🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R100

Model Variants:

R100/7, R100S, R100CS, R100RT, R100RS, R100GS, R100R

Engine Codes:

Type 247 (various configurations)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW motorcycle owners, independent repair shops, aspiring mechanics.

Value Proposition:

Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending the life of their classic BMW motorcycle.

Manual Type Comparison:

More comprehensive than owner's manuals, providing in-depth technical procedures for repairs and diagnostics.

Diagrams:

Includes detailed illustrations, exploded views, and diagrams of all major components.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Likely includes systematic troubleshooting flowcharts for common issues.

Wiring Diagrams:

Essential, detailed electrical system wiring schematics.

Part Identification:

May include identification of specific parts and sub-assemblies.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Assumed, common for digital manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive engine overhaul, including cylinder head removal, piston and ring replacement, valve timing, carburetor tuning, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling (air-cooled).

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch service, drive shaft maintenance, final drive service.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, rectifier/regulator), ignition system (points, electronic ignition), lighting, starter motor, battery service, instrumentation.

Chassis:

Frame inspection and repair, front forks (suspension, steering head bearings), rear suspension (shock absorbers, swingarm), wheel and tire servicing, brake system overhaul (hydraulic, mechanical), steering system.

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, fuel tank service, seat maintenance, fairings and luggage systems (where applicable).

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid replacement, tire pressure checks, chain adjustment (if applicable to specific models).

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common running issues, starting problems, electrical faults, braking issues, and suspension performance.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including component identification, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Specifications:

Torque values for critical fasteners, engine specifications, tuning data, fluid capacities, wear limits.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostic troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable:

Yes (typically for PDF manuals, allowing keyword searches)

Print Readability:

High (assumed for a quality service manual, ensuring clear text and diagrams)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder Boxer

Engine Displacement:

979 cc (998 cc for some later models)

Bore X Stroke:

90 mm x 77.6 mm (typical)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.4:1 to 9.5:1 depending on model and year

Horsepower:

Approximately 65-70 hp at 6,500 rpm (varies by model)

Torque:

Approximately 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm (varies by model)

Carburetors:

Typically dual Bing constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 32/36/40mm, depending on model)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 RON / 87 AKI minimum recommended)

Ignition Type:

Battery ignition with breaker points or electronic ignition (depending on year/model)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting API SG or higher classification (manual will specify exact grades)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) including filter

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Drive:

Shaft drive via driveshaft to rear wheel

Gearbox Options:

N/A (standard 5-speed)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate (manual operation)

Transmission Fluid:

SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil for final drive, gearbox oil often shared with engine oil in older configurations or specific oils required (manual will clarify).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1465 mm (57.7 in) to 1510 mm (59.4 in) depending on model (e.g., GS models longer)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 200 kg (440 lbs) to 230 kg (507 lbs) depending on model (e.g., GS heavier)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 400 kg (882 lbs) to 430 kg (948 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet relevant motorcycle safety standards of its era.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear (specific caliper/disc sizes vary by model), some earlier models may have drum brakes on rear.

Suspension:

Telescopic front forks, dual rear shock absorbers with adjustable preload (specific models like GS had longer travel).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

N/A (These are classic motorcycles, no digital infotainment systems).

Rider Aids:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control on these models).

Connectivity Features:

N/A.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will provide precise intervals.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Manual will specify.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles), depending on spark plug type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (manual will confirm specific recommendation).

Transmission Oil Type:

Refer to transmission section, often shared with engine oil or specific hypoid gear oil for final drive.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks, rear main seal leaks, swingarm bearings, steering head bearings, aging electrical connectors, carburetor synchronization drift, wear on exhaust baffles.

Specific Model Issues:

Earles fork (early R100/7) seal leaks, '70s era electrical component reliability (can be addressed with upgrades), final drive splines require periodic greasing.

Special Tools:

BMW-specific tools for engine timing, bearing removal, and suspension work will be detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle History:

BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering, reliability, and innovation since the early 20th century.

R100 Development:

The R100 series evolved from the successful R90/6 and R100/7 models, incorporating a larger engine and various chassis and styling updates across its diverse variants.

Key R100 Variants:

R100/7 (standard), R100S (sport), R100CS (Classic Sport), R100RS (Rennsport - fully faired sport-tourer), R100RT (Reise-Tourer - touring), R100GS (Gelände/Straße - dual-sport).

Production Period:

1978-1996 (as per manual coverage, though specific variants had narrower production windows).

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Reputation:

The R100 series is highly regarded for its durability, character, and touring capability, becoming a modern classic. Often praised for its unique Boxer engine sound and feel.