Segment:
Premium Sport Touring / Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda GL1100/1200 Gold Wing, Kawasaki Voyager, Yamaha Venture
Design Philosophy:
Shaft drive, transverse inline-four engine, advanced aerodynamics for touring comfort
Model Variants:
RS (Rennsport - Sport), RT (Reise/Touring - Touring), LT (Luxus/Touring - Luxury Touring)
Powertrain:
Engine (987cc), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front/Rear), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instruments, Starting and Charging System, Ignition System Components
Bodywork:
Fairings, Body Panels, Seat, Storage Compartments
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Service, Valve Clearance Adjustment, Chain/Shaft Drive Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, electrical system fault finding, engine performance problems
Major Repairs:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Image Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for printing clear diagrams and text
Digital Format Characteristics:
Searchable text, hyperlinked table of contents, bookmark support
Digital Media Characteristics:
Optimized for screen viewing and digital printing
Engine Type:
Transverse Inline-Four Cylinder
Displacement:
987 cc (987cc)
Bore X Stroke:
67 mm x 70 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical for K100 models)
Horsepower:
90 hp @ 8,000 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by model/tuning)
Torque:
86 Nm (63 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch LE-Jetronic Fuel Injection (K-Jetronic for early models, transitioning to electronic injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (95 RON recommended)
Type:
Electronic Ignition (CDI with twin spark plugs per cylinder)
Capacity:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change
Wheelbase:
1497 mm (58.9 inches) (approximate)
Length:
Approx. 2150-2250 mm (84.6-88.6 inches) depending on variant
Width:
Approx. 750-900 mm (29.5-35.4 inches) depending on variant
Dry Weight:
Approx. 220-250 kg (485-551 lbs) depending on variant
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 440-460 kg (970-1014 lbs)
Motorcycle Safety Standards:
Compliant with applicable European and US safety standards for motorcycles of its era
Braking System:
Hydraulic Disc Brakes (Dual front discs, single rear disc)
Optional ABS:
BMW Integral ABS available on some later models (K100 RT/LT)
Lighting:
Halogen Headlight, Rear Brake Light, Turn Signals
Instrumentation:
Analog Tachometer, Speedometer, Fuel Gauge, Gear Position Indicator (on some models), Warning Lights
ABS Availability:
Optional on RT/LT models, integrated braking system on some variants.
Charging System:
Alternator with external voltage regulator (later models integrated)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Coolant Type:
BMW recommended coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Fuel injector seal leaks, regulator/rectifier failure, embrittlement of fuel lines, starter motor issues, fork seal leaks
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection and replacement of rubber components, checking electrical connections, ensuring proper coolant levels
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Platform Legacy:
First major BMW motorcycle redesign in over a decade, introducing the K-Series 'flying brick' platform.
Key Advancements:
Monocoque frame construction, transverse inline-four engine, shaft drive, electronic fuel injection.
Production Period:
1983 - 1992 (K100 series, followed by K1100)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau Plant)