Market Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin (XRV650/750), Yamaha Tenere, Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650.
Design Philosophy:
Robust, air-cooled boxer twin engine known for reliability and torque; shaft drive; capable off-road and comfortable for touring.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the boxer twin engine.
Transmission Service:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly; clutch service and replacement.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Dell'Orto or Bing) overhaul, adjustment, and troubleshooting; fuel tank and pump maintenance.
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, coil testing, spark plug specifications, and electronic ignition system troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, and starter motor.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (telelever or conventional) overhaul, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearing service.
Braking System:
Brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, pad replacement, disc inspection, and hydraulic system bleeding.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Wheel bearing replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable), tire mounting and balancing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust system inspection, gasket replacement, and muffler service.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing and body panel removal/installation, seat service.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake checks, spark plug checks.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems across all major systems.
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, carburetors, and brake calipers.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting using wiring diagrams and component testing methods.
Suspension Setup:
Adjustments and overhaul procedures for front and rear suspension components.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, ranging from basic owner-level maintenance to in-depth professional workshop repairs and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin
Engine Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Engine Displacement R100:
980 cc
Bore X Stroke R80:
82.5 mm x 75 mm
Bore X Stroke R100:
94 mm x 70.7 mm
Compression Ratio R80:
8.2:1
Compression Ratio R100:
8.5:1
Horsepower R80 Approx:
50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower R100 Approx:
60 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque R80 Approx:
56 Nm (41 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Torque R100 Approx:
70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Carburetors R80:
2 x Dell'Orto PHM 40 or Bing 40
Carburetors R100:
2 x Bing 40
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gal)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON
Safety Certification:
ECE standards for motorcycles of the era
Braking System Front:
Dual 285 mm discs with dual-piston calipers (e.g., Brembo or Grimeca)
Braking System Rear:
200 mm drum brake (early models) or single 285 mm disc with single-piston caliper (later models)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, integrated turn signals, taillight/brake light.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 API SG or higher (e.g., BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC)
Engine Oil Capacity Approx:
2.5 Liters (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (glycol-based)
Common Issues:
Worn output shaft seal, paralever pivot bearings, clutch slave cylinder leaks, starter motor brushes, fork seal leaks.
Carburetor Issues:
Float bowl leaks, synchronization drift, jet wear.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in connectors, failing voltage regulator, worn starter solenoid.
Brand Origin:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany, founded 1916.
Gs Series Heritage:
The R80GS and R100GS are part of BMW's legendary 'Gelände/Straße' (Off-road/Street) series, pioneering the adventure touring segment.
R80Gs Introduction:
Introduced in 1980, revolutionizing motorcycle travel with its robust design and dual-purpose capability.
R100Gs Introduction:
Introduced in 1987, building on the R80GS with a larger engine and updated features.
Production Period:
R80GS: 1980-1987; R100GS: 1987-1996.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
