Sport Tourers
1981BMW R 100 RS
19 fields on record
The 1981 BMW R 100 RS is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with spirited performance. Its air-cooled 979cc boxer twin delivers 70 horsepower with shaft drive reliability, while the fairing provides wind protection. Known for combining touring capability with handling agility, it appeals to adventure-minded riders prioritizing practicality and durability.
- Capacity
- 979.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 247.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A quintessential 1980s sport-tourer built to cover long distances in comfort with its full fairing, 22L tank and smooth boxer twin, while still handling brisk sweeping roads.
- Built for
- Refined, understated and durable. The air-cooled boxer delivers relaxed torque and iconic character; shaft drive adds low-maintenance touring appeal and unmistakable BMW poise.
- Not ideal for
- Not for off-road use, tight city darting, or riders chasing sportbike acceleration and sharp track agility. The drum rear brake and heft demand respect.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 979.0 ccm
- Power
- 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2834 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 94.0 x 70.6 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 193.0 km/h (119.9 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.00-18
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 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1985 | 1987 | 1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 24 L | 24 L | 24 L | 24 L | 22 L | 22 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 100 RS?
The 1981 BMW R 100 RS has a Capacity of 979.0 ccm (59.74 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 100 RS have?
The 1981 BMW R 100 RS has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 100 RS have?
The 1981 BMW R 100 RS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the BMW R 100 RS weigh?
The 1981 BMW R 100 RS has a Wet weight of 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds).
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