Vehicle Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking rugged, reliable motorcycles for long-distance touring and off-road capability.
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki DR series, Kawasaki KLR series.
Design Philosophy:
Robust construction, air-cooled boxer twin engine, shaft drive, long-travel suspension, suitable for on-road and off-road use.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical information and repair procedures to maintain and repair these iconic BMW motorcycles, saving owners significant costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, valve train, piston, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling (air-cooled), fuel injection (Motronic/K-Jetronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch, final drive, driveshaft.
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear monoshock/dual shocks), steering, brakes (disc brakes front/rear), wheel bearings, wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition coil, electronic control units (if applicable), troubleshooting electrical faults.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, carburetor/fuel injection synchronization and adjustment, chain adjustment, brake bleeding, wheel bearing lubrication.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel system cleaning and repair.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting charts.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage for both routine maintenance and in-depth mechanical repairs, including complete engine and gearbox rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Type R80:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Engine Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Engine Type R100:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Engine Displacement R100:
979 cc
Bore Stroke R80:
82.5 mm x 74.5 mm
Bore Stroke R100:
94 mm x 70.8 mm
Compression Ratio R80:
8.2:1 (typical)
Compression Ratio R100:
8.5:1 (typical)
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 65 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque R80:
Approx. 55 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Torque R100:
Approx. 70 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery R80:
2 x Bing constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 32/36/40mm depending on variant)
Fuel Delivery R100:
2 x Bing constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 32/40mm depending on variant) OR Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection on some models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (min. 91 RON recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 19-21 Liters (depending on model variant/tank)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual constant mesh gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Drive Type:
Shaft Drive (Cardan shaft)
Final Drive Ratio:
3.00:1 (typical, may vary by model/year)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1440-1470 mm (depending on model/year)
Seat Height:
Approx. 860-900 mm (depending on model/year)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 185-200 kg (depending on model/year)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 380-400 kg (depending on model/year)
Crash Test Results:
Not applicable (motorcycle)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brake (300mm), single disc rear brake (240-280mm), with 2-piston calipers. ABS was not standard on these models during their primary production.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED tail lamp (aftermarket upgrades common)
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame for rigidity and durability.
Infotainment System:
No integrated infotainment system; basic analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, indicator lights).
Ignition System:
Breakerless electronic ignition (e.g., Bosch Motronic or similar systems on later R100 models).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (check manual for specifics).
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (critical for boxer engines).
Driveshaft Maintenance:
Lubrication and inspection at regular intervals (e.g., every 10,000-20,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Castrol GTX, Motul 5100).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 Liters (with filter change)
Gearbox Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W/90 (e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil).
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.8 Liters
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W/90 (same as gearbox).
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.2 Liters
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, wheel bearings, swingarm pivot bearings, exhaust gaskets, starter motor brushes, regulator/rectifier units.
Engine Specific Issues:
Oil leaks from pushrod tube seals, timing chain tensioner wear, ignition coil failure, carburetor synchronization drift.
Electrical Issues:
Corroded connectors, faulty kill switch, charging system issues (diodes, voltage regulator).
Suspension Issues:
Worn fork seals, leaking rear shock absorber, worn steering head bearings.
Bmw Motorrad History:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer twin engines and shaft drive systems, dating back to the 1920s.
Gs Lineage:
The GS (Gelรคnde/Straรe - Off-road/Street) series began with the R 80 G/S in 1980, establishing the dual-sport category. The R 80 GS and R 100 GS models evolved from this original concept, offering increased power and refinement.
R Series Development:
The R 100 R was a more road-biased variant, often featuring cast alloy wheels and a slightly different suspension setup compared to the GS models, emphasizing comfort and touring capability.
Production Years R80Gs:
1980-1987 (varied international markets)
Production Years R100Gs:
1987-1996 (varied international markets)
Production Years R100R:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
๐ Awards & Recognition
Model Recognition:
The R 80 G/S and its successors are widely recognized for their durability, off-road capability, and role in popularizing the adventure motorcycle segment. Celebrated for their robust engineering and reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to longevity and unique riding experience, though maintenance can be more involved than modern bikes.
Manual Quality Standard:
Reputable aftermarket or OEM-derived service manual, providing accurate and detailed technical data aligned with industry repair standards.
