Market Position:
The BMW R100 series represented BMW's flagship large-displacement motorcycle line in the 1980s, known for its touring capability, robust engineering, and boxer-twin engine character.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other large-displacement touring and sport-touring motorcycles from manufacturers like Honda (e.g., Gold Wing, CBX), Kawasaki (e.g., KZ series), and Yamaha (e.g., XS Eleven).
Key Features:
Iconic boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, robust chassis, comfortable touring ergonomics, often equipped with fairings and luggage for long-distance riding.
Engine Systems:
Engine teardown and reassembly, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, valve train adjustment, timing chain and sprockets, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel system (carburetor tuning and rebuild), exhaust system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch service, driveshaft maintenance, final drive maintenance, gear shifting mechanism.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (points, coils, advance unit), charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams for all models, battery service, fuses and relays.
Chassis Suspension Brakes:
Front fork service (oil changes, seal replacement, spring rates), rear shock absorber service, wheel bearing maintenance, steering head bearing service, front and rear brake systems (hydraulic, disc brakes), brake caliper overhaul, brake fluid replacement, wheel and tire specifications.
Bodywork Frame:
Frame inspection and repair, fairing removal and installation, fuel tank service, seat service, body panel alignment, fenders, handlebars, controls.
Fuel Tank And Carburetor Service:
Detailed instructions for carburetor cleaning, tuning, synchronization, and rebuilding. Fuel tank inspection and cleaning advice.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, carburetor synchronization and cleaning, valve clearance adjustment, battery charging and maintenance, brake system bleeding, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable to specific models), general lubrication points.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Identification of common problems, diagnostic flowcharts, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues, starting problems, braking system faults, suspension and steering issues.
Rebuild Refurbishment Procedures:
Complete engine rebuild (top and bottom end), gearbox overhaul, carburetor rebuilding, brake caliper overhaul, fork seal replacement, starter motor and alternator service.
Restoration Tips:
May include specific guidance for refurbishing and restoring older components.
Special Tools Required:
Likely lists specialized BMW tools needed for certain procedures, such as valve adjustment tools, flywheel pullers, etc.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications.
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
Diagnostic Charts:
Likely includes diagnostic flowcharts for common problems.
Illustrations Diagrams:
Features detailed exploded views, schematics, and step-by-step repair illustrations.
File Format:
Likely PDF; Searchable text for easy navigation, high-resolution images and diagrams.
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans or professionally typeset for clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type:
If printed: Saddle-stitched, perfect bound, or spiral bound for lay-flat capability.
Paper Type:
If printed: Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
Completeness:
This is a 'Full Service Repair Manual', indicating it is comprehensive and not a condensed or owner's manual.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (boxer)
Displacement:
979 cc (979cc)
Bore X Stroke:
90 mm x 76.4 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical for R100 models)
Valve Actuation:
Overhead valves (OHV) operated by pushrods and rocker arms.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system with mechanical points and automatic centrifugal advance (typical for this year).
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-74 hp @ 7000-7500 rpm (depending on specific R100 variant)
Torque:
Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on specific R100 variant)
Carburetors:
Dual 32mm Bing constant-velocity carburetors (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (approx. 4,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 12,000 km (approx. 7,500 miles).
Carburetor Sync Interval:
Every 12,000 km (approx. 7,500 miles) or as needed for smooth running.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (with filter change).
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil.
Fork Oil Type:
BMW recommended fork oil or equivalent SAE 5W or 7.5W fork oil.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil.
Lubrication Points:
Detailed diagram and list of lubrication points for the chassis, controls, and drive system.
Known Issues:
Potential for oil leaks from pushrod tubes and base gaskets, wear in the transmission input shaft splines, aging electrical connectors, potential fuel tank corrosion (especially with ethanol fuels if not properly maintained), general wear and tear on suspension components.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century, with a reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and innovation in motorcycle design.
Model Evolution:
The R100 models were part of the long-running /7 series and evolved from earlier R90S and R100RS models, representing BMW's push into larger displacement and more comfortable touring machines.
Predecessor Models:
R90S, R100S (early variants), R60/7, R75/7, R80/7.
Production Years:
R100 series produced from the late 1970s through the 1980s and early 1990s.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)