Sport Tourers
1988BMW R 100 RS
19 fields on record
The 1988 BMW R 100 RS is a classic sport tourer ideal for riders seeking comfortable long-distance touring with capable handling. Powered by a 979cc air-cooled boxer twin producing 60 horsepower, it's renowned for exceptional reliability, smooth power delivery, and the legendary shaft-drive robustness that defined BMW's touring heritage.
- Capacity
- 979.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 243.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 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
- 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2469 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 94.0 x 70.6 mm
- Compression
- 8.4:1
- 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
- 186.0 km/h (115.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 90/90-18
- Rear tyre
- 120/90-18
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 | 1982 | 1985 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc | 979 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 24 L | 24 L | 24 L | 22 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 1988 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 1988 BMW R 100 RS has a Power of 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 100 RS have?
The 1988 BMW R 100 RS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the BMW R 100 RS weigh?
The 1988 BMW R 100 RS has a Wet weight of 243.0 kg (535.7 pounds).
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