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Classic/Retro

BMWR100RS

1976-1984 · Twin-shock (pre-Monolever)

Power: 70hp; @ 7,250 rpm
Torque: 76Nm; @ 6,000 rpm
Weight: 230kg
Engine: 980cc; 2 cyl · flat-twin / boxer

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Launch price (Germany, 1976 launch)DEM 11,210

A 1982 BMW R100RS, showing the model's frame-mounted full fairing. — photo by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden — A 1982 BMW R100RS, showing the model's frame-mounted full fairing. — photo by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden · CC BY-SA 3.0

The BMW R100RS is listed for 1976-1984, in 1 version. Category: Classic/Retro. Latest version (1976-1984 · Twin-shock (pre-Monolever)): 980 cc, 70 hp, 76 Nm, and 230 kg.

Engine

Engine: 980cc air-cooled OHV flat-twin (boxer), 94mm x 70.6mm bore/stroke, pushrod-operated 2 valves/cylinder, 9.5:1 compression, 2x Bing 94/40 constant-depression carburetors, 5-speed gearbox, shaft final drive. The world's first series-production motorcycle with an integrated, frame-mounted full fairing (developed with input from Pininfarina aerodynamic studies).
Displacement: 980 cc
Cylinders: 2
Configuration: flat-twin / boxer
Cooling: air-cooled
Transmission: 5-speed manual, single dry-plate cable-actuated clutch, shaft final drive (bevel/crown wheel ratio approx. 1:2.91 or 1:3.00 depending on market/year)
Gears: 5
Final drive: shaft

Performance

Power: 70 hp
Power (metric): 51 kW
Peak power at: 7,250 rpm
Torque: 76 Nm
Peak torque at: 6,000 rpm

Chassis

Front suspension: 36 mm conventional telescopic fork, no gaiters; exact travel figure not independently confirmed (a factory-style spec sheet gives 200mm, a period road test gives a 182mm fork stroke)
Rear suspension: Dual shock-absorber swingarm (Boge dampers), shaft final drive; pre-Monolever twin-shock design; exact rear wheel travel not independently confirmed (sources give 109mm and 125mm)
Front tire: 3.25-19
Rear tire: 4.00-18

Brakes

System: Front dual disc throughout production; rear changed from drum to disc for the 1978 model year
Front: Twin front discs; 1976-79 ATE pivot calipers (cable-actuated), replaced by Brembo fixed calipers circa 1980-81 (exact changeover year varies by source); disc diameter not confirmed
Rear: Drum brake on earliest bikes; Brembo disc with fixed caliper from the 1978 model year; disc diameter not confirmed

Dimensions

Weight: 230 kg
Weight basis: wet (claimed, no fuel specified in source)
Seat height: 820 mm
Fuel capacity: 24 L

Electronics

Quickshifter: No

Videos

BMW R100RS Review - The First Sport-Touring Motorcycle!

Jon's Motorcycle Rescue and Review · 2024 · Watch on YouTube