Segment:
The BMW R1100 GS is a pioneering 'adventure touring' motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, durability, and capability for both on-road and off-road excursions.
Competitors:
Competed with other large displacement dual-sport and adventure touring motorcycles of its era, such as the Honda Africa Twin, Suzuki V-Strom, and Ducati Multistrada (though the latter entered later).
Features:
Air/oil-cooled Boxer twin engine, shaft drive, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, Integral ABS II, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.
Engine:
Detailed engine overhaul, including cylinder head, valve train, piston, crankshaft, oil pump, and timing.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system diagnosis, service, and repair, including fuel pump, injectors, throttle bodies, and sensors.
Ignition System:
Ignition system components, timing, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, maintenance, clutch service, and final drive maintenance.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension fork overhaul, rear Paralever swingarm, shock absorber replacement and adjustment.
Brakes:
Integral ABS II braking system service, hydraulic component replacement, pad and disc inspection, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, and instrument cluster service.
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat service, fuel tank maintenance.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system maintenance and component inspection.
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem diagnosis for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major motorcycle components.
Rebuilds:
Full engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for the Motronic engine management system, including error code interpretation (requires appropriate diagnostic tools).
Depth:
From basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine disassembly, overhaul, and system troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, flat-twin (Boxer) engine
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Valve Train:
SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated
Horsepower:
80 hp (59 kW) @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
70.8 lb-ft (96 Nm) @ 5250 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific engine oil (check manual for exact specifications and ambient temperature recommendations)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Spark Plugs:
NGK CR9EK or equivalent
Type:
5-speed, constant mesh gearbox
Features:
N/A (No factory automatic option)
Drive Type:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate clutch, cable-operated
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.2 liters (0.21 US qt)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in) at seat
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1487 mm (58.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 247 kg (545 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not officially specified but typically around 450 kg (992 lbs) for safe operation.
Fuel Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gal), including 4 liters (1.1 US gal) reserve
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS II (optional on some early models, standard on later ones, including the 2000 model). Deactivatable at rear wheel.
Braking System:
Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight.
Frame Type:
Steel-tube trellis frame
Infotainment System:
Basic instrumentation: Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, LCD clock, warning lights. No integrated infotainment system.
ABS System:
Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) is a key advanced safety feature for its time.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) includes valve adjustment, fuel system check, etc.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/Oil cooled engine)
Common Problems:
Paralever pivot wear, clutch slave cylinder leaks, fuel pump relay issues, occasional Hall sensor failures, ABS modulator issues if not maintained. Oil leaks from engine seals are possible with age.
Oil Filter:
BMW Part No. 11 42 1 456 129 (or equivalent aftermarket filters)
Air Filter:
BMW Part No. 13 72 1 459 766 (or equivalent aftermarket filters)
Accolades:
The R1100 GS is widely recognized as a highly capable and reliable adventure touring motorcycle, often lauded for its comfort on long journeys and its ability to handle diverse terrains. It contributed significantly to establishing the 'adventure bike' segment.
Reliability:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though specific components may require attention with age and mileage.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with European emission standards for its model year.
