Target Audience:
BMW R Series motorcycle owners, independent mechanics, and restoration specialists.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-level technical information for maintaining and repairing iconic BMW Boxer motorcycles, bridging the gap between owner's manuals and professional shop manuals.
Usefulness:
Authoritative guidance mirroring procedures used by BMW dealerships and trained technicians.
Comprehensiveness:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions for a wide range of tasks.
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, printable)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, fuel injection/carburetion, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch, final drive, shaft drive
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear swingarm), steering, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Hydraulic systems (disc brakes), bleeding, component replacement, master cylinders, calipers
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), starter, ignition system, instrumentation, troubleshooting
Bodywork:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, fenders, stands
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve adjustments, chain adjustment, brake pad replacement, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based fault finding
Repair:
Component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, torque specifications
Tuning:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustment, idle speed setting
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer engine)
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Displacement R90:
897.8 cc
Displacement R100:
971 cc or 1000 cc (depending on specific R100 variant, e.g., R100GS, R100RS, R100RT)
Bore Stroke R80:
82.5 mm x 74.5 mm
Bore Stroke R90:
90 mm x 70.6 mm
Bore Stroke R100:
94 mm x 74.5 mm (typical for 1000cc variants)
Horsepower R80:
~50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower R90:
~60-65 hp @ 6800 rpm
Horsepower R100:
~65-70 hp @ 6500-7000 rpm (varies by model)
Torque R80:
~55 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Torque R90:
~70 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Torque R100:
~75-80 Nm @ 5000-5500 rpm (varies by model)
Carburetion R80 R90:
Dual Bing CV (Constant Velocity) carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on model variant)
Fuel Injection R100:
Some R100 models (e.g., R100GS Paris-Dakar, R100R) featured Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection (L-Jetronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium/Super, octane rating typically 91-95 RON)
Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Optional Features:
Shaft drive (cardan shaft) to rear wheel
Clutch:
Single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive Ratio:
Varies by model (e.g., 3.00:1, 3.20:1, 3.38:1 for standard models, different for GS models)
Safety Standards:
Meets all relevant safety and emissions standards for its era.
Braking System:
Front disc brake(s) (single or dual depending on model), rear drum or disc brake. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some later R100 models (e.g., R100RT ABS).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, brake light, taillight.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Approximately every 10,000-15,000 km, critical for performance and longevity.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 10,000-20,000 km, depending on type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 (check manual for exact recommendations based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 - 3.0 liters (with filter change).
Gearbox Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 (API GL-5)
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 (API GL-5)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (for hydraulic systems)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks, front fork seal leaks, starter motor brushes, aging electrical connectors, carburator diaphragm deterioration (on some models).
Specific Model Notes:
R100GS models can be prone to driveshaft splines wear if not properly lubricated. Early fuel injection systems (L-Jetronic) can require specific troubleshooting.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust and reliable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engine configurations which have been a hallmark since the 1920s.
R Series Lineage:
The R80, R90, and R100 models are part of the iconic BMW 'Strich-Acht' (Stroke Eight) series, evolving from earlier boxer twins. The R100 range, introduced in the late 1970s, represented a significant step in performance and refinement for BMW's touring and sport-touring motorcycles, with variants like the R100RS, R100RT, R100S, and the off-road oriented R100GS gaining significant popularity.
Production Period:
The R80, R90, and R100 series spanned various production years, with the 1992 models being towards the end of the air-cooled boxer era before the introduction of the oil-cooled variants.
Model Reputation:
The R80, R90, and R100 series are highly regarded for their durability, comfortable ride, shaft drive, and enduring style. They are considered classic motorcycles and often win awards in vintage motorcycle shows and rallies.
Industry Recognition:
Consistently ranked as desirable classic motorcycles by automotive and motorcycle publications for their build quality and adventure touring capabilities (especially R100GS).
