Motorcycle Models Covered:
R1100RT, R1100RS, R850GS, R1100GS, R850R, R1100R
Product Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Code Series:
R1100 (Oil-cooled Boxer)
Target Audience:
Owners of BMW R1100RT, R1100RS, R850/1100GS, R850/1100R motorcycles seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive technical information equivalent to OEM manuals, enabling owners to maintain their motorcycles effectively and reduce reliance on dealer service.
Core Benefit:
Enables complete understanding of motorcycle systems for efficient repair and maintenance, saving time and money.
Visual Aid Quality:
Includes detailed illustrations and photographic steps for complex procedures.
Manual Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for specified BMW R-series motorcycles.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 400 pages (typical for this model series manual)
Type:
Factory-style Service & Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), printable pages
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine teardown, rebuild, troubleshooting, fuel injection (Motronic), ignition, cooling system (oil cooler), exhaust system.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox, clutch (dry or wet depending on model variant), driveshaft, final drive.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front forks (including Telelever on RT/RS), rear shock absorbers (Paralever), frame, steering head.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, ABS (if equipped), electronic control units (ECU).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, ABS components (if applicable).
Bodywork And Fittings:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, body panels, luggage systems (for RT), controls, levers.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, coolant checks.
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Level Of Detail:
In-depth, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers complete tear-down and rebuild.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams, and component testing procedures.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, air-cooled (with oil cooling for cylinder heads and oil cooler) Boxer twin-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
R850 models: 848 cc; R1100 models: 1085 cc
Bore X Stroke:
R850: 87.5 mm x 70.5 mm; R1100: 99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 10.0:1 to 10.7:1 depending on model variant.
Horsepower Approx:
R850: ~70-73 hp; R1100: ~90-98 hp (model dependent)
Torque Approx:
R850: ~78 Nm; R1100: ~96-100 Nm (model dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher, depending on compression ratio and engine tuning)
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition with dual spark plugs per cylinder.
Valve Actuation:
Overhead camshaft (OHC) driven by a timing chain, 2 valves per cylinder.
Gearbox Type:
5-speed sequential manual gearbox
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch (R1100RS, R1100GS, R1100R) or hydraulic wet multi-disc clutch (R1100RT and some R1100RS variants).
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with enclosed universal joint and bevel gear final drive.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided within the manual for each model.
Gearbox Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific BMW recommended gearbox oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 synthetic).
Wheelbase:
Varies by model, approximately 1430-1470 mm (56.3-57.9 inches).
Seat Height:
Varies by model, adjustable on some variants.
Dry Weight:
R850GS: ~210 kg; R1100GS: ~215 kg; R1100R: ~215 kg; R1100RS: ~230 kg; R1100RT: ~250 kg (approximate and vary by equipment).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specified in manual, typically around 440-480 kg.
Crash Test Info:
Not directly applicable to motorcycles in the same way as cars. Manual details safety features and maintenance for safe operation.
ABS Braking:
Optional or standard on certain models (BMW Integral ABS).
Braking System:
Powerful dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake. Details on hydraulic system and component function are in the manual.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlights, LED or incandescent tail/brake lights, turn signals. Wiring diagrams are critical for maintenance.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for fuel level, gear indicator, odometer, trip meters, clock, and warning lights.
ABS:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on many models for enhanced safety.
Diagnostic Port:
Diagnostic connector for connecting to BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTec) for advanced troubleshooting and system checks.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact recommendation.
Valve Clearance Check:
Intervals vary, often around 10,000-20,000 km (6,000-12,000 miles). Manual provides precise checks and adjustments.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Typically every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual; typically a high-quality synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50, API SG/SH or higher.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 recommended for most models.
Coolant Type:
For oil-cooled engines, the primary cooling is oil. Some models may have minor coolant circuits for specific components, manual will specify.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early models could experience fuel pump issues; the manual details testing and replacement.
Hall Sender Unit:
Failure of the Hall sender unit can cause starting or running problems; manual provides diagnostic steps.
ABS Modulator:
Can be prone to failure on some models; manual assists in diagnosis.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Leaks or failure are possible; manual covers inspection and replacement.
Brand Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for boxer engines and touring capabilities.
Introduction Era:
The R1100 series, featuring the new 4-valve boxer engine and Telelever front suspension on RT/RS, was introduced in the mid-1990s, marking a significant technological leap for BMW.
Variant Purpose:
RT (Reise/Touring), RS (Rennsport/Sport), GS (Gelände/Strasse - Off-road/Street), R (Roadster).
Production Years:
Mid-1990s to early 2000s (e.g., R1100GS approx. 1993-1999, R1100RT approx. 1994-2001, R1100RS approx. 1992-2001, R1100R approx. 1994-2001).