🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R Series (R80, R90, R100)

Model Years Covered:

Primarily 1987, with potential overlap for models around this period.

Engine Code General:

Type 247 (Air-cooled flat-twin boxer engine)

👋 Introduction

Market Position Of Vehicles:

The BMW R-series motorcycles (R80, R90, R100) are iconic touring and sport-touring motorcycles known for their robust engineering, boxer engines, and shaft drive. They occupied a premium segment of the motorcycle market.

Competitive Landscape:

Competed with other large-displacement motorcycles of the era, often from Japanese manufacturers (e.g., Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha XS series) and other European brands. BMW's boxer twin and shaft drive offered a distinct alternative.

Vehicle Key Features:

Air-cooled flat-twin ('boxer') engine, shaft final drive, robust chassis, comfortable riding position, touring capability, classic styling.

Value To Owner:

Essential for owners who wish to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper servicing of these classic machines.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, repair, and maintenance for BMW R80, R90, and R100 models.

Specific Models Covered:

BMW R80, R90, R100 (exact sub-variants like R100RS, R100RT, R80G/S, R90S might be detailed if applicable to the 1987 model year and engine platform).

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated 300-600 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and scope).

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed manual, or potentially a high-quality PDF scan.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, cylinder head, valves, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing, lubrication system.

Engine Fuel System:

Carburetor service and adjustment (likely Bing or similar), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.

Ignition System:

Ignition system components, timing, troubleshooting, potential electronic ignition systems.

Transmission Gearbox:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, shifting mechanism, clutch operation, lubrication.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, final drive (rear axle) disassembly, maintenance, and lubrication.

Suspension:

Front forks (telelever or conventional depending on specific model variant), rear swingarm, shock absorbers, linkage systems (if applicable).

Brakes:

Brake system components (front and rear), master cylinders, brake lines, calipers, pads, discs, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, lighting, instruments, switches, relays.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, wheel bearings, general chassis components.

Bodywork:

Fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank, fenders, trim, hardware.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug checks, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic guides for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhauls.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Compression testing, valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing checks, carburetor synchronization.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all systems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds. Designed for professional mechanics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Mentions required special tools, torque specifications, and diagnostic parameters.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Typical:

PDF (if digital), printed pages (if physical).

Print Quality Assessment:

Assumed high-quality print with clear diagrams and text, typical of factory or high-tier aftermarket manuals.

Binding Type Typical:

Spiral-bound or saddle-stitched for printed versions to allow flat opening.

Paper Type Typical:

Durable, possibly glossy or semi-gloss paper stock to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Configuration:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin ('boxer') engine

Displacement R80:

Approx. 798 cc

Displacement R90:

Approx. 897 cc (R90/6) or 971 cc (R90S)

Displacement R100:

Approx. 980 cc (R100/7, R100RS, R100RT, R100GS)

Horsepower Typical Range:

50-70 HP (Varies significantly by specific model and tuning)

Torque Typical Range:

60-75 Nm (Varies significantly by specific model)

Carburetor Type Common:

Bing (e.g., 32mm, 40mm depending on model)

Fuel Grade Recommended:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

Oil Type Recommendation:

Mineral or semi-synthetic SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Oil Capacity Engine Crankcase:

Approx. 2.0 - 2.5 Liters (including filter, check manual)

Oil Filter Type:

Cartridge filter (e.g., Mann-Filter, Mahle equivalents)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch, diaphragm spring

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with universal joint

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 80W/90 GL-5 hypoid gear oil (check manual for specific BMW recommendation)

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 Liter

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Typical:

Approx. 1450-1500 mm (Varies by model)

Seat Height Typical:

Approx. 780-820 mm (Varies by model)

Dry Weight Typical:

Approx. 190-220 kg (Varies by model and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 370-400 kg (check specific model)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Motorcycle safety standards of the late 1980s. ABS was not standard on most models of this era, but might have been an option on R100RT.

Active Safety Features:

Effective braking systems (often dual disc front), stable chassis dynamics, good visibility.

Passive Safety Features:

Robust frame construction, durable bodywork providing some rider protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Era:

Minimal to none in modern sense. Primarily basic analog gauges.

Driver Assistance Features Era:

Limited. Some later models may have ABS as an option.

Connectivity Features Era:

Not applicable for this model year.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlight, standard incandescent turn signals and taillight.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km or annually (refer to manual)

Valve Clearance Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km (critical for boxer engines)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 10,000 - 20,000 km, or as needed based on condition

Final Drive Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)

Fork Oil Type Recommendation:

Specific fork oil viscosity (e.g., SAE 7.5W or 10W), capacity varies by model.

Common Issues Airheads:

Oil leaks (particularly from pushrod tubes and engine seals), clutch wear, starter motor issues, ignition system component failure (points, coils), carburetor synchronization problems, transmission input shaft splines wear.

Maintenance Focus Areas:

Valve adjustments, carburation tuning, electrical system checks, and regular oil/filter changes are crucial for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Heritage:

BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s, with a strong reputation for engineering, durability, and innovation. The boxer engine is a defining characteristic.

R Series Evolution:

The R80, R90, and R100 series are descendants of the original R32 boxer-engined motorcycles. These models represent the evolution of BMW's airhead boxer platform through the 1970s and 1980s, with continuous improvements in performance, chassis, and features.

Production Period R Series:

Various R-series models were produced from the 1950s through the early 1990s (airheads). The 1987 models are part of the later iterations before the introduction of the oil-cooled and then the K-series and newer R-series designs.