Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Key Selling Points:
Torquey boxer engine, Telelever front suspension, shaft drive, sporty handling for its class.
Competitors:
Honda VFR750/800, Yamaha TDM850/900, Ducati ST2/ST4.
Features:
Unique boxer-twin layout, advanced suspension systems for its era, robust build quality typical of BMW.
Engine:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the boxer twin engine, including cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, and lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, throttle bodies, and ECU diagnostics.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil testing, spark plug specifications, wiring diagrams, and Motronic control.
Transmission:
Six-speed gearbox disassembly, inspection, and reassembly; clutch operation and adjustment; final drive housing and shaft inspection.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension: fork seal replacement, oil levels, damper overhaul. Rear Paralever swingarm suspension: shock absorber adjustment and replacement, bearing inspection.
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and service, brake fluid replacement, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter motor, alternator, battery management, lighting system, instrument cluster, and electronic control units (ECU).
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat assembly, fuel tank mounting, body panel repairs, and component alignment.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, headstock bearing service, and general chassis integrity checks.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake fluid flush, coolant checks, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common starting, running, and electrical issues. Specific fault code interpretation for Motronic system.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair, rebuilds, and replacement of worn or damaged parts.
Installation:
Guidance on installing aftermarket accessories (where applicable) and reassembling major components.
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for complete or partial disassembly and reassembly of all major vehicle systems.
Checks Inspections:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, visual inspection procedures, functional tests, and adjustment methods.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including intricate electrical system diagnostics.
Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, OHC (single camshaft per cylinder) driven by a timing chain.
Horsepower:
90 hp (67 kW) @ 7500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
98 Nm (72 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 octane rating (RON+MON)/2
Oil Type:
BMW recommends SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.
Cooling Type:
Air-cooled cylinders and heads, oil-cooled pistons (via integrated oil coolers).
ABS:
Available with BMW's ABS II system (optional on most models/markets).
Braking System:
Dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, single 265mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light.
Frame Construction:
Sturdy steel trellis frame providing excellent rigidity.
Handling Stability:
Telelever front suspension significantly reduces brake dive, enhancing stability under braking.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital odometer, trip meter, clock, gear indicator, fuel level, engine warning lights, oil pressure warning, ABS warning.
ABS System:
Bosch ABS II (optional), a first-generation motorcycle ABS system that provides enhanced braking control.
Diagnostic Ports:
On-board diagnostic system accessible via specific connectors for fault code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Air Filter Service:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 synthetic/semi-synthetic motorcycle oil meeting API SG or higher.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil.
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air/oil-cooled engine)
Common Problems:
Sticking throttle bodies, fuel pump failures (early models), paralever pivot bearing wear, potential for ABS sensor issues, occasional clutch slave cylinder leaks.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of throttle linkages, checking fuel pressure, periodic inspection of paralever pivot and drive shaft U-joints.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle production, dating back to the 1920s.
Development Context:
Developed as a sportier iteration of the R1100 platform, offering more agile handling and a more aggressive riding posture compared to the R1100GS or R1100RT.
Production Years:
1998 - 2006
Manufacturing Plant:
Berlin, Germany