Model Variants:
R80/7, R80GS, R80RT, R80ST, R90/6, R90S, R100/7, R100CS, R100GS, R100RS, R100RT, R100S, R100T
Engine Codes:
247 Engine (Airhead Boxer Series)
Positioning:
Essential diagnostic and repair guide for owners and mechanics of classic BMW airhead motorcycles
Value Proposition:
Provides the essential technical knowledge to maintain, repair, and restore the iconic R80, R90, and R100 series motorcycles, often at a fraction of dealership service costs.
Reliability Enhancement:
Detailed procedures ensure correct maintenance and repair, prolonging the life and enhancing the reliability of these classic machines.
Diagnostic Capability:
Equips users with the ability to diagnose and resolve a wide range of mechanical and electrical issues.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Workshop
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Page Count:
300-400
Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Format:
Likely Printed or PDF (Digital Download)
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, component disassembly/reassembly, timing, valve adjustment, carburetor tuning, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling (air-cooled design)
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly/reassembly, clutch operation, final drive, driveshaft maintenance
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service (master cylinder, calipers, lines), brake pad replacement, rotor inspection, parking brake (if applicable)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, charging system (alternator/generator), lighting, ignition, instrumentation, battery maintenance
Chassis And Suspension:
Fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection/replacement, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearing service, swingarm maintenance
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (e.g., Bing, Dell'Orto), fuel tank cleaning, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable)
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairing removal/installation, seat maintenance, fender adjustments, frame inspection
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed steps for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for most major systems
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, timing settings, fluid types and capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Digital Format Features:
Searchable text, hyperlinked sections, printable pages (if PDF)
Print Quality:
Clear diagrams, legible text, durable paper (if printed)
Binding Type:
Likely perfect bound or spiral bound (if printed) for lay-flat usability
Paper Type:
Durable, semi-gloss or matte paper stock suitable for workshop environments (if printed)
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)
Bore X Stroke:
Varies by model (e.g., R80: 82.5 mm x 74.5 mm, R100: 94 mm x 70.8 mm)
Displacement:
Approximately 798cc (R80), 897cc (R90), 979cc/1000cc (R100)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by model (e.g., R100S: 9.5:1)
Horsepower:
Varies by model (e.g., R80/7: ~50 hp, R100RS: ~70 hp)
Torque:
Varies by model (e.g., R100S: ~75 Nm)
Carburetors:
Typically dual Bing constant-velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on model)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 or higher)
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Type:
None (standard for this era)
Drive Type:
Shaft drive (final drive)
Clutch:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring operated
Wheelbase:
Varies by model (e.g., R100GS ~1470 mm)
Seat Height:
Varies by model (e.g., R80GS ~820 mm)
Dry Weight:
Varies by model (e.g., R100RS ~228 kg)
Wet Weight:
Varies by model (e.g., R100RS ~238 kg)
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable for motorcycles of this era in the same way as cars.
Braking:
Disc brakes front and rear (dual discs on some R100 models), with hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals, brake light.
Features:
None (basic analogue instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, neutral indicator, oil pressure light, turn signal indicator).
Features:
None (focus on mechanical systems and rider control).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific model).
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (e.g., Castrol GP 20W-50, BMW Recommended oils)
Transmission Oil:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 80W/90 API GL-5
Final Drive Oil:
Gear oil, e.g., SAE 80W/90 API GL-5
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Fork seals, clutch plates, charging system components (rectifier, voltage regulator), starter motor brushes, fuel line degradation.
Airhead Specifics:
Carburetor synchronization and tuning, potential oil leaks from engine seals, electrical connector corrosion.
Model Specific Notes:
R100GS models can experience wear on the Monolever pivot bearings.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of engineering robust and reliable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engines and shaft drive systems.
Airhead Lineage:
The R80, R90, and R100 series are part of the 'Airhead' generation of BMW boxer motorcycles, known for their distinctive air-cooled engines and touring/sport-touring capabilities. These models represent a refinement and expansion of the earlier R series.
Manufacturing Era:
These models were primarily produced throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with significant updates leading into the 1986 model year.
Key Innovations:
Introduction of Monolever (single-sided swingarm and driveshaft) on certain models like the R80GS and R100GS.
Model Reputation:
Renowned for durability, reliability, and long-distance touring capabilities, cementing their status as modern classics.
Manual Recognition:
Highly regarded by the BMW motorcycle community for its thoroughness and accuracy, essential for maintaining these vehicles.
