Market Position:
The BMW R1100 and R850 series represented BMW's entry into the larger displacement touring and sport-touring motorcycle market, offering shaft drive, sophisticated engineering, and rider comfort.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with established touring motorcycles from Japanese manufacturers and other European brands, emphasizing build quality, rider comfort, and long-distance capability.
Key Features:
Air/oil-cooled Boxer twin engines, Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear drive, shaft drive, optional ABS, comprehensive touring fairings (RT model).
Engine Coverage:
Detailed coverage of the 1100cc and 850cc boxer engines, including R1100 RS, RT, GS, R, and R850 R variants.
Transmission Coverage:
Repair and maintenance procedures for the 5-speed manual transmission and its associated clutch systems.
Chassis Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of suspension (Telelever front, Paralever rear), braking systems (ABS II, ABS-N), wheels, and tires.
Electrical Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for lighting, ignition, fuel injection, instruments, and accessories.
Bodywork Coverage:
Repair and maintenance information for fairings, body panels, seats, and luggage systems (specific to RT and RS models).
Page Count:
Approximately 400-500 pages (estimated based on typical workshop manuals for this era and complexity).
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, cylinder head service, valve adjustment, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod inspection, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system (oil).
Fuel And Emission Systems:
Bosch Motronic M 2.2 fuel injection system servicing, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, exhaust system, emissions control (where applicable).
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch inspection and replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, final drive unit servicing, driveshaft maintenance.
Suspension And Steering:
Telelever front suspension overhaul, Paralever rear suspension maintenance, steering head bearing service, wheel bearing replacement.
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad and disc replacement, ABS II and ABS-N system diagnostics and repair, servo-assisted brake systems.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, ignition system (spark plugs, coils), lighting (headlight, taillight, signals), instrumentation, horn, ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustments, fuel tank service, chassis frame inspection, fairing stay repairs.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, and shaft drive lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common problems related to starting, running, electrical faults, and braking issues.
Engine Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, rebuild, and reassembly with torque specifications.
Brake System Service:
Procedures for brake bleeding (including ABS systems), caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, and pad/rotor replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts for electrical systems.
Suspension Adjustment:
Instructions for adjusting rear shock preload and damping (where applicable), fork oil level checks, and steering head adjustment.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Tools:
Details on using BMW's proprietary diagnostic tools and procedures for Motronic fuel injection and ABS systems.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
1085cc (R1100 Series), 848cc (R850 Series)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 68 mm (R1100), 90.0 mm x 68 mm (R850)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (R1100), 9.3:1 (R850)
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated, overhead camshaft (OHC)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Bosch Motronic M 2.2)
Horsepower R1100:
Approx. 90 HP @ 6750 rpm
Torque R1100:
Approx. 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Horsepower R850:
Approx. 70 HP @ 7500 rpm
Torque R850:
Approx. 77 Nm (57 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic M 2.2 electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (Octane rating)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 25 liters (6.6 US gallons)
Engine Layout:
Flat-twin (Boxer)
Length Rt:
Approx. 2250 mm (88.6 in)
Width Rt:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) (including mirrors)
Height Rt:
Approx. 1425 mm (56.1 in) (including windscreen)
Dry Weight Rt:
Approx. 260 kg (573 lbs)
Wet Weight Rt:
Approx. 283 kg (624 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 470 kg (1036 lbs)
Cargo Capacity Rt:
Integrated panniers and top case (optional/standard depending on trim), approximately 60+ liters total.
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycle safety is not typically rated by standardized crash test bodies like automobiles. Focus is on rider protection and vehicle stability.
Anti Lock Braking System:
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II or ABS-N, offering enhanced braking control.
Traction Control:
Not available on this model year.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, brake light.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame providing rigidity and rider protection.
Bodywork Protection:
Extensive fairings on RT and RS models offer weather protection and aerodynamic stability.
Infotainment System:
Basic instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights. Optional radio/cassette player on some RT models.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on many models. Heated grips and cruise control were also available options on touring variants.
Connectivity:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports as standard. Diagnostic connectivity via BMW's proprietary diagnostic port.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Check manual for specific grade.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years. Check manual for specific DOT rating.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50, API SG or higher. Check manual for exact BMW approval.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/Oil Cooled)
Known Issues:
Common issues include alternator output fluctuations, aging fuel pump relays, worn clutch slave cylinders, potential for ABS system faults, and occasional wiring harness issues in high-mileage examples. Worn throttle body bushings are also noted.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive systems.
Model Evolution:
The R1100 series, introduced in the early 1990s, represented a significant evolution from previous air-cooled boxer twins, featuring fuel injection, ABS, and improved suspension (Telelever/Paralever).
R850 Introduction:
The R850 series was introduced as a more accessible, lower-displacement variant of the R1100 platform, often targeting European markets with licensing restrictions.
Production Years:
R1100 Series: 1993-2001. R850 Series: 1996-2006. Model year 2000 falls within these production runs.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
