Segment:
Sport-Touring / Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners and technicians performing maintenance and repair on BMW K1100 LT and RS models.
Positioning:
Premium sport-touring and touring motorcycles offering a blend of performance, comfort, and BMW's characteristic engineering quality.
Competition:
Competed against other premium sport-touring motorcycles of its era from brands like Honda (ST series), Kawasaki (GTR series), and Yamaha (FJR series).
Distinctive Features:
Characterized by its transverse inline-four engine, shaft drive, advanced (for its time) fuel injection, and the comfort-oriented LT touring variant with full fairing and luggage.
Engine Layout:
Unique transverse inline-four configuration allowed for a narrower motorcycle profile compared to traditional inline-fours.
Engine:
Complete engine service, disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnosis, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Clutch operation and service, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shift mechanism, final drive and shaft.
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front forks, rear shock absorber), steering system, wheels, spokes, tires, brakes (front and rear disc brakes, ABS system if applicable), braking system bleeding and maintenance.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematic, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system, lighting system (headlights, tail lights, indicators), horn, instrumentation, fuses, relays, wiring harness diagrams and troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement.
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage systems (LT model), maintenance and removal of body components.
Instrumentation:
Diagnosis and repair of speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lamps, and related sensors.
Safety Systems:
Detailed coverage of ABS systems, including component testing and bleeding procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake pad replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable to later models), coolant flush.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly across all covered systems.
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical component testing, diagnostic codes.
Suspension Service:
Front fork oil change and seal replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment (where applicable).
Brake System Overhaul:
Disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of brake calipers, master cylinders, and bleeding procedures for both standard and ABS systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the Motronic system and troubleshooting flowcharts for various electrical and mechanical issues.
Type:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
72 mm x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 100-110 HP (depending on market/tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
System:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (min. 91 RON)
Injectors:
Bosch fuel injectors, requiring specialized diagnostic tools for testing and calibration.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1495 mm (58.9 inches)
Length:
Approx. 2220 mm (87.4 inches) for LT
Width:
Approx. 890 mm (35 inches) for LT
Seat Height:
Approx. 810 mm (31.9 inches) for LT, 815 mm (32.1 inches) for RS
Dry Weight:
Approx. 245 kg (540 lbs) for LT, 235 kg (518 lbs) for RS
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs)
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific details.
Valve Adjustment:
Recommended at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) intervals.
Spark Plugs:
Replacement recommended every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 API SG/SH motorcycle oil. Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters.
Coolant:
BMW recommended coolant (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors. Mixture ratio 50:50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 2.5 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 hypoid gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 0.2 liters.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fuel pump reliability, starter motor brushes, alternator brushes, fork seals, exhaust header pipe corrosion, ABS sensor failures (if equipped).
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, failure of the side stand switch, dashboard illumination issues.
Engine Management:
Motronic system can be sensitive to voltage fluctuations; occasional issues with idle control or sensor readings.
Fairing Mounts:
Vibrations can lead to cracking or loosening of fairing mounting points on LT models.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany.
K Series Era:
Part of BMW's K-series line, known for its modular engine design and transverse inline-four configuration introduced in the 1980s. The K1100 series was an evolution of the K100 platform.
K1100 Introduction:
Introduced in 1992, offering increased displacement and power over the previous K100 models. The LT (Luxus Tourer) was designed for long-distance touring, while the RS (Rennsport) was the sport-oriented faired version.
Engine Upgrade:
The K1100 featured an increased bore and stroke over the K100, resulting in a smoother and more powerful engine delivery.
Production Years:
1992 - 1999