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Adventure Motorcycles

1996BMW R 1100 GS

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The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS is a capable adventure enduro designed for riders seeking versatility across road and light terrain. Its 1085cc boxer engine delivers smooth, linear power suitable for long-distance touring with off-road capability. The bike became legendary for pioneering the modern adventure bike category, balancing comfort and exploration.

Capacity
1085.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
220.0 kg
Seat height
840 mm
Power
80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6750 RPM

What’s new for the 1996 BMW R 1100 GS

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Torque 95.1 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.1 ft.lbs) 97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m or 71.5 ft.lbs)
Dry weight 222.0 kg (489.4 pounds) 220.0 kg (485.0 pounds)
Seat height 850 mm (33.5 inches) 840 mm (33.1 inches)
Other years 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 59Agility 55Comfort 80Off-road 68Touring 85Road manners 65
Off-road & trail68%
Cornering60%
City riding55%
Daily riding70%
Touring90%
Two-up75%
Track30%
Best for
Designed as a long-distance adventure tourer capable of handling mixed pavement and light off-road terrain.
Built for
A go-anywhere boxer-powered traveler with a shaft drive's low-maintenance reliability and a torquey, unhurried power delivery rather than outright speed.
Not ideal for
Not ideal for riders seeking sharp sportbike handling or lightweight agility in tight city traffic.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 840mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1996 BMW R 1100 GS, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
1085.0 ccm
Power
80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6750 RPM
Torque
97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m)
Engine type
Boxer
Power/weight ratio
0.3636 HP/kg
Bore x stroke
99.0 x 70.5 mm
Compression
10.3:1
Cooling system
Air
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1509 mm
Seat height
840 mm
Dry weight
220.0 kg
Wet weight
243.0 kg
Fuel capacity
25.00 litres
Ground clearance
Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
Front wheel travel
190 mm
Rear wheel travel
200 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Front brakes diameter
305 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
276 mm
Front tyre
110/80-19
Rear tyre
150/70-R17

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 199419951996199719981999
Capacity 1085 cc 1085 cc 1085 cc 1085 cc 1085 cc 1085 cc
Dry weight 222 kg 222 kg 220 kg 218 kg 218 kg 218 kg
Seat height 850 mm 850 mm 840 mm 840 mm 840 mm 840 mm
Fuel capacity 25 L 25 L 25 L 25 L 25 L 25 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the BMW R 1100 GS?

The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS has a Capacity of 1085.0 ccm (66.21 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 1100 GS have?

The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS has a Power of 80.0 HP (58.8 kW) @ 6750 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 1100 GS have?

The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the BMW R 1100 GS?

The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS has a Torque of 97.0 Nm (9.9 kgf-m or 71.5 ft.lbs).

How much does the BMW R 1100 GS weigh?

The 1996 BMW R 1100 GS has a Dry weight of 220.0 kg (485.0 pounds).

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