Market Position:
The BMW R1100 series represented BMW Motorrad's high-end sport-touring, touring, and adventure-touring segment for the turn of the millennium, known for its boxer-twin engine character, shaft drive, and quality engineering.
Competitors:
Competed with other premium touring and sport-touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (ST1100), Kawasaki (GTR1000), and Yamaha (FJ1200).
Key Features:
Characterized by the longitudinal boxer-twin engine, Telelever front suspension (RT/RS), Paralever rear suspension, shaft drive, ABS as standard or optional (depending on sub-model), and sophisticated touring amenities (especially on the RT).
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, valve train), fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system, transmission (gearbox, clutch), final drive (driveshaft, rear differential).
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, forks (front suspension), shock absorbers (rear suspension), swingarm, steering system, wheels, brakes (ABS, hydraulic system, caliper/rotor service).
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, lighting system (headlight, taillight, signals), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ECU (engine control unit) and sensor diagnostics, ABS control unit.
Bodywork And Controls:
Fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank, handlebars, levers, pedals, cables, linkages.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular servicing, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, lubrication points.
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel system service, final drive service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common fault finding for engine performance, electrical issues, braking system problems, and chassis anomalies.
Technical Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistances, and other critical measurements for proper repair and adjustment.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and ABS system servicing.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin (flat-twin)
Bore X Stroke:
99 mm x 70.5 mm
Power Output:
Approx. 90-95 HP @ 6750 RPM (depending on sub-model and specific tuning)
Torque Output:
Approx. 98-100 Nm @ 5250 RPM (depending on sub-model and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 fuel injection (sequential multi-point, electronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 RON
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (Motronic)
Cooling Medium:
Air and oil cooling
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (including filter, check manual for exact capacity and type)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle specific, API SG/SH or JASO MA rated (refer to manual for precise specification).
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox
Optional Features:
Not applicable (standard manual gearbox for this model)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 (check manual for exact specification and capacity, often shared with final drive)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 (check manual for exact specification and capacity)
Length:
Varies by sub-model (RT generally longer due to fairings)
Width:
Varies by sub-model
Height:
Varies by sub-model
Dry Weight:
Approx. 225-250 kg (depending on sub-model and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 450-480 kg (check specific sub-model)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20-26 liters (depending on sub-model, RT typically larger)
Safety Standards:
Meets all relevant European and US safety regulations for motorcycles of its era.
Braking System:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), typically combined braking actuation.
Front Brake:
Dual disc brakes, typically 305 mm diameter, 4-piston calipers.
Rear Brake:
Single disc brake, typically 276 mm diameter, 2-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight (depending on model year and variant), turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Trellis frame, providing rigidity and safety.
Infotainment System:
Basic instrumentation cluster including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature warning light, oil pressure warning light. Many models featured heated grips and optional radio/audio systems.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Connectivity Features:
Not applicable in the modern sense; basic electrical systems and diagnostic ports for service equipment.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km or as per manual recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Significant checks and component replacements typically recommended every 40,000-60,000 km, detailed in the manual.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendations and flush intervals).
Coolant Type:
If applicable (some early models may be air-cooled only, later might have oil coolers), BMW approved coolant mixture. (Check manual for specific system details).
Common Issues:
Issues can include failing fuel pump relays, alternator brushes wear, ABS sensor issues, front brake line expansion (especially on early Telelever models), and occasional clutch slave cylinder leaks. The manual addresses these and provides diagnostic steps.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular cleaning of the fuel injection system, proper tire pressures, and attentive listening to engine noise are crucial for longevity. The manual provides detailed guidance on all these aspects.
Brand History:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing innovative and durable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engine and shaft drive technology, dating back to the 1920s.
R1100 Series Evolution:
The R1100 series was a significant evolution from the previous R100 models, introducing fuel injection, catalytic converters, ABS, and the Telelever front suspension on certain models, setting new standards for touring and performance.
Production Period:
R1100 series production spanned from the early 1990s through the early 2000s, with the R1150 series succeeding it.
๐ Professional Vehicle Manual Information
Comprehensive technical documentation for maintenance, repair, and operation