Segment:
Touring / Sport Touring Motorcycle
Reputation:
Known for durability, comfort, and accessible performance.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki GTR series, Yamaha FJR series (during their respective production eras).
Engine Type:
Classic air-cooled boxer twin, known for its unique character and torque.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive provides low maintenance and clean operation.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable rider triangle suited for long-distance travel.
Handling:
Balanced chassis dynamics, often featuring sophisticated suspension systems for the era.
Engine:
BMW Boxer Twin, Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Fuel System:
Carburetor Systems (e.g., Bing 32/40)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition
Electrical System:
Lighting, Charging System, Battery, Starter, Instrumentation
Suspension Front:
Telescopic Fork (often with adjustable preload)
Suspension Rear:
Monolever or Paralever Swingarm System
Brakes Front:
Single or Dual Disc Brakes
Brakes Rear:
Drum Brake or Disc Brake
Wheels Tires:
Spoked Wheels, Tire Sizes
Exhaust System:
Dual Exhaust
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Valve Adjustments
Engine Rebuild:
Top End Overhaul, Piston/Ring Replacement, Cylinder Boring
Transmission Service:
Clutch Adjustment, Gearbox Disassembly/Reassembly, Shaft Drive Maintenance
Carburetor Tuning:
Synchronization, Jetting, Float Level Adjustment
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Fault Finding
Suspension Service:
Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Servicing
Brake Service:
Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Bleeding, Caliper Servicing
Troubleshooting Guides:
Symptom-based diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and frame repairs.
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) Twin-cylinder
Displacement:
980 cc (approximate, depending on specific R100 variant)
Bore X Stroke:
90.0 mm x 76.0 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 to 9.5:1 (depending on model variant)
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 60-70 HP @ 6500-7000 RPM (depending on specific R100 variant)
Torque Peak:
Approx. 75-80 Nm @ 3500-4000 RPM (depending on specific R100 variant)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Bing Constant-Velocity Carburetors (e.g., 32/40mm)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by BMW)
Type:
Electronic Ignition (CDI - Capacitive Discharge Ignition)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 Liters (check specific model)
Length:
Varies by R100 model (e.g., R100RT, R100GS)
Width:
Varies by R100 model
Height:
Varies by R100 model
Dry Weight:
Approx. 200-230 kg (depending on model)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 220-250 kg (depending on model)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 18-24 Liters (depending on model, e.g., R100GS larger tank)
Front Tire Size:
Commonly 100/90-18 or 90/90-21 (GS models)
Rear Tire Size:
Commonly 120/90-18 or 130/80-17 (GS models)
Wheel Type:
Spoked Wheels (Tubed Tires)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle) - Focus on design safety features.
Braking System:
Disc brakes offer effective stopping power, often with dual discs on the front.
Suspension Stability:
Well-engineered suspension contributes to stable handling.
Frame Construction:
Robust steel frame provides structural integrity.
Lighting:
Adequate headlight, taillight, and turn signals for visibility.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 6,000-10,000 miles.
Spark Plug Service:
Every 6,000-12,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Major Service Interval:
Around 20,000-30,000 miles, involving more in-depth checks.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (check manual for precise recommendation).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check specific system requirements).
Final Drive Oil Type:
API GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, aging rubber components (hoses, seals), exhaust header leaks, potential issues with electrical connectors and charging system components (rectifier/regulator).
Engine Specific:
Valve guide wear over high mileage, oil leaks from base gaskets or pushrod seals, carburation synchronization drift.
Electrical Specific:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, failure of regulator/rectifier unit, aging battery.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany
Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing durable and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
Predecessors:
Successor to R75/5, R90/6, R100/7, R100S, R100RS, R100RT, R100CS, R100GS series.
Key Developments:
Introduction of Monolever and Paralever rear suspension systems, fuel injection on some later models (though 1994 R100 is likely carbureted), ABS availability on touring models.
Production Era:
R100 series produced from late 1970s through mid-1990s. 1994 represents the later stages of the air-cooled boxer era before the transition to the oil-cooled R1100 series.
Variants:
R100GS (Enduro/Adventure), R100R (Naked Roadster), R100RS (Sport Tourer), R100RT (Touring).
Market Reputation:
Consistently praised for build quality, longevity, and comfortable touring capability.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high among owners who appreciate the classic BMW riding experience and mechanical simplicity.
Manual Accuracy:
Comprehensive, often derived from official BMW service bulletins and factory training materials.