Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure Motorcycle
Competitors 1995:
Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Ténéré, Suzuki DR Series, Kawasaki KLR Series, KTM LC4 models.
Durability:
Renowned for robust construction and longevity, especially the air-cooled boxer engines.
Versatility:
Capable on both paved roads and off-road terrain, a hallmark of the GS line.
Engine Character:
Torquey, characterful boxer twin providing ample low-end grunt suitable for adventure touring.
Shaft Drive:
Low-maintenance shaft drive system, a significant advantage over chain-driven competitors for long-distance travel.
Engine:
Air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine, including engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling system (air), fuel system (carburetors), exhaust system, ignition system.
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox (often referred to as the 'GS' gearbox), clutch operation, internal components, lubrication, troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system (final drive unit), universal joints, gear ratios, maintenance, lubrication, bearing replacement.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (often BMW's own Paralever system for later models, but for 1995 R80/R100 GS, typically conventional telescopic forks with internal damping), rear Monolever swingarm, shock absorber adjustments, fork seal replacement, rebuilding suspension components.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (typically disc brakes), caliper overhaul, master cylinder maintenance, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures, pad replacement, rotor specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, lighting system, ignition coils, troubleshooting electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and rebuilding (likely Bing carburetors), fuel tank maintenance, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable).
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, fuel tank repair, fender mounting, general body panel adjustments.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning, tire changing, wheel balancing, recommended tire sizes.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug checks/replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, chain/shaft drive inspection and lubrication.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major engine, transmission, and suspension components.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Critical measurements, torque values, and clearances for all engine and chassis components.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common electrical problems, testing components, and understanding wiring diagrams.
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for certain repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic servicing and routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke R80:
80.7 mm x 78.0 mm (R80 GS)
Bore X Stroke R100:
94.0 mm x 71.5 mm (R100 GS)
Displacement R80:
797.5 cc (R80 GS)
Displacement R100:
980 cc (R100 GS)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 depending on specific R100 variant.
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50-55 hp at 6500 rpm (R80 GS)
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 60-65 hp at 7000 rpm (R100 GS)
Torque:
Significant low-end torque, typically in the 55-65 Nm range for R100.
Carburetors:
Dual Bing constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on model/year).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 AKI / 95 RON recommended).
Valve Actuation:
Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated.
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil.
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI), dual spark plugs per cylinder for improved combustion.
Crash Safety:
Not applicable for motorcycle safety ratings in the same way as cars.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (typically Brembo or Ate calipers).
ABS:
ABS was not standard on this model year, though optional on some later R100GS variants (Paralever models).
Frame Construction:
Steel tube trellis frame.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, standard tail/brake light and turn signals.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Check manual for specifics.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles), critical for engine health.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 liters (including filter), depending on engine variant. Refer to manual.
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.5 liters.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.15 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 recommended.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion and wear on electrical connectors are common, requiring inspection and cleaning.
Carburetor Sync:
Carburetor synchronization is crucial for smooth running; requires periodic adjustment.
Suspension Seals:
Fork seals and rear shock seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
Clutch Cable:
The clutch cable can stretch or wear, requiring adjustment or replacement.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing robust, reliable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive systems since the 1920s.
Gs Lineage:
The 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) designation signifies BMW's successful dual-sport and adventure touring motorcycle line, originating with the R80G/S in 1980.
R80Gs Introduction:
The R80GS was introduced in 1987, evolving from the R80G/S, offering more travel and off-road capability.
R100Gs Introduction:
The R100GS was introduced in 1987 as the larger displacement sibling, offering increased power and torque for touring and carrying loads.
Paralever Evolution:
While this 1995 manual is for the R80/R100 GS, it's worth noting that later GS models (from 1987 onwards, and evolving significantly by the mid-90s) featured the innovative Paralever single-sided swingarm system, improving rear suspension performance and drive shaft geometry.
Manufacturing Era:
The R80GS and R100GS models were produced from 1987 through the mid-1990s (with the last of the R100GS models being sold around 1996).