🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R100

Year:

1988

Chassis Code Series:

247

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The R100 series represents BMW's enduring legacy in the large-displacement boxer-twin motorcycle segment, renowned for its durability, touring capability, and distinctive character.

Competitors:

Competed against other large-displacement touring and sport-touring motorcycles of the era, such as Honda Gold Wing (though more oriented towards touring), Kawasaki GTR series, and certain Italian and American V-twins, offering a unique shaft-driven, air-cooled boxer experience.

Features:

Shaft drive, air-cooled boxer twin engine, robust chassis, often equipped for touring with ample luggage capacity and comfortable ergonomics.

Audience:

BMW enthusiasts, owners of the R100 series, DIY mechanics seeking to maintain and repair their classic airhead motorcycles.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Chassis:

Yes

Bodywork:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Ignition System:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Maintenance Schedule:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

200-300

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed breakdown and assembly of the boxer twin engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, and valve train.

Engine Management:

Coverage of the ignition system (points or electronic depending on specific sub-model) and carburetor settings/adjustments (e.g., Bing CV).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Information on the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, shaft drive system, and final drive unit.

Fuel System Components:

Detailed diagrams and procedures for fuel tanks, petcocks, fuel lines, and carburetor maintenance (cleaning, jetting).

Electrical Schematics:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for lighting, starting system, charging system, ignition, and instrumentation.

Braking System:

Procedures for brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, and disc inspection for both front and rear brakes (often Brembo components).

Suspension Steering:

Service information for the front telescopic forks (e.g., oil changes, seal replacement) and the rear swingarm with dual shock absorbers.

Frame Bodywork:

Details on frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairings (if applicable), seat mounting, and fairing stay components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, and brake adjustments.

Engine Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection of wear components, and reassembly with torque specifications.

Carburetor Rebuild:

Detailed guides for cleaning, rebuilding, and synchronizing dual Bing carburetors, including jet sizes and needle positions.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, testing components, and interpreting wiring diagrams.

Suspension Service:

Instructions for fork oil replenishment, fork seal replacement, and rear shock absorber adjustments.

Brake System Maintenance:

Procedures for bleeding brakes, replacing brake pads, and servicing brake calipers.

Clutch Adjustment Service:

Instructions for adjusting clutch cable free play and servicing the clutch assembly.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostics:

Detailed troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostic procedures for mechanical and electrical issues.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

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

Displacement:

971 cc

Bore X Stroke:

94 mm x 70.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (typical)

Power Output:

Approx. 65 hp @ 7000 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model)

Torque Output:

Approx. 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model)

Fuel Delivery:

Dual Bing 32mm Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (RON+MON)/2)

Top Speed:

Approx. 110-115 mph (177-185 km/h)

0-60 Mph:

Approx. 4.5-5.5 seconds

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual, constant mesh

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate diaphragm spring clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in manual, typically close-ratio for sporty feel.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2200-2300 mm (varies by model variant)

Width:

Approx. 800-900 mm (at handlebars)

Height:

Approx. 1200-1300 mm (to top of windscreen/handlebars)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 210-230 kg (varies by model variant)

Gross Weight Rating:

Typically around 420-450 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20-26 liters (including reserve, varies by model)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Motorcycle safety is generally assessed through handling, braking, and rider protection considerations, not formal crash test ratings like cars.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes (often Brembo), single rear disc brake. ABS was not standard or widely available in 1988 for this model.

Handling:

Telelever or conventional telescopic front forks and BMW's Monolever or Paralever rear suspension (depending on specific R100 sub-model) contribute to stable handling.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Sturdy steel tube frame designed for rigidity and durability.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A - This era of BMW motorcycles focused on mechanical and rider engagement rather than electronic infotainment systems.

Assistance Features:

N/A - ABS was not standard on most R100 models of this vintage. Rider aids were minimal.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000-6,000 km (3,000-3,750 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles).

Spark Plug Check:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles).

Fork Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or as needed.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil (e.g., Castrol Actevo 20W-50, Motul 3000 20W-50).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 2.75 liters (2.9 US quarts) with filter change.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil.

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific model recommendations).

Fork Oil:

SAE 10W or 15W fork oil, approximately 190-210 ml per fork leg.

Common Problems:

Worn valve guides, stator failures, clutch pushrod seal leaks, carburetor synchronization drift, aging electrical connectors, and potential fork seal leaks are commonly reported.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, technically advanced motorcycles, with the boxer engine being a cornerstone since the 1920s.

Evolution:

The R100 series evolved from earlier R90, R100RS, R100RT, and R100CS models, representing BMW's continuous refinement of its large-displacement boxer platform.

Production Period:

The R100 models were produced from the late 1970s through the 1980s, with the 1988 model year being a late iteration of this successful line.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)

Variants:

Common R100 variants in this period include the R100RT (Touring), R100RS (Sport-Touring with fairing), R100GS (Dual-Sport), R100R (Naked Roadster), and R100CS (Classic Sport).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 1988 R100 may not be documented, the entire 'airhead' boxer series is widely recognized for its reliability, engineering, and enduring appeal among motorcycle enthusiasts, often lauded in vintage motorcycle publications and community discussions.