Market Position:
Premium touring and sport-touring motorcycles, known for engineering and durability.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other large-displacement European and Japanese motorcycles of the era, offering a unique boxer-twin platform and shaft drive.
Key Features:
Shaft drive, boxer-twin engine, durable build quality, advanced (for its time) suspension systems, comfortable ergonomics for touring.
Manufacturers Covered:
BMW Motorrad
Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, internal components, lubrication system, cooling system (oil-cooled), fuel injection system (Motronic)
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch operation, driveshaft, final drive (Paralever system)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), ignition system, lighting, starter motor, ABS (optional), diagnostics
Chassis And Suspension:
Front forks (Telelever on some models), rear shock absorber, swingarm, frame, wheel bearings, steering head bearings
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, brake fluid, caliper service, disc maintenance, ABS system diagnostics
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank, exhaust system, instrumentation, mirrors
Maintenance:
Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve adjustment, brake bleeding, tire pressure checks, chain/driveshaft maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic codes, common problems and solutions, electrical system fault finding
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, brake system repair, electrical component replacement
Adjustments:
Throttle cable, clutch cable, idle speed, fuel injection mapping (with appropriate tools)
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated (OHV)
Horsepower:
Approx. 80-90 hp (varies slightly by model and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 95-100 Nm (varies slightly by model and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 synthetic motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (with filter change)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Optional Features:
N/A (No automatic transmission offered)
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with Paralever single-sided swingarm
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.75 liters
Length:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS ~2230 mm)
Width:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS ~920 mm)
Height:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS ~1350 mm)
Dry Weight:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS ~232 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100GS ~470 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-25 liters (varies by model)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not rated by typical automotive crash test agencies)
Active Safety Features:
Optional ABS II or Integral ABS, powerful braking systems, stable chassis.
Passive Safety Features:
Sturdy frame, protective fairings (on RS/RT models), integrated rider protection (gear required).
Infotainment System:
Basic instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters. Higher-spec models may have heated grips and basic rider information displays.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) across most models. Some later models feature Integral ABS with linked braking.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years
Coolant Type:
N/A (Oil-cooled engine)
Common Issues:
Hall sensor failure (leading to starting issues/stalling), fuel pump issues, alternator stator failure, HES (Heat Exchanger Seal) leaks, regulator/rectifier failures, ABS sensor issues, clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Wear Items:
Wheel bearings, steering head bearings, clutch plates (dependent on use), brake pads and discs.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust and innovative motorcycles, particularly with its boxer-twin engine platform and shaft drive technology.
Model Evolution:
The R1100 series represented a significant evolution from the older air-cooled boxer engines, introducing four-valve cylinder heads, electronic fuel injection, and improved suspension systems like the Telelever (on GS/R) and Duolever (on R/RS/RT, depending on year/variant).
Production Period:
1993-2005 (with R1100S produced until 2006)
Production Locations:
Germany (Berlin)
