Segment:
Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R1100RT owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, and independent repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Honda ST1100, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJR1300 (though the latter arrived slightly later).
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine.
Power Delivery:
Known for smooth, torquey power delivery suitable for long-distance touring.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain their investment, save on labor costs, and ensure quality of work by providing professional-grade repair information.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the BMW R1100RT 1997 model.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and component replacement.
Estimated Pages:
Over 300 pages (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era).
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, valve adjustment, piston/cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod service.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), throttle body, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, injector testing and cleaning.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU diagnosis, timing adjustments.
Cooling System:
Oil cooler service, oil filter replacement, oil change procedures, oil specifications.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch service (dry clutch), gearbox disassembly and assembly, final drive lubrication and inspection, spline lubrication.
Brake System:
ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) service, brake fluid replacement, caliper service, pad replacement, rotor inspection.
Suspension Steering:
Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, steering head bearing adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery service, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, fuse box layout, diagnostic connectors.
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, luggage system mounting, panel repairs.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Fault finding for common issues, diagnostic codes interpretation, specific component testing procedures.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding key engine and transmission components.
Adjustments:
Idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, suspension adjustments.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed two-cylinder boxer engine.
Displacement:
1085 cc (66.2 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm × 70.5 mm (3.9 in × 2.78 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, operated by pushrods and rocker arms (OHV).
Cooling System:
Air cooling with oil cooling to the cylinder heads and oil sump.
Horsepower:
80 hp (59 kW) @ 6,750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
73 lb-ft (99 Nm) @ 5,250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.4 electronic fuel injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium octane (95 RON recommended).
Fuel Capacity:
25 L (6.6 US gal)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for optimal performance).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 L (4.2 US qt) with filter change.
Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive, BMW's Paralever system.
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios.
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (synthetic recommended).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.2 L (0.21 US qt).
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,486 mm (58.5 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 255 kg (562 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 282 kg (621 lbs)
Maximum Load:
Refer to owner's manual for specific payload capacity.
Crash Test Data:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically subject to the same crash test ratings as cars).
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) - standard on most R1100RT models, offering enhanced braking control.
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, LED tail light.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort on long journeys, with adjustable handlebars and comfortable seating position.
Audio System:
Optional integrated radio/cassette or CD player (factory or aftermarket).
ABS:
Integral ABS II system.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW 16-pin diagnostic connector for engine management system and ABS.
Heated Grips:
Standard or optional feature for enhanced rider comfort.
Electrically Adjustable Windscreen:
Standard feature for adjustable wind protection.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 (API SG or higher, JASO MA)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 (synthetic recommended)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/oil-cooled, no coolant system).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates (dry clutch design), fuel pump, ignition coils, alternator brushes, suspension seals.
Potential Problems:
Spline wear on driveshaft and final drive, intermittent ABS faults, charging system issues (older units).
Oil Filter P/N:
11421452663 (BMW Genuine), K&N KN-160, Mann-Filter MW 64/1
Air Filter P/N:
13711451267 (BMW Genuine)
Spark Plug P/N:
NGK CR9EK (or equivalent)
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), a German manufacturer with a long history in aviation engines, motorcycles, and automobiles.
Predecessors:
Evolved from earlier R-series boxer twin motorcycles, inheriting the iconic engine layout.
Technological Advancements:
Introduced significant advancements over previous models, including the Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort.
Production Years:
1996-2001
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant).