Model:
R Series (R80, R90, R100)
Manufacturer Code:
BMW Motorrad
Covered Production Years:
1978-1996
Chassis Codes Covered:
R80/7, R80GS, R80RT, R90/6, R90S, R100/7, R100S, R100RT, R100RS, R100GS, R100R, R100CS, R100T
Segment:
Premium/Classic Motorcycle Segment
Target Audience:
Owners, enthusiasts, independent repair shops specializing in vintage BMW motorcycles
Competitors Manuals:
Haynes, Clymer, factory service manuals (often rare and expensive)
Advantage:
Comprehensive coverage across multiple models and years in a single, accessible format
Illustration Quality:
Illustrated with clear, step-by-step instructions
Completeness:
Offers complete service, repair, and diagnostic information
Accessibility:
Digital format allows for instant download and easy searchability
Engine:
BMW Boxer twin-cylinder, air-cooled (2-valve and 4-valve variants where applicable)
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems (Bing), fuel injection systems (Motronic where applicable)
Ignition System:
Breaker-point ignition, electronic ignition systems
Transmission:
5-speed and 4-speed manual gearboxes, clutch systems (dry single-plate and dual-plate)
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, final drive units
Brakes:
Drum brakes, disc brakes (single and dual front discs), braking system hydraulics
Suspension:
Telescopic forks,モノショック (Monolever, Paralever) rear suspension systems
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system (alternator, regulator), instrumentation
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection and repair, body panels, fuel tank, seat, fairings (where applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake adjustments, chain/shaft lubrication
Engine Rebuild:
Piston and cylinder removal/installation, valve adjustments, crankshaft and connecting rod service, seal replacement
Transmission Rebuild:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, bearing replacement, shift mechanism repair
Carburetor And Fuel Injection Tuning:
Adjustment, cleaning, rebuilding, synchronization
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting starting and charging issues, wiring harness repair, component testing
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber service, linkage maintenance
Brake System Service:
Bleeding, pad/shoe replacement, caliper/master cylinder rebuilding
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire replacement, wheel balancing, spoke tensioning (where applicable)
Troubleshooting Charts:
Common symptoms and their causes, diagnostic steps
Level Of Detail:
In-depth, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Information:
Includes specific diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, and troubleshooting flowcharts
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed steps for complete engine, transmission, and component overhauls
Wiring Diagrams:
Clear, comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for certain procedures
Configuration:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder
Engine Displacement R80:
797.5 cc (for R80 models)
Engine Displacement R90:
897.1 cc (for R90/6 and R90S)
Engine Displacement R100:
979.7 cc (for R100 models)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves, pushrod actuated (2-valve typically), some R100 variants featured 4-valve heads
Horsepower R80:
Approx. 50-60 hp (varies by specific R80 model and tuning)
Horsepower R90:
Approx. 60-67 hp (R90S typically higher)
Horsepower R100:
Approx. 65-70 hp (varies by specific R100 model and tuning)
Torque:
Significant low-end torque characteristic of BMW boxer engines
Carburetors R80 R90:
Dual Bing 32mm or 40mm constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 64/32/17-19)
Carburetors R100:
Dual Bing 32mm or 40mm CV carburetors (e.g., 64/40/301)
Fuel Injection Systems:
Bosch Motronic (on later R100 models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 90-95 RON (Research Octane Number)
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable in the same way as modern cars; safety focused on rider control and braking performance.
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes (on many later models), single disc rear or drum brakes, providing effective stopping power.
Suspension Stability:
Well-engineered suspension systems (Monolever, Paralever) contribute to stability and handling.
Frame Integrity:
Robust steel tube frame provides a strong and stable chassis.
Lighting:
Adequate headlight, taillight, and indicator lighting for visibility.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km (3,000 - 6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage and specific model year.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) is a common recommendation for these engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 20,000 km (6,000 - 12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil (API SG or higher). Check manual for specific grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 - 3.0 liters (2.6 - 3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 80W/90 API GL-4 Hypoid gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W/90 API GL-5 Hypoid gear oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Oil Leaks:
Common at pushrod tube seals, base gasket, and final drive output seals. Manual details replacement procedures.
Pushrod Tube Seals:
Degradation leads to oil seepage. Detailed replacement instructions are provided.
Gearbox Shifting:
Can become notchy or difficult with wear. Manual covers adjustment and internal inspection.
Charging System:
Rotor and regulator failures can occur. Manual details testing and replacement.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections can lead to intermittent issues. Manual provides wiring diagrams for troubleshooting.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, durable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive.
R Series Development:
The R80, R90, and R100 models represent a significant evolution of BMW's boxer-twin platform, moving from the earlier /5, /6, and /7 series to more refined and powerful iterations.
Key Innovations:
Introduction of Monolever and Paralever rear suspension systems in later models improved handling and reduced maintenance. Advancements in braking systems, including dual front discs. Evolution of fuel injection systems.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany
Production Period:
The R80 series ran from 1977-1995, R90 from 1973-1976, and R100 from 1976-1996. The manual covers this entire span.