Okay, so, I’ve been wrenching on this old 1995 BMW R1100R lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I got this thing a while back, and it’s got its quirks, for sure. I mean, a bike from ’95, what can you expect?
First off, I had to do a once-over, just to see what I was dealing with. This baby’s got a 1085cc, two-cylinder engine. And it is said that with regular care they will serve for many years. The previous owner said they kept up with maintenance, but, you know, you gotta check for yourself. So, I started with the basics – checked the fluids, looked over the tires, and gave it a good visual inspection. It seemed like it was in decent shape, but there’s always that unknown factor with older bikes.
- Engine Work:
This boxer engine is something else. It’s got this whole different vibe compared to other bikes I’ve worked on. I did a basic tune-up, changed the oil and filters. These engines are air-cooled, so you gotta make sure they’re running cool and easy.
- Brakes and ABS:
The bike has anti-lock brakes, which is pretty cool for a ’95 model. I flushed the brake fluid, checked the pads, and made sure everything was tight and responsive. Safety first, right?
- Fuel System:
It’s got fuel injection. Checked the fuel lines, injectors, and gave the whole system a once-over. I’m not a huge fan of tinkering with fuel injection systems, but it wasn’t too bad on this one.
- Test Ride:
After all that, it was time for the moment of truth. I took it out for a spin, and man, it’s a smooth ride. It’s not the fastest bike out there, it generated 80 hp with a peak at 6,750 rpm and 98 NM (72 lb-ft) of torque, but it’s got plenty of torque, and it handles really well. It’s a comfortable ride, too, which is a big plus in my book. I’ve heard it impressed people with its comfortability, versatility, and quality, and I can see why.
All in all, working on this 1995 BMW R1100R has been a fun project. It’s a solid bike with a lot of character. It might be over 50k miles, but with a little TLC, I think it’s got plenty of life left in it. If you’re thinking about picking up an older BMW bike, I’d say go for it. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty! And you know what, it retains approximately 60% to 70% of their original value after three years. Just keep up with the maintenance, and you’ll have a sweet ride for years to come.
