🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R Series (R80, R90, R100)

Year:

1989

Product Type:

Service & Repair Manual

Product Format:

Downloadable

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

BMW R Series motorcycle owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts seeking to perform maintenance and repairs.

Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to maintain their classic BMW motorcycles, ensuring longevity and preserving performance through DIY service.

Competitors:

Haynes, Clymer, Bentley (for other marques), official BMW service bulletins (often harder to obtain).

Diagnostic Guides:

Includes sections dedicated to identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Expected to contain detailed exploded views, schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Part Numbers:

May reference original BMW part numbers for component identification and ordering.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

BMW R80, R90, R100

Model Years Covered:

1989 (with potential applicability to closely related years)

Estimated Pages:

Varies (typically 300-500+ pages for comprehensive BMW Boxer manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head assembly, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod service, valve train adjustment, timing chain inspection.

Engine Management:

Carburetor tuning and rebuilding (Bing CV), ignition system testing and adjustment, fuel delivery system service.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch service and replacement, final drive inspection and repair.

Chassis And Suspension:

Fork overhaul, shock absorber service, swingarm bearing inspection, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing adjustment.

Brakes:

Brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, master cylinder service, bleeding procedure, brake line inspection.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter motor service, alternator and charging system troubleshooting, battery maintenance, lighting system repair, switchgear diagnostics.

Bodywork And Frame:

Fender and tank removal/installation, seat mounting, fairing (if applicable) repair, frame inspection.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustments, drive shaft lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing common starting issues, running problems, electrical faults, and braking irregularities.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls and replacements.

Specifications And Charts:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance readings.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for both amateur and professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on original source quality)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans suitable for digital viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Engine Variants:

R80 (approx. 797cc), R90 (approx. 897cc), R100 (approx. 980cc)

Bore And Stroke:

Varies by model (e.g., R100RS: 94mm x 70.6mm)

Compression Ratio:

Varies by model (typically 8.5:1 to 9.5:1)

Valvetrain:

OHV (Overhead Valve), pushrod actuated, two valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

R80: ~50 hp; R90/S: ~60 hp; R100: ~65-70 hp (approximate, depending on variant)

Torque:

R80: ~57 Nm; R90/S: ~70 Nm; R100: ~75-80 Nm (approximate, depending on variant)

Carburetors:

Typically twin Bing constant-velocity (CV) carburetors (e.g., 32mm, 40mm depending on model)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Typically 18-26 liters (varies by model, e.g., R100GS: 26L)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual constant-mesh gearbox

Drive Type:

Shaft drive (via driveshaft to rear wheel)

Gearbox Options:

Not typically offered with alternative gearboxes; focus is on the standard 5-speed unit.

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch, diaphragm spring

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary by model and are detailed within the manual.

Final Drive Ratio:

Specific ratios vary by model (e.g., 32/11, 33/12) and are detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by model (e.g., R100RS: ~1465mm)

Length:

Varies by model (e.g., R100RS: ~2220mm)

Width:

Varies by model (e.g., R100RS: ~840mm)

Dry Weight:

R80: ~200 kg; R90/S: ~200 kg; R100: ~215-230 kg (approximate, varies by model and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Varies by model, typically around 390-400 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Motorcycle safety is primarily dependent on rider skill and equipment; no formal crash ratings exist for this era of motorcycles in the same way as cars.

Braking System:

BMW "Monolever" or "Paralever" rear suspension with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear (depending on model and year, e.g., R100GS has disc front and rear).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Steel tubular frame (often double-cradle or similar robust design).

Engine Protection:

Optional crash bars were commonly fitted.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Not applicable for this era; focus is on mechanical and electrical function. Aftermarket audio systems or GPS could be installed.

Rider Aids:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an optional feature on some R100 models (e.g., R100RT, R100RS) from the late 1980s onwards, but not standard across all variants.

Connectivity Features:

Not applicable.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 6,000-10,000 miles (10,000-16,000 km) or annually.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Air filter: check at 6,000 miles, replace as needed. Oil filter: replace with each oil change.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (check manual for exact BMW recommendations).

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil.

Final Drive Oil Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific caliper type).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, swingarm pivot bearings, steering head bearings, output shaft seal leaks, and ignition coil failures.

Carburetor Issues:

Bing CV carburetors can require periodic cleaning and synchronization for optimal performance.

Electrical Concerns:

Older wiring harnesses and switchgear can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Origin:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded in Germany, with a strong history in aviation and automotive engineering.

Motorcycle Division:

BMW Motorrad has been producing motorcycles since 1923, renowned for innovation and build quality.

R Series Development:

The horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder boxer engine is a cornerstone of BMW's motorcycle design, evolving from early models through the 1970s and 80s into these R80, R90, and R100 variants.

Monolever Paralever:

This era saw the introduction and refinement of BMW's single-sided swingarm designs (Monolever, and later Paralever for certain R100 models like the GS and RT) offering improved handling and shaft drive integration.

Production Period:

The R80, R90, and R100 series spanned various models and configurations from the mid-1970s through the 1980s and into the early 1990s.

Key Variants 1989:

R80GS, R100GS, R100RT, R100RS, R100R (depending on specific market introduction for '89 models).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Awards:

BMW motorcycles have consistently received accolades for build quality, reliability, and rider comfort, particularly the R-series touring and adventure models.

Owner Satisfaction:

The R-series Boxer platform is known for its longevity and the loyalty it inspires among its owners, often rated highly for rider experience and durability.

Emission Standards:

Models from this era were designed to meet emissions standards prevalent at the time of their manufacture, typically without complex catalytic converters or evaporative emissions systems.