Market Position:
The BMW R1100 series represented BMW's sophisticated touring and sport-touring motorcycles of the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for their innovative engineering, boxer-twin engines, and shaft drive, appealing to riders seeking premium performance and comfort.
Competition:
Competed against models from Honda (ST1100, VFR800), Yamaha (FJ1200, FJR1300), Kawasaki (ZZR1100), and Ducati (916/996 variants for the R1100S).
Key Features Vehicle:
Shaft drive, boxer-twin engine with excellent low-end torque, Telelever front suspension for improved ride and handling, integral ABS II braking system, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.
Engine:
1085cc Boxer-twin, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair.
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair.
Drivetrain:
Paralever rear drive system, driveshaft, final drive unit maintenance and repair.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever system, fork seals, shock absorber replacement, linkage inspection.
Brakes:
Integral ABS II braking system (front and rear brake activation via single lever), brake fluid replacement, caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, ABS component diagnostics.
Electrical System:
Battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors, ECU troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel tank, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fairing components, maintenance of plastic and metal parts.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire fitting and balancing, spoke maintenance (if applicable to specific model variant).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug inspection/replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues. Fault code interpretation for Motronic system.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component disassembly, rebuilding, and reassembly across all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Charts:
Flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostics to identify root causes of problems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all circuits, including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, ABS, and instrumentation.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled boxer-twin (R1100 R), oil-cooled cylinder heads (R1100 S).
Displacement:
1085 cc (1070 cc for early R1100 S models).
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
Two valves per cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), pushrod actuated.
Horsepower:
R1100 R: Approx. 80 HP @ 6750 RPM; R1100 S: Approx. 90 HP @ 7250 RPM.
Torque:
R1100 R: Approx. 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) @ 5250 RPM; R1100 S: Approx. 97 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5500 RPM.
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 fuel injection (electronic fuel injection with ignition control).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (95 RON) recommended.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts)
Recommended Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 (API SG or higher)
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, operated by hydraulic system.
Optional Transmission:
N/A (All models in this range featured the 5-speed manual gearbox).
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in the manual, typically providing a balance for touring and sport riding.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with enclosed final drive unit.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts)
Transmission Oil Type:
BMW approved gearbox oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 API GL-5, check specific manual for exact BMW part number).
Length:
Varies by model (e.g., R1100 R approx. 2150 mm, R1100 S approx. 2120 mm).
Width:
Varies by model, generally around 850 mm (excluding mirrors).
Height:
Varies by model, generally around 1300 mm (excluding mirrors).
Dry Weight:
R1100 R: Approx. 230 kg; R1100 S: Approx. 225 kg.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 450 kg, consult specific model documentation for exact rating.
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS II (standard on most models, optional on some early R1100 R). Dual-channel system with integrated front and rear braking.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear, dual discs front, single disc rear. ABS provides anti-lock functionality.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light, indicator lights.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame, designed for rigidity and rider comfort.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years.
Driveshaft Lubrication Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic or semi-synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (API SG or higher).
Coolant Type:
If applicable to specific R1100 S variants with oil coolers: BMW recommended coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Issues:
Sprag clutch failure (starter motor engagement), fuel pump wear, ABS sensor issues, wiring harness degradation (especially around the ignition coil and fuel injectors), clutch slave cylinder leaks, paralever seal leaks, Telelever pivot bearing wear.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection of the driveshaft boot and lubrication points is critical. Valve clearance adjustments are crucial for engine longevity. Checking fuel line integrity is also important.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for engineering excellence, boxer engines, shaft drive, and durable, high-quality motorcycles.
Predecessors:
The R1100 series evolved from the earlier R100 series and introduced significant technological advancements like the Telelever front suspension and Motronic fuel injection.
Successors:
The R1100 series was succeeded by the R1150 series (R1150 R, R1150 RT, R1150 GS, R1150 RS, R1150 S), which featured larger displacement engines and further refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad factory).
Market Introduction:
The R1100 R was introduced in 1994, and the R1100 S in 1998. The 1999-2005 designation refers to the specific sub-period covered by this manual, including updates.
