BMW oilhead experts?

[speeder]

Can someone tell me whether the early oilhead Boxer bikes, (like early '90s), had any problems that should make me avoid one? Any expensive upgrades or maintenance on the horizon?

TIA.

[Dan J]

I'm certainly no expert but I do have a later one 04 R1150R
that has been a great bike for me. Just normal maintenance
17k miles on mine

[flatbutt]

like my sig says '99 R1100S...rebuilt the transmission input shaft yrs ago but thats all. And I don't think the other models had this issue. Currently at 70K.

[Rick Lee]

When checking them out, you need to put it on the center stand and the grab the rear wheel in two places 180 deg. apart to check for play. If it wiggles, an expensive repair is coming. Certain years and models had issues with clutch splines needing to be lubed, but I think that was mostly on the R1100 series.

[LakeCleElum]

In 1995, BMW ceased production of airhead 2-valve engines and moved its boxer-engined line completely over to the 4-valve oilhead system first introduced in 1993.

During this period, BMW introduced a number of motorcycles including:

R Series (airheads) - R65GS, R80GS, R100GS,
R Series (oilheads) - R850R/GS/C, R1100R/RS/RT/GS/S, R1150R/RS/RT/GS/S, R1200C
F Series - F650 Funduro, F650ST Strada, F650GS, F650GS Dakar, F650CS Scarver
K Series - K1, K100, K100RS, K100RT, K75, K75C, K75S, K75RT, K1100RS, K1100LT, K1200RS, K1200LT, K1200GT.

Like Air-heads: Clutch replacement is expensive compared to other motorcycles....Trans output shaft can leak down the drive shaft tube and no apparent leaks till Trans runs dry....Rear wheel bearings a known issue.....PPI is your friend.

[sc_rufctr]

The Best and The Best

[speeder]

Thanks all. This would be an R1100 series bike, specifically an R1100rs.

[Rick Lee]

I think Joe has an R110RS, but he's disappeared from the board. I drive by his house every day and his truck is usually out front. Drop him a note.

[FPB111]

Other than the driveshaft spline lube @~50k intervals there is an updated left side chain tensioner that is recommended.
The original tensioner can leak down when the bike sits for a day/few days and you will get timing chain noise at start. I have 30k miles on mine and have not had the problem. I did buy the updated tensioner and will put it in when/if this happens to my 1998 R1100RT. The replacement can be done while standing/sitting next to the bike on it's center stand.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by speeder

Thanks all. This would be an R1100 series bike, specifically an R1100rs.

You do know that Pelican has a pretty active BMW motorcycle forum don't you? While it is mostly owners of more recent models, they are pretty knowledgable about the early oilers.

BMW R1100S / R1200S Tech Forum - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

[Rinty]

Denis:

The main issue with the early Oilers is the transmissions. Getrag didn't get the problems sorted out until 1997. The detailed story is on Anton Largiader's site.

BMW R1100 5-speed transmissions

There are many early bikes out there that have not had the transmissions upgraded.

[yazhound]

99r1100 with 40 k (not ridden it in a few years...), and only routine maint.