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R1100 Routine Service – Paul Glaves
In this article we will cover the specifications and other information needed for a
mechanically experienced R1100 owner to perform routine maintenance on his or her
motorcycle. This article is not intended to teach the mechanically inexperienced owner
everything they need to know about maintaining an R1100 motorcycle. From my
experience, at least 90% of motorcycle maintenance is core knowledge of fundamental
mechanic's technique. Ten percent is motorcycle model specific. We'll cover some of
that fundamental 90%, but will mostly cover the specifications and procedures which
specifically apply to the R1100. Please be careful. Maintenance of a high speed motor
vehicle is serious business. Your valuable machine and your personal safety depend on
your abilities. If you break something or ruin something it won't be BMW's fault. It won't
be my fault. You are responsible for what you do and how you do it. Be careful!
BMW has used different terminology to describe maintenance intervals and
requirements over the years. Back in the old days we did "5,000 mile services" and
"10,000 miles services." At times we referred to "major services and minor services". At
other times the terms "Service I" and "Service II" have been used as have the terms
"BMW Service" and "BMW Inspection" The R1100 Repair Manual uses the following
terminology:
Inspection I
= 1000km (600 mile) Service
Inspection II
= BMW Upkeep Service (equivalent to Service I or Minor Service)
Inspection III = BMW Inspection (equivalent to Service II or Major Service)
Inspection IV = Annual Service (to be performed at least once each year regardless of
mileage)
The specified mileage intervals for Inspection II's and Inspection III's are in the technical
information in the book(s) supplied with your R1100 motorcycle. All of those I have
personally examined call for an Inspection II at 6,000 miles (10,000km) and each 12,000
miles thereafter. An Inspection III is called for at 12,000 miles (20,000km) and each
12,000 miles thereafter. These requirements translate as follows:
600 Miles - Initial service
6,000 Miles - Inspection II (Minor Service)
12,000 Miles - Inspection III (Major Service)
18,000 Miles - Inspection II (Minor Service)
24,000 Miles - Inspection III (Major Service)
Continuing - alternating major and minor services each 6,000 miles)
There may be variations or changes, so check the book that came with your motorcycle.
For simplicity and clarity for the balance of this article, I am going to use the terminology
Minor Service and Major Service to describe the specified maintenance items.
Before going further, a word about the warranty and maintenance requirements. BMW
provides a limited warranty which warrants the motorcycle against defects in materials or
workmanship in the manufacture of the motorcycle. BMW expects that your motorcycle
will receive the specified maintenance at the specified interval. BMW does not require
that this maintenance be performed by certified mechanics at a franchised dealer.
However, in the event of a malfunction or failure, determining whether or not the failure
represents a defect in materials or workmanship in the manufacture of the motorcycle or
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