🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R Series (R80, R90, R100)

Year:

1988

Code Name:

Internal BMW designations varied, often referred to by engine displacement (e.g., R100RS, R100RT, R100GS, R80RT)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

High-quality, touring and sport-touring motorcycles known for their durability, shaft drive, and distinctive boxer engine.

Competitors:

Competed against other European and Japanese motorcycles offering similar displacement and touring capabilities, though often distinguished by BMW's engineering, shaft drive, and boxer configuration.

Engineering:

Iconic air-cooled boxer twin-cylinder engine, shaft drive (eliminating chain maintenance), robust frame construction, and comfortable rider ergonomics.

Durability:

Renowned for their longevity and reliability, making them a popular choice for long-distance touring and classic motorcycle enthusiasts.

Target Audience:

BMW R series owners, independent motorcycle repair shops, and classic motorcycle restorers.

Benefit:

Enables owners to perform routine maintenance, complex repairs, and diagnostics, saving money and extending the life of their classic BMW motorcycle.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Comprehensive coverage for all R80, R90, and R100 models and engine variants produced in or around the 1988 model year.

Specific Models:

Includes R80, R80RT, R80GS, R90S, R90/6, R100RS, R100RT, R100GS, R100CS, R100T, and potentially other associated variants.

Estimated:

Estimated 500-800+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era, depending on specific content depth and inclusion of electrical diagrams).

Primary:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Secondary:

Technical Service Manual, Maintenance Manual

Primary:

English

Digital:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, troubleshooting, and component specifications for BMW's boxer twin-cylinder air-cooled engines.

Transmission:

Service procedures for the 5-speed manual gearbox, including clutch, gearbox internals, and final drive assembly.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for ignition, lighting, charging systems (alternator, battery), starter motor, and instrumentation.

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., Bing CV) adjustment, overhaul, and troubleshooting; fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel line service.

Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic) service, including oil changes, seal replacement, and damper adjustments; rear swingarm and shock absorber maintenance.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system service (front and rear), including caliper overhaul, master cylinder maintenance, brake pad replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, and general chassis component maintenance.

Bodywork Fairings:

Instructions for removing and installing body panels, fairings (if applicable), seats, and luggage systems.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing service, tire mounting and balancing, and spoke wheel maintenance.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, and brake fluid changes.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common mechanical and electrical issues.

Engine Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection, overhaul, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for gearbox and final drive disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Guidance on using multimeters and test equipment to diagnose electrical faults, including ignition timing adjustments.

Suspension Fork Rebuild:

Instructions for replacing fork seals, bushings, and replenishing fork oil.

Brake System Service:

Comprehensive steps for brake caliper and master cylinder overhauls, bleeding, and fluid replacement.

Carburetor Tuning:

Procedures for synchronizing and adjusting Bing carburetors for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Level:

Advanced and comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed exploded views, torque specifications, clearance measurements, diagnostic flowcharts, and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval, provided it's a scanned original or well-OCR'd.

Resolution:

Variable, but professional downloads typically aim for high-resolution scans suitable for printing.

Digital Equivalent:

N/A (digital format)

Digital Equivalent:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed (boxer) twin-cylinder

Configurations:

R80 (approx. 797cc), R90 (approx. 897cc, particularly R90/6 and R90S), R100 (approx. 980cc to 1000cc depending on specific model).

Horsepower:

Varies by model: R80 typically 50-60 hp, R90S ~65 hp, R100 models typically 65-70 hp.

Torque:

Varies by model, generally strong low-end and mid-range torque characteristic of the boxer design.

Carburetors:

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

Type:

Breaker-point or electronic ignition systems (depending on exact model year and specific variant).

System:

Wet sump lubrication, with oil filter (spin-on or cartridge type).

Method:

Air-cooled, with cooling fins on cylinders and cylinder heads.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual constant mesh gearbox with shaft final drive.

Type:

N/A for this era's R-series; shaft drive was standard.

Clutch:

Single dry plate diaphragm spring clutch.

Drive:

Enclosed shaft drive to the rear wheel.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Varies by model (e.g., R100GS approx. 1445 mm, R100RT approx. 1465 mm).

Seat Height:

Varies by model (e.g., R80GS approx. 820 mm, R100RT approx. 780 mm).

Dry Weight:

Varies by model: R80 approx. 190-210 kg, R100 models approx. 210-240 kg.

Fuel Capacity:

Typically 17-26 liters (4.5-6.9 US gallons), depending on the fuel tank fitted (standard, large touring tank).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test:

N/A for motorcycles of this era; safety was primarily based on rider skill and vehicle stability.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear (dual discs on some front ends for R100 models), offering good stopping power for the era.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, tail light, brake lights, and turn signals.

Suspension Stability:

Well-engineered suspension systems (telelever or conventional telescopic forks and swingarm with monoshocks or dual shocks) contributed to handling stability.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

N/A (Motorcycles of this era were focused on core mechanical functionality, not electronic infotainment systems).

Features:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS, traction control, or riding modes were standard or commonly available on these models).

Features:

N/A (No integrated communication or navigation systems).

Components:

Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, indicator lights for neutral, oil pressure, turn signals, and high beam.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).

Spark Plugs:

Check and gap every 5,000-10,000 km, replace as needed.

Brake Fluid:

Replace every 1-2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 API SE/SF or higher, typically around 2.5-3.0 liters depending on model and filter change. Consult manual for exact spec.

Transmission Oil:

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

Final Drive Oil:

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

Fork Oil:

Typically SAE 10W or 15W fork oil, 215-235 ml per fork leg (varies by model). Consult manual for exact type and quantity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.

Electrical:

Degradation of wiring insulation, rectifier/regulator failure, starter motor issues (especially on high-compression R100 models).

Mechanical:

Carburetor synchronization drift, occasional clutch wear, valve seat wear (rare but possible), exhaust header leaks.

Seals:

Output shaft seal leaks (final drive side), engine countershaft seal leaks, fork seal leaks.

Chassis:

Steering head bearing adjustment and wear, swingarm bearing play.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence, boxer engines, shaft drive, and robust touring motorcycles.

Development:

The R80, R90, and R100 series represent the evolution of BMW's air-cooled boxer platform, starting with models like the R50, R75, and R90S in the 1970s and progressing through the 1980s with improved chassis, engines, and features like monolever or paralever rear suspension on later variants.

Era:

These models were primarily produced throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with the 1988 model year representing a mature stage of development for the air-cooled boxer line.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin-Spandau, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

BMW's R-series motorcycles from this period are widely recognized for their build quality, engineering, and suitability for long-distance touring, often cited in classic motorcycle publications and by enthusiasts.

Owner Satisfaction:

Consistently high owner satisfaction ratings for reliability and durability, contributing to their classic status.

Vehicle Standards:

Manufactured to meet prevailing national and international motorcycle safety and emissions standards of the late 1980s.