Segment:
Sport Touring / Sportbike
Design Philosophy:
Combines the touring comfort and reliability of BMW's boxer-twin heritage with a more sporting chassis and aerodynamic design.
Competitors:
Honda VFR series, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Ducati ST series.
Engine Layout:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer) engine.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, contributing to low maintenance and clean aesthetics.
Suspension:
BMW's distinctive Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for enhanced stability and ride quality.
Braking System:
Optional integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for improved safety, particularly during hard braking.
Primary Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-500 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (assumed, typical for international models)
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine:
1085cc Boxer-Twin, Fuel Injection (BMS-K or similar), Ignition System, Lubrication, Cooling System (Oil-Cooled)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Gearbox, Clutch Operation and Adjustment, Final Drive (Shaft Drive)
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Telelever Front, Paralever Rear), Brakes (ABS II or optional ABS-V), Wheels, Tires
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System (Alternator, Regulator), Lighting, Instrumentation, Engine Management Sensors, ABS Control Unit
Bodywork:
Fairings, Seat, Fuel Tank, Body Panels, Controls, Ergonomics
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Valve Clearance Adjustment, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Service, Gearbox Oil Change, Final Drive Oil Change, Drive Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Fuel System Servicing, Exhaust System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Fault Code Interpretation (if applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer)
Displacement:
1085 cc (1.085 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
4 valves per cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), actuated by pushrods and rocker arms.
Fueling:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - typically Bosch Motronic or similar.
Horsepower:
Approximately 95 hp (70 kW) at 7,500 rpm (varies slightly by model year and market)
Torque:
Approximately 98 Nm (72 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm (varies slightly by model year and market)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 95 RON recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 25 Liters (6.6 US Gallons)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on ambient temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 Liters (2.6 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with maintenance-free universal joint
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic gear oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.8 Liters (0.85 US Quarts)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.18 Liters (0.19 US Quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2,180 mm (85.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 890 mm (35.0 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,270 mm (50.0 in) at handlebars
Seat Height:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (adjustable on some models)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs)
Front Wheel Size:
MT 3.50 x 17
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR 17
Rear Wheel Size:
MT 5.00 x 17
Rear Tire Size:
170/60 ZR 17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Spoked wheels with single-sided swingarm and shaft drive)
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS II (later models may have ABS-V variant)
Braking System:
Dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston calipers; Single 265mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light (on some later models), integrated turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Integral frame concept (engine as stressed member), often using aluminum alloy.
Audio System:
Generally not equipped with factory audio systems, though aftermarket options are common.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display showing fuel level, odometer, trip meters, time, and warning lights.
ABS:
Optional Integral ABS II or ABS V, which combines braking actuation and anti-lock functionality.
Diagnostics:
BMW's diagnostic connector (often OBD-I or proprietary) for engine management system fault code reading.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendations.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder leaks, front fork seal leaks, wheel bearings, alternator brushes, fuel pump reliability (on some early models).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occasionally suffer from intermittent electrical faults due to age and vibration; checking connections and grounds is crucial.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Wear in the Telelever pivot bearings can lead to imprecise steering and handling.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century. Known for its boxer-twin engines, shaft drive, and emphasis on build quality and rider comfort.
R Series Tradition:
The R1100S builds upon the tradition of BMW's boxer-twin R-series motorcycles, adapting the platform for a sportier application. It represented a departure from the more traditional touring and adventure focus of earlier R-series bikes.
Introduction Year:
Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year.
Production Years:
1998-2005
Key Updates:
Later models (from 2001 onwards) received performance enhancements, including increased horsepower and torque, revised suspension settings, and an optional ABS V system. Some cosmetic updates also occurred.
Critical Acclaim:
Praised for its unique handling characteristics, robust engineering, and long-distance comfort, despite some criticism for its then-unconventional styling.
Sales Performance:
A popular model for BMW, contributing to its expansion in the sport-touring segment.