Segment:
Large-displacement touring, sport-touring, and dual-sport motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJR1300 (later), Kawasaki Concours, Moto Guzzi California.
Powertrain:
Robust 1100cc Boxer-twin engine, known for torque and smooth power delivery.
Chassis:
Innovative Telelever front suspension for improved handling and ride comfort, Monolever rear suspension.
Braking:
BMW's Integral ABS system, a significant safety advancement for its time.
Variants:
Versatile platform offering distinct models for touring (RT), sport-touring (RS), adventure (GS), and naked roadster (R).
Models Covered:
R1100RT, R1100RS, R1100GS, R1100R
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 800-1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language:
English (standard for international market manuals)
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (PDF)
Engine:
1085cc Boxer-twin, fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system (oil-cooled), exhaust system.
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch (dry single-plate or wet multi-plate depending on specific variant), final drive (single-sided swingarm with shaft drive).
Chassis Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Monolever suspension, wheel alignment, suspension adjustments, shock absorber specifications.
Brakes:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), front and rear brake system components, hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrument cluster, ECU (Engine Control Unit), sensors, fuse and relay locations, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, emissions control systems.
Bodywork Fittings:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems (for RT model), handlebars, controls, mirrors.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft spline lubrication, brake fluid flush, coolant inspection (oil-cooled but some systems have coolant traces).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable for the era), fault finding charts.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation (engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electrical components).
Repair Overhaul:
Procedures for rebuilding engine components, transmission overhaul, suspension servicing, brake caliper rebuilds.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and ABS system calibration.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled (with oil cooling) Boxer-twin
Displacement:
1085 cc (1085 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod-operated overhead valves (OHV)
Power Output:
Approx. 90-95 hp @ 7250 rpm (varies slightly by model)
Torque Output:
Approx. 97-100 Nm (72-74 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (varies slightly by model)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with integrated idle control (IPC).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline (minimum 95 RON / 91 AKI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-24 liters (varies by model - RT typically larger)
Gearbox:
5-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch (R, RS, GS) / Wet, multi-plate clutch (RT)
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1430-1490 mm (varies by model)
Seat Height:
Approx. 780-840 mm (adjustable on some models)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 225-250 kg (varies by model and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450-480 kg (varies by model)
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) - standard on most variants, optional on some earlier models.
Braking System:
Linked braking (partial) where front brake lever actuates both front and rear brakes, and rear brake pedal actuates rear brake only (with ABS integration).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight (dual on some models), LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Audio System:
Optional radio/cassette or CD player systems were available on the RT model, often integrated into the fairing.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system for its era, enhancing rider safety.
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-II style diagnostic connector (or proprietary equivalent) for engine management system diagnostics.
Instrument Cluster:
Comprehensive analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer) and digital readouts for fuel level, gear indicator, and warning lights.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or as specified by the manual.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km or as specified.
Drive Shaft Spline Lubrication:
Every 10,000 km or annually.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 API SG/SH/SJ (check manual for exact spec). Capacity: approx. 4.0 liters with filter.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends their own branded fluid).
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W/90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil.
Hall Effect Sensor:
Failure can lead to intermittent starting or engine stalling.
Fuel Pump:
Can degrade over time, leading to performance issues or failure.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Leaking clutch slave cylinder (especially on the dry clutch models) is a common concern.
ABS Module:
ABS control modules can be prone to failure, often indicated by warning lights.
Drive Shaft Splines:
Wear on the output shaft splines and final drive splines, necessitating regular greasing.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad, a division of BMW AG, has a long history of producing high-quality, innovative motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and touring capabilities.
Predecessors:
The R1100 series built upon the success of the R100 series, introducing modern technology like fuel injection and advanced suspension systems.
Successor:
The R1100 series was eventually succeeded by the R1150 series and later the R1200 series, which continued to refine the boxer-twin platform.
Production Period:
The R1100 series was produced roughly from 1993 to 2000.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany