Segment:
Premium Motorcycle / Sport Touring / Adventure Touring
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, restoration specialists
Comparative Advantage:
Known for robust engineering, air-cooled boxer engines, and long-distance capability. This manual provides the in-depth technical knowledge required to maintain this legendary platform.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, preserving the performance and longevity of the BMW R100.
Vehicle Legacy:
The R100 is part of BMW's highly successful air-cooled boxer engine lineage, a design that defined the brand for decades.
Primary Coverage:
Full Service Repair and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
400-600 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially print
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and overhaul (including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system - air cooling).
Fuel System:
Carburetor service and adjustment (e.g., Bing), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance.
Transmission:
Gearbox maintenance, repair, and overhaul (including clutch, shifting mechanisms, final drive).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system (points, coil, spark plugs), charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, starter motor, battery maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, repair, and bleeding (typically disc brakes).
Suspension:
Front forks (e.g., telescopic, leading axle) and rear shock absorber maintenance, adjustment, and overhaul.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, fairing removal/installation (if applicable), seat maintenance, fender, and general body component repair.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure, tire wear, spoke tension (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, and step-by-step solutions for various issues.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component replacement and repair across all systems.
Rebuild Overhaul:
Comprehensive guides for complete engine, gearbox, and suspension rebuilds.
Adjustment Procedures:
Detailed procedures for carburetor synchronization, ignition timing, valve clearance, brake lever adjustment, clutch play, and suspension settings.
Depth:
Expert Level - Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including electrical system tracing and mechanical component testing.
Special Tools:
Lists and diagrams of specific tools required for certain procedures (e.g., valve seat grinding tools, flywheel pullers, etc.).
๐ Manual Specifications
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable Text, High Resolution Scans)
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text
Binding Type:
N/A (for digital), Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound (if printed)
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital), Heavyweight paper suitable for workshop use (if printed)
Manual Scope:
Covers all systems and components required for comprehensive maintenance and repair, from routine service to full engine rebuilds.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
980 cc (approx. 59.8 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
94 mm x 70.6 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.5:1 to 9.5:1, depending on specific R100 variant.
Valvetrain:
OHV (Overhead Valve), two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated.
Horsepower Peak:
65-70 hp (approx. at 7000 rpm), depending on variant.
Torque Peak:
55-60 lb-ft (approx. at 5500 rpm), depending on variant.
Carburetors:
Dual Bing constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on model).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 or higher recommended.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.75 liters (2.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Oil Filter Type:
Spin-on cartridge type (e.g., Mann-Filter MW 64, Bosch 0986 452 012, or equivalent).
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Final Drive:
Shaft drive (enclosed driveshaft).
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch.
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil, SAE 75W/90 or 80W/90 GL-5 (or specified by BMW).
Transmission Oil Capacity
Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles).
Fork Oil Change:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for exact recommendations.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks, starter clutch wear, cylinder head gasket leaks, charging system components (rectifier/regulator), worn valve guides.
Potential Electrical Issues:
Corroded connectors, aging wiring harness insulation, points ignition system maintenance.
Carburetor Tuning:
Bing CV carburetors require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy. Synchronization is key.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Philosophy:
Reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and rider comfort, particularly in touring and sport-touring segments.
Predecessors:
R90S, R100/7 series, R65, R75/5, R80.
Successors:
R1100 series (first oil-cooled boxers), R1150, R1200 series.
Production Period:
The R100 series was produced from 1976 through the early 1990s, with the 1986 model year being a significant part of this range.
Variants:
R100RS (Roadster Sport), R100RT (Roadster Touring), R100GS (Gelรคnde/Straรe - dual-purpose), R100R (Roadster), R100CS (Classic Sport).
๐ Awards & Recognition
Industry Standing:
The R100 series is widely recognized for its durability, touring comfort, and iconic boxer engine design, often lauded as a benchmark in its class during its production era.
Owner Loyalty:
High owner loyalty due to the bikes' reliability and the strong community support, often leading to restoration and continued use for decades.
