Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a comfortable yet capable motorcycle for long-distance touring with a sporty edge.
Key Competitors:
Honda VFR800 Interceptor, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Kawasaki GTR1400 (later models).
Engine Layout:
Boxer-twin, 4-stroke, 2 valves per cylinder (later R1150RT had 4 valves).
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, 6-speed transmission.
Suspension Design:
Telelever front, Paralever rear suspension for improved ride and handling.
Braking System:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (on many models).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on rider comfort, stability, and competent performance for varied riding conditions.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for the Boxer twin engine.
Fuel System:
Detailed coverage of fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, and fuel tank.
Ignition System:
Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, and timing adjustments.
Transmission:
Six-speed gearbox service, clutch replacement, and final drive maintenance.
Suspension Front:
Telelever front suspension overhaul, fork seal replacement, and damping adjustments.
Suspension Rear:
Paralever rear suspension service, shock absorber replacement, and linkage maintenance.
Brakes:
ABS II system diagnostics and repair, brake caliper service, fluid replacement, and pad changes.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery service, starter motor, alternator, lighting, and instrument cluster diagnostics.
Cooling System:
Oil cooler service, oil change procedures, and oil filter replacement.
Exhaust System:
Muffler and catalytic converter replacement, exhaust gasket inspection.
Frame And Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, and general chassis inspection.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain lubrication (if applicable, though R1100S is shaft-driven), brake fluid flushes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues with detailed symptom-to-cause mapping.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component replacement and repair across all major vehicle systems.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing parts like brake pads, clutch plates, wheel bearings, and various engine seals.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools and interpreting fault codes (if applicable for the era).
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repair or maintenance tasks.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder ('Boxer')
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower Output:
90 hp (67 kW) @ 7250 rpm
Torque Output:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (RON 95/98)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gallons)
Cooling Method:
Oil-cooled (integrated oil cooler)
ABS System:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (optional on some models, standard on others in this range).
Braking Performance:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers front, Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper rear.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meter, clock, fuel level, and gear indicator (optional).
ABS:
Integral ABS II provides combined braking and anti-lock functionality.
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-II style diagnostic port (depending on manufacturing date and region) for error code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 (API SG/SH or JASO MA approved).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
0.2 Liters (0.21 US quarts).
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
0.25 Liters (0.26 US quarts).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, wheel bearings, fuel pump, Telelever pivot bearings, rear shock absorber seals.
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional issues with the side stand switch and ABS warning lights due to corrosion or wear.
Engine Notes:
Robust engine, but regular oil changes and valve checks are crucial for longevity.
Awards Received:
While specific awards for this exact model year are less publicized than its overall reputation, the R 1100 S was consistently praised for its blend of performance, comfort, and handling in the sport-touring segment.
Review Consensus:
Praised for its torque-rich engine, stable handling, and comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.