🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80 GS / R100 GS

Model Generations Covered:

R80 GS (1987-1995), R100 GS (1987-1996)

Chassis Codes:

R80GS: 0308, R100GS: 0309

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Market Segment:

Dual-sport motorcycle, adventure touring, end-of-road capability.

Historical Competitors:

Honda Africa Twin (XRV650/750), Yamaha Ténéré (XT600Z), Suzuki DR Big (DR750S/DR800S), Kawasaki KLR650.

Defining Characteristics:

Robust boxer-twin engine, durable shaft drive, capable suspension for off-road use, long-distance touring comfort, iconic design, and legendary BMW reliability.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for BMW R80 GS and R100 GS models.

Estimated Page Count:

200-300 pages (typical for this model range and depth)

Manual Classification:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Delivery Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Primary Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (Shaft Drive), Suspension (Front forks, Monolever rear), Brakes (Disc brakes), Fuel System (Carbureted), Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Charging), Chassis, Bodywork.

Repair And Maintenance Procedures:

Engine overhaul, carburetor tuning and rebuilding, transmission service, clutch replacement, driveshaft inspection and maintenance, wheel bearing replacement, fork seal replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical diagnostics, wiring harness repair, troubleshooting common faults, routine maintenance tasks (oil change, filter replacement, spark plugs, valve adjustments).

Diagnostic And Repair Level:

Detailed technical specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, exploded diagrams, and special tool requirements.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital File Quality:

High-resolution PDF, searchable text (OCR applied where possible), printable pages.

Digital Reproduction Quality:

Maintained original manual's clarity for text and diagrams. Designed for clear digital viewing and printing.

Digital Format Type:

Non-applicable (Digital Download PDF)

Digital Source Type:

Based on original factory publication paper quality.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

R80Gs Power:

50 hp @ 6500 rpm

R80Gs Torque:

56 Nm (41 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm

R100Gs Power:

60 hp @ 6500 rpm

R100Gs Torque:

70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm

Carburetor Specifications:

R80GS: Bing 32mm CV carbs. R100GS: Bing 40mm CV carbs.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 RON or higher)

Bore Stroke R80Gs:

80.0 mm x 78.0 mm

Bore Stroke R100Gs:

94.0 mm x 70.7 mm

Compression Ratio R80Gs:

8.2:1

Compression Ratio R100Gs:

8.5:1

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition (CDI)

Cooling Method:

Air cooling

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Optional Transmissions:

N/A (standard for this model range)

Drive System:

Shaft drive (via BMW Monolever system)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 hypoid gear oil (API GL-5)

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 liters (34 fl oz)

📐 Dimensions

Length R100Gs:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width R100Gs:

Approx. 890 mm (35.0 in)

Height R100Gs:

Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in) (seat height)

Dry Weight R80Gs:

Approx. 195 kg (430 lbs)

Dry Weight R100Gs:

Approx. 204 kg (450 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity R80Gs:

26 liters (6.9 US gal)

Fuel Tank Capacity R100Gs:

35 liters (9.2 US gal) (standard with Paris-Dakar tank option)

Front Suspension Type:

Telescopic fork with anti-dive system (BMW Motorrad Telelever on later R100GS models, but not standard for the entire 1987-1996 range, typically Telescopic fork for this era's GS)

Rear Suspension Type:

BMW Monolever single-sided swingarm with adjustable shock absorber.

Front Wheel Size:

21 inch (spoked)

Rear Wheel Size:

17 inch (spoked)

Front Tire Size Recommendation:

90/90-21

Rear Tire Size Recommendation:

130/80-17 or 140/80-17

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Standards:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than automobiles, focus is on mechanical integrity and rider protection).

Braking System:

Dual 285mm disc brakes front, 273mm disc brake rear. (Optional ABS on later R100GS models, typically referred to as ABS II).

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic analogue instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights). No modern infotainment systems.

Assistance Systems:

Optional ABS II system on some later R100GS models. Focus on mechanical systems.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (Analog systems)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W/50 or SAE 15W/40 motorcycle-specific engine oil (API SG or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.75 liters (93 fl oz) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, driveshaft splines (requires greasing), exhaust header leaks, carburetor diaphragm wear, fork seal leaks, starter motor brushes, charging system components (rectifier/regulator).

Electrical Component Concerns:

Aging wiring loom insulation, contact corrosion in switches and connectors.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad, founded in 1916, has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for its engineering prowess, reliability, and innovation in boxer-twin engine technology.

Gs Series Development:

The GS (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) designation represents BMW's successful foray into the dual-sport motorcycle market, building upon the foundation of the R series airheads. The R80GS and R100GS were pivotal in defining the adventure touring category.

Production Period:

1987-1996

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Accolades:

The BMW GS series, including the R80GS and R100GS, is widely regarded as a pioneering and highly influential model in the adventure touring segment, earning a legendary status among riders for its durability and capability.