Market Segment:
Premium sport-touring and adventure touring motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours 14, Moto Guzzi Norge 1200.
Features:
Torque-rich boxer-twin engine, shaft drive, advanced suspension systems (Telelever front, Paralever rear), robust build quality, comfortable ergonomics for touring (RT/RS models).
Value:
Enables owners and independent mechanics to perform all service and repair tasks, reducing reliance on expensive dealerships and potentially saving significant maintenance costs.
Engine:
Engine assembly, disassembly, timing, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling.
Transmission:
Gearbox, clutch, final drive, maintenance, and repair.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front forks (including Telelever system), rear shock absorber (including Paralever system), wheel bearings, steering head bearings.
Brakes:
ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid, calipers, master cylinders, lines, rotor maintenance and replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, diagnostic connectors.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EFI troubleshooting.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems (specific to RT/RS models), exhaust system.
Exhaust System:
Inspection, removal, installation, and common repair points of the exhaust system.
Cooling System:
Oil cooler service, oil flow path, and oil level checking procedures.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard, switches, levers, and control cable adjustments.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve clearance adjustment, spark plug replacement, brake bleeding.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation, electrical system fault finding.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, and performing system checks.
Suspension Adjustment:
Detailed procedures for adjusting front and rear suspension preload and damping (where applicable).
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire changing, wheel balancing, bearing replacement, and rim specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes comprehensive, color-coded electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems.
Torque Specifications:
Provides critical torque values for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, Four-stroke, Flat-twin (Boxer) Engine
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Approx:
90 hp @ 7,250 rpm (varies slightly by model and tune)
Torque Approx:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm (varies slightly by model and tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Ignition System:
Dual Spark Ignition
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety ratings are not typically provided in the same manner as cars).
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (optional on some models, standard on RT, integrated braking)
Braking System:
Disc Brakes (Dual front, Single rear), with linked actuation when ABS is equipped.
Lighting:
Halogen Headlights, LED Taillights (some models/years).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first), check manual for specific viscosity grade.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (recommended).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (recommended).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher, or SAE 15W-40 API SG or higher. Specific BMW recommendations may apply. (Consult manual for exact specs).
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-140 API GL-5.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, starter motor brushes, regulator/rectifier failures, fuel pump O-rings, ABS modulator issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes be attributed to corrosion in connectors or failing grounds, particularly with age.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the 1920s, renowned for engineering excellence, durability, and innovation in motorcycle design.
Predecessors:
R1100 series evolved from earlier air-cooled boxer twins, featuring significant updates with 4-valve cylinder heads and advanced chassis designs like Telelever and Paralever.
Successors:
Succeeded by the R1150 series, and later the R1200 series, which continued to refine the boxer engine and chassis concepts.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin Spandau, Germany