🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80, R90, R100

Year:

1980

Engine Family Codes:

R80 (247), R90 (248), R100 (247)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Essential resource for owners and mechanics of the iconic BMW R-series motorcycles from the late 1970s and early 1980s, catering to enthusiasts and professional repair shops.

Competitors:

Directly competes with other OEM or reputable aftermarket service manuals for BMW motorcycles of this era. Its value lies in its comprehensive coverage and digital format for easy access.

Digital Accessibility:

PDF format ensures easy storage, searching, and accessibility on various devices.

Comprehensive Coverage:

Covers all critical aspects of maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for the specified models.

Model Year Specificity:

Targeted specifically at the 1980 model year, which is crucial for parts and specifications accuracy.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All BMW R80, R90, and R100 variants produced in or around the 1980 model year.

Regions Covered:

Assumed to cover specifications and procedures applicable to global markets where these models were sold.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 300-500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals).

Type:

Workshop Repair and Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the BMW air-cooled flat-twin boxer engines, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and tuning of cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valvetrain, and lubrication systems.

Fuel System:

Comprehensive coverage of carburetor systems (e.g., Bing CV), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), and emission control components.

Ignition System:

Detailed information on ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, points (if applicable), electronic ignition units, and troubleshooting ignition problems.

Transmission:

Service and repair of the 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox, including clutch operation, gear selection, shaft and gear inspection, and final drive unit maintenance.

Brakes:

Service procedures for front and rear braking systems, including hydraulic lines, master cylinders, brake calipers, brake pads/shoes, and drum brake mechanisms.

Suspension:

Maintenance and repair of front forks (telescopic, potentially leading link on some variants), rear swing arm, shock absorbers, and associated bearings.

Electrical System:

Coverage of lighting systems (headlight, taillight, turn signals), battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, wiring diagrams, and component testing.

Chassis And Frame:

Inspection and repair of the motorcycle frame, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, and associated components.

Bodywork And Trim:

Procedures for removing and reinstalling fuel tanks, side covers, fenders, seats, and other cosmetic components.

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, and lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides and flowcharts for identifying and resolving common operational issues across all major systems.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for complete component and system rebuilds.

Component Testing:

Methods for testing electrical components, fuel system pressures, and mechanical tolerances.

Torque Specifications:

Critical torque values for all fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for simplified troubleshooting and component identification.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner-level maintenance to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick retrieval of specific information.

Printability:

Designed for digital use and printable for workshop convenience.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin cylinder engine.

Configuration:

Horizontally opposed (flat-twin) cylinders.

Bore X Stroke R80:

82 mm x 74.6 mm (approx.)

Bore X Stroke R90:

90 mm x 70.6 mm (approx.)

Bore X Stroke R100:

94 mm x 70.6 mm (approx.)

Displacement R80:

797.5 cc

Displacement R90:

897.2 cc

Displacement R100:

979.7 cc

Compression Ratio:

Typically 8.5:1 to 9.5:1, varying by model and tuning.

Horsepower R80:

Approx. 50-55 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Horsepower R90:

Approx. 65-70 hp @ 7,000 rpm

Horsepower R100:

Approx. 65-70 hp @ 7,000 rpm (R100/7), potentially higher for R100S/RS/RT variants.

Torque R80:

Approx. 60-65 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Torque R90:

Approx. 70-75 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

Torque R100:

Approx. 70-75 Nm @ 5,500 rpm (R100/7), potentially higher for sport variants.

Carburetors:

Typically dual Bing 32mm or 40mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetors, depending on the model variant. R90S featured 32mm Dell'Orto or Bing.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, octane rating as specified by BMW (typically 91-95 RON).

Design:

Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated with rocker arms.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (some earlier models or variants may have had 4-speed).

Clutch:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive (enclosed driveshaft).

Gearbox Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model (e.g., R80/7, R100/7, R100S, R100RS, R100RT). Manual will detail these.

Gear Selection:

Heel-and-toe shifter, foot-operated.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Varies by model (e.g., R100RT is longer than R100S).

Width:

Varies by model, typically with saddlebags on touring variants.

Dry Weight:

Approximately 190-230 kg, depending on model (e.g., R100RT is heaviest).

Wet Weight:

Approx. 210-245 kg, including fluids and battery.

Payload Capacity:

Typically around 180-200 kg for rider and luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

N/A for vintage motorcycles; safety is derived from design and rider responsibility.

Braking System:

Single disc front brake (some R100 models feature dual discs), drum brake rear. Later models may have BMW Motorrad's proprietary brake systems.

Handling:

Stable handling characteristics due to low center of gravity and well-engineered frame and suspension.

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals for visibility.

Frame Integrity:

Robust steel tube frame design for rider protection.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

N/A. These models predate modern infotainment systems. Features are mechanical and analog.

Features:

N/A. No electronic driver assistance systems.

Features:

N/A. No modern connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually, whichever comes first. Manual will provide exact intervals.

Valve Adjustment:

Recommended every 10,000 - 15,000 km. Manual provides specific clearance values (e.g., 0.15mm for intake and exhaust on some models).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 10,000 - 15,000 km intervals. Manual will specify type and gap.

Engine Oil:

Viscosity typically 20W-50 or 15W-40 motorcycle-specific oil. Manual will confirm SAE grade and API classification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.0 - 2.5 liters for oil change, including filter (if applicable on specific models).

Transmission Oil:

Gearbox oil typically SAE 80W/90 GL-5. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Final Drive Oil:

Final drive oil typically SAE 80W/90 GL-5. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid, depending on the system. Manual will specify.

Oil Leaks:

Common for aged seals and gaskets (e.g., around cylinder heads, transmission output shaft, final drive).

Stator Failure:

Electrical stator failure can lead to charging system issues.

Carburetor Synchronization:

Requires periodic adjustment for smooth running and optimal performance.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch plates and pressure plates can wear over time, requiring replacement.

Pushrod Tube Seals:

These can degrade and leak oil.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation, reliability, and engineering excellence, particularly with its boxer-twin platform.

Airhead Development:

The R80, R90, and R100 series are part of BMW's 'Airhead' generation of boxer-twin motorcycles, evolving from earlier models like the R75/5 and R90/6.

R90S Significance:

The R90S, introduced in 1973, was a significant performance and styling milestone, featuring sportier ergonomics and dual front disc brakes on some later iterations.

R100 Variants:

The R100 series represented the flagship models, offering various configurations like the R100/7 (standard), R100S (sport), R100RS (fully faired sport-touring), and R100RT (fully faired touring).

Production Period:

The 'Airhead' boxer-twin motorcycles were produced from the late 1960s through the mid-1990s, with the 1980 models falling into a key transition period.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin Spandau, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The R-series 'Airheads' are universally recognized as engineering classics, praised for their durability, reliability, and timeless design. They are highly regarded by enthusiasts worldwide.

Reliability Reputation:

Excellent reputation for long-term reliability when properly maintained, a hallmark of BMW engineering.

Certification:

N/A. As a workshop manual, it provides technical specifications and procedures, not certifications for the vehicle.