🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1100 S

Year:

1999, 2000, 2001

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport-Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a high-performance, technologically advanced, and comfortable motorcycle for long-distance touring and spirited riding.

Competitors:

Competed with other European and Japanese sport-touring bikes of the era, such as Ducati ST series, Yamaha FJR1300, Honda VFR800, and Kawasaki GTR1400 (later models).

Engine Layout:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (Boxer) engine with four valves per cylinder.

Frame Type:

Trellis frame providing a rigid and lightweight chassis.

Suspension Technology:

BMW's signature Telelever front suspension for improved stability and feel, and Paralever rear single-sided swingarm.

Drivetrain Type:

Shaft drive, minimizing maintenance compared to chain drives.

ABS Availability:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS II) was a significant safety feature for its time.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of the Boxer-twin engine, including component identification, overhaul procedures, torque specifications, and diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, fuel lines, and related sensors.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing, and diagnostic procedures.

Transmission:

Gearbox, clutch operation, shifting mechanisms, lubrication, and rebuild procedures.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive system, final drive, universal joints, and related maintenance.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever swingarm, shock absorbers, fork seals, and spring rates.

Brakes:

ABS II system (if equipped), brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, fluid types, bleeding procedures, and rotor/pad specifications.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting, horn, and electronic control units (ECU).

Chassis Bodywork:

Frame, body panels, fairing, seats, fuel tank mounting, and related fasteners.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel specifications, bearing maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, and replacement guidelines.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain lubrication (if applicable, though R1100S uses shaft drive), and brake checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trees, common problem identification, and symptom-based solutions for various systems.

Component Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major components like the engine, gearbox, and suspension.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for easy identification of circuits, components, and troubleshooting electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for all critical fasteners to ensure proper assembly and prevent component damage.

Fluid Recommendations:

Specific types and quantities of oils, coolants, and brake fluids required for optimal performance and longevity.

Depth Level:

Factory level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format) allowing for digital access, searchability, and printing.

Searchability:

Typically, factory service manuals in PDF format offer full text search capabilities, greatly enhancing usability.

Print Compatibility:

Designed to be printed, with clear diagrams, text, and formatting suitable for home or professional printing.

Binding Recommendation:

For printed versions, spiral binding or a three-ring binder is recommended for easy page turning and lay-flat viewing during repairs.

Paper Quality Recommendation:

High-quality, durable paper is ideal for printed manuals to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer), 2 valves per cylinder (Note: R1100RS/RT had 4 valves, R1100S initially had 2, later models received 4-valve heads for some markets/specifications, but this manual specifically denotes the R1100S which is often associated with the 2-valve variant for the earlier years covered).

Engine Displacement:

1085 cc (cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99 mm x 70.5 mm (mm)

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1 (typical for 2-valve, may vary slightly for 4-valve variants)

Cooling System:

Air/Oil cooled

Horsepower:

90 hp (66 kW) at 7,250 rpm (approximate, can vary slightly by market and specific model year/tune)

Torque:

97 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,250 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection (or similar Motronic variant)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 (typically premium unleaded)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

25 liters (approx. 6.6 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Type:

Not applicable, 5-speed manual was standard.

Final Drive:

Enclosed driveshaft with single-sided swingarm and universal joint.

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate clutch

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed within the manual, crucial for performance tuning and understanding engine speed at different road speeds.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (likely a high-quality gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or similar).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2185 mm (86 in)

Width At Handlebars:

Approx. 845 mm (33.3 in)

Height At Seat:

Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (seat height, unladen)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Consult manual for specific GVWR

Payload Capacity:

Consult manual for specific payload capacity

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS Rating:

Optional ABS II system for enhanced braking control, reducing stopping distances and preventing wheel lock-up.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. With optional ABS II.

Suspension Stability:

Telelever front suspension contributes to consistent geometry under braking, enhancing stability.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, and standard turn signals.

Chassis Design:

Robust trellis frame designed for structural integrity and rider confidence.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, fuel level indicator, and warning lights. Some models may have temperature gauges.

ABS System:

Optional BMW Motorrad ABS II, a sophisticated (for its time) anti-lock braking system integrated into the hydraulic braking circuit.

Diagnostic Port:

Likely equipped with a diagnostic port for BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools for advanced troubleshooting.

ECU System:

Bosch Motronic engine control unit managing fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific interval.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter to be replaced with every oil change.

Spark Plug Service Interval:

Refer to manual, typically around 20,000 km or as per inspection.

Valve Clearance Check:

Refer to manual, typically at significant mileage intervals (e.g., 20,000 km or 40,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW recommends specific grades, often synthetic like 15W-50 or 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil. Consult manual for exact BMW approved oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4 liters (including filter). Refer to manual for exact capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (for ABS II and standard systems). Refer to manual for confirmation and change interval.

Final Drive Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or similar).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, wheel bearings, fuel pump, regulator/rectifier, and occasional starter motor issues.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many bikes of this era, electrical connections and grounds can be a source of intermittent issues if not maintained.

Suspension Leaks:

Fork seals and rear shock absorber seals can eventually wear and leak.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), a German manufacturer with a long history in aviation and automotive engineering, known for its quality and innovation in motorcycles.

Predecessors:

Evolved from the R 100 R and R 100 RS models, incorporating modern technology like fuel injection and Telelever suspension.

Generations:

The R 1100 S represents a significant step in BMW's sport-touring lineup, bridging the gap between the more touring-oriented R 1100 RS and the naked R 1100 R.

Later Models:

Succeeded by the R 1150 RS and later the R 1200 ST and R 1200 RS models.

Production Years:

1996 - 2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Recognition:

BMW is renowned for its engineering prowess, quality construction, and performance in the motorcycle segment, particularly for its boxer-twin engines and innovative chassis designs.

Motorcycle Reviews:

The R 1100 S generally received positive reviews for its handling, stability, and versatility as a sport-touring machine, though its power output was sometimes considered modest compared to some competitors.