How to Remove the Side Fairings Without Breaking Anything
Removing the fairings on a BMW R1100S is one of the first jobs every owner encounters. Whether you’re servicing the battery, replacing brake lines, changing the air filter, installing accessories or carrying out major maintenance, the side panels have to come off.
Unfortunately, this is also one of the most frustrating jobs for new owners.
Hidden screws, overlapping panels and fragile locating tabs make many people think they are forcing something that shouldn’t move. The good news is that the fairing is actually very easy to remove once you know where every fastener is.
This guide shows every screw, the correct removal order and a few tricks that will prevent broken tabs and scratched paint.
Tools Required
- Torx drivers
- Small flashlight
- Magnetic parts tray (recommended)
- 10–15 minutes
Before You Start
The left panel must always be removed first.
BMW designed the panels to overlap, meaning the right side cannot be removed correctly until the left side has been taken off first.
Step 1 – Remove the Two Rear Screws
Remove the two screws hidden beneath the seat.
These secure the rear section of the panel.
Step 2 – Remove the Indicator Screws
There are two screws around the indicator housing.
Both need to come out.
Step 3 – Remove the Upper faring Screw
There is one screw at the very front of the panel.
It is easy to spot once you know where to look.
Step 4 – Remove the Hidden Screw Behind the BMW Badge
This is the screw almost everyone misses.
Reach underneath the nose and look behind the BMW roundel.
A flashlight helps enormously.
Step 5 – Remove the Hidden Lower Screw
The final screw sits underneath the fairing.
Again, good lighting makes finding it much easier.
Step 6 – Carefully Pull the Panel Free
Once all seven screws have been removed, the panel should come away without force.
If it doesn’t move easily:
- stop
- check for a missed screw
- never force the plastic
The R1100S fairing is surprisingly robust, but the locating tabs can crack if the panel is twisted.
Step 7 – Disconnect the Turn Signal
Before placing the panel on the floor, disconnect the indicator connector.
Now the entire side panel can be removed safely.
Common Mistakes
Pulling the right panel first
Don’t.
The left panel overlaps the right one.
Missing the hidden screw
Almost everyone does the first time.
If the panel won’t move, you’ve probably forgotten this one.
Forgetting the indicator cable
Many people pull the panel away before disconnecting it.
This puts unnecessary strain on the wiring.
Using force
You should never need force.
If something feels stuck, another screw is probably still installed.
Reinstallation
Installation is simply the reverse order.
- Connect the indicator.
- Position all locating tabs first.
- Install every screw loosely.
- Tighten only when everything aligns naturally.
This prevents stress on the panels and makes the gaps line up correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many screws hold each side panel?
Seven.
Which side comes off first?
Always the left side.
Can I remove only one panel?
Yes, but the left side must be removed before the right.
Do I need to remove the mirrors?
No.
How long does it take?
Around 10 minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times.
Final Thoughts
Removing the fairings is the gateway to almost every service job on a BMW R1100S. Once you’ve learned where the seven screws are and the correct order, it becomes a straightforward five-minute task instead of an hour of frustration.
This guide is part of the R1100S.eu knowledge base. If you know a better trick, have additional photos or have discovered something useful, please contribute so we can make this the definitive BMW R1100S resource.
Help Improve This Guide
Have you discovered a better method, spotted an error or have a useful tip for fellow owners? Leave a comment below. Every contribution helps make R1100S.eu the best BMW R1100S knowledge base on the web.