🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R1100RT

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

R259

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance touring riders, motorcycle enthusiasts seeking robust build quality and advanced features for their machine.

Competitors:

Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Kawasaki GTR1000 (earlier models).

Engine Layout:

Four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine.

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic engine management.

Suspension:

BMW's proprietary Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for enhanced ride comfort and stability.

Braking System:

Integrated ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) for improved safety.

Windscreen:

Electrically adjustable windscreen for optimal rider comfort and protection.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage of the BMW R1100RT's Boxer-twin engine, including top-end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), lubrication system, cooling system (oil cooler), and fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Detailed information on the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation (hydraulic actuation), driveshaft, final drive (paralever system), and associated bearings and seals.

Chassis Suspension:

In-depth coverage of the front Telelever suspension system, rear Monolever (actually Paralever on the R1100RT) suspension, shock absorbers (adjustment and replacement), swingarm, fork seals, and wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Complete guide to the integrated ABS II braking system, including front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS modulator, and sensor troubleshooting.

Electrical Electronics:

Extensive coverage of the motorcycle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), dashboard instrumentation, fuses, relays, and diagnostics for electronic control units (ECU).

Bodywork Fairings:

Instructions for removal and installation of body panels, fairings, windscreen (electric adjustment), seat, fuel tank, and luggage systems (panniers, top case).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance procedures such as oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug inspection and replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, final drive oil change, and general lubrication.

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and overhaul, including engine top-end rebuild, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch replacement, suspension component repair, and brake system overhaul.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common issues, including engine performance problems, electrical faults, braking system malfunctions, and suspension noise or instability.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including interpretation of diagnostic codes (if applicable to this model's diagnostic port), troubleshooting electrical circuits using multimeters, and specialized testing for fuel injection and ABS systems.

Torque Specifications:

All critical torque specifications for engine components, chassis fasteners, suspension mounting points, and brake system hardware.

Clearances Tolerances:

Precise specifications for valve clearances, piston ring end gap, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements for ensuring proper engine and component function.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for physical reference during repairs.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams, schematics, and photographic illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air-cooled, flat-twin (Boxer) engine.

Displacement:

1085 cc

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

Overhead camshafts (SOHC), two valves per cylinder operated by pushrods and rockers.

Horsepower:

90 hp (67 kW) @ 7250 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

70.1 lb-ft (95 Nm) @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 electronic fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2.

Cooling Method:

Oil-cooled with an engine-mounted oil cooler.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed, constant mesh gearbox.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with BMW's Paralever single-sided swingarm.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

930 mm (36.6 in) (including mirrors)

Height:

1430 mm (56.3 in) (windscreen in lowest position)

Dry Weight:

255 kg (562 lbs)

Wet Weight:

270 kg (595 lbs) (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

460 kg (1014 lbs)

Luggage Capacity:

Standard integrated panniers, optional top case. Specific volume not readily available, but designed for substantial touring luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System).

Braking System Type:

Linked front and rear braking, operated by a single lever and foot lever, with ABS control.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, front and rear turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel tube frame providing robust chassis integrity.

Engine Protection:

Cylinder head protection bars are a common factory or dealer option and highly recommended.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional integrated radio/cassette player or later CD player on some models.

ABS:

Integral ABS II system, a significant safety feature for its time.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system available on some models, enhancing long-distance comfort.

Diagnostic Port:

Early diagnostic capabilities, often requiring specialized BMW diagnostic tools for advanced troubleshooting.

Windscreen Control:

Electric adjustment of the windscreen height via handlebar-mounted buttons.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Filter Change:

Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.

Engine Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Use high-quality synthetic motorcycle oil.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Requires adjustment via shims.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil meeting API SG/SH or JASO MA specifications. Refer to manual for precise BMW approval.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Oil Type:

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

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air/Oil Cooled)

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Some early models could experience fuel pump failures, though often robust.

Hall Sender Unit:

Failure of the Hall sender unit can cause intermittent starting or running issues.

Transmission Clutch Lever Pivot:

Wear on the clutch lever pivot point can lead to a sloppy feel.

Throttle Cable Wear:

Throttle cables can stretch or wear over time, requiring adjustment or replacement.

ABS Modulator Issues:

While generally reliable, ABS modulators can develop issues with age, impacting braking performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany.

Heritage Focus:

Known for engineering excellence, particularly in boxer-engine motorcycles and advanced touring capabilities.

Predecessors:

Successor to the R100RT, built upon BMW's experience with the K-series touring bikes and the introduction of the four-valve R1100 models.

Platform:

Part of the 'Oilhead' generation of BMW boxer engines, introducing a more modern and powerful engine configuration.

Production Years:

1994-2001 (R1100RT).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

Widely recognized for its comfort, stability, and touring capability, establishing BMW as a leader in the sport-touring segment.

Rider Reviews:

Consistently praised by owners and critics for its build quality, long-distance comfort, and robust performance.