Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW motorcycle owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair
Rivals:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki DR-Z, Kawasaki KLR
Model Highlight:
Robust air-cooled boxer twin engines, shaft drive, capable off-road suspension (especially the R100GS with Monolever and longer travel forks)
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for BMW R80GS and R100GS models
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, diagnostics, electrical systems, component overhauls
Estimated Pages:
High (typically 300-500+ pages for this type of manual)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, valve clearance adjustment, carburation, lubrication system
Transmission:
Gearbox removal, disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, final drive maintenance
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (BMW 'Telelever' precursor for R100GS), rear Monolever swingarm, bearings, steering head
Brakes:
Brake system inspection, hydraulic fluid service, caliper maintenance, master cylinder, brake pad replacement
Electrical System:
Ignition system, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, starter motor, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), carburetor service and tuning (Dell'Orto, Bing)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler inspection, mounting, and replacement
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat, fuel tank mounting
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure checks, battery maintenance
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical fault finding, brake caliper rebuild
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification and solutions
Depth:
In-depth coverage suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts, including detailed torque specifications and procedures
Quality:
Likely scanned from original manuals, quality can vary but generally readable for professional use. Searchable text capability depends on the PDF creation.
Printability:
Designed for digital viewing; printing may result in standard PDF print output quality.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital PDF format)
Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc
Displacement R100:
980 cc
Bore Stroke R80:
84.8 mm x 70.6 mm
Bore Stroke R100:
94 mm x 70.6 mm
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 60 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque R80:
Approx. 58 Nm (43 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Torque R100:
Approx. 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Carburetors:
Dual Bing or Dell'Orto carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 36mm depending on specific model variant)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (min. 91 RON recommended)
Wheelbase R80Gs:
Approx. 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Wheelbase R100Gs:
Approx. 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Dry Weight R80Gs:
Approx. 195 kg (430 lbs)
Dry Weight R100Gs:
Approx. 205 kg (452 lbs)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gal), including 3 liters reserve
Crash Safety:
Not applicable (motorcycle specific safety not rated like cars)
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes (e.g., 285mm), single disc rear brake (e.g., 275mm) with BMW's early integral brake system variations (depending on market/year)
Suspension Features:
Long travel suspension, adjustable damping and preload on rear shock (R100GS), telescopic front forks
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, taillight, brake light
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage
Valve Clearance:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles), crucial for boxer engine health
Gearbox Oil:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (API SG or higher)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil
Clutch Lever Play:
Can develop excessive play; requires adjustment
Monolever Pivot Bearing:
Wear on the Monolever pivot bearing can cause handling issues (R100GS)
Carburetor Sync:
Carburetors require regular synchronization for smooth running
Ignition Module:
Early electronic ignition modules can be prone to failure
Exhaust Cracks:
Cracks can develop in exhaust headers due to vibration
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive
R Series Heritage:
The R80GS and R100GS are direct descendants of the legendary R80G/S, the first mass-produced dual-sport motorcycle, which revolutionized the adventure touring market
R100Gs Advancement:
The R100GS introduced the Monolever rear suspension system (a single-sided swingarm with integrated driveshaft and shock absorber), offering improved handling and a cleaner aesthetic compared to the R80GS's Paralever system precursor.
Production Period:
The R80GS and R100GS were produced through the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the R100GS being a significant model in BMW's adventure lineup
