Size:

3.50-19 or 100/90-19 (typical)

Rear Tire Size:

4.00-18 or 120/90-18 (typical)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1460 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

N/A (Motorcycles are not subject to the same automotive crash testing regimes)

Braking:

Dual disc front, single disc rear (for most R100s in '78), dual-channel ABS not available

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals

Frame Construction:

Robust steel tube frame designed for stability

Wind Protection:

Basic wind protection from tank and potentially optional fairings

💡 Technology Features

System:

Basic analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights. No infotainment system.

Features:

N/A (No electronic driver assistance features like ABS, traction control, etc.)

Features:

N/A (No modern connectivity features)

System:

Mechanical ignition system (breaker points and coil), no ECU or complex electronics

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or annually

Valve Adjustment:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)

Spark Plugs:

Inspect every 5,000-10,000 km, replace as needed

Carburetor Sync:

As needed, typically every 10,000-15,000 km or if running rough

Final Drive Oil:

Change every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher)

Gearbox Oil:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 Hypoid gear oil

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (ensure compatibility with seals)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, starter motor brushes, output shaft seal leaks, valve guide wear, swingarm bearings

Electrical Gremlins:

Can suffer from aging wiring, loose connections, and stator/rectifier issues common in vintage bikes

Carburetor Performance:

Bing carburetors can be sensitive to dirt and require periodic cleaning and adjustment for optimal performance

Oil Leaks:

Seals (e.g., crankcase, transmission output shaft) can degrade over time, leading to minor oil leaks

📚 Vehicle History

Foundation:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) founded in 1916, initially aircraft engines, later motorcycles and cars

Motorcycle Division:

BMW Motorrad established with the R32 in 1923, pioneering the boxer-twin and shaft-drive configuration

R Series:

The R100 is part of BMW's long-standing R series, evolving from earlier 750cc and 800cc models

R100 Introduction:

The R100 model line was introduced in the mid-1970s as an evolution and expansion of the R90/6 and R75/7 series

1978 Model Context:

1978 saw the R100 range solidify, offering various configurations like the R100RS (full fairing), R100RT (touring), and R100S (sport).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)

Production Years:

R100 models produced from approximately 1976 through 1984/1985

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 1978 R100 are not readily cataloged, the R100RS model was widely recognized for its innovative full fairing and aerodynamic design, setting a benchmark for sport-touring motorcycles of its era.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable and durable with proper maintenance, a hallmark of BMW engineering.

Emissions:

N/A (Pre-catalytic converter era, emissions standards were less stringent)