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Touring Motorcycles

1996BMW R 100 RT

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The 1996 BMW R 100 RT is a classic air-cooled touring motorcycle designed for long-distance riders seeking comfort and reliability. Its legendary 980cc boxer twin engine delivers smooth power and exceptional torque, while the relaxed riding position and substantial fuel capacity make it ideal for extended journeys. Known for bulletproof durability and timeless styling, the R 100 RT remains a favorite among touring enthusiasts worldwide.

Capacity
980.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
214.0 kg
Seat height
850 mm
Power
60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1996 BMW R 100 RT

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Torque 72.6 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.5 ft.lbs) 74.5 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 54.9 ft.lbs)
Seat height 807 mm (31.8 inches) 850 mm (33.5 inches)
Front brakes Dual disc Single disc
Rear brakes Expanding brake Single disc
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 40Agility 45Comfort 80Off-road 10Touring 88Road manners 70
Off-road & trail10%
Cornering45%
City riding40%
Daily riding60%
Touring90%
Two-up80%
Track15%
Best for
Built for long-distance touring, delivering steady power and comfort over hundreds of miles rather than sporty thrills.
Built for
A classic, torque-rich boxer twin with a relaxed, mechanical charm that rewards smooth, deliberate riding over aggressive throttle use.
Not ideal for
Not for riders seeking sharp acceleration, agile cornering, or a lightweight machine for quick city commuting.

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 850mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 1996 BMW R 100 RT, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and an upright 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
980.0 ccm
Power
60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM
Torque
74.5 Nm (7.6 kgf-m)
Engine type
Boxer
Power/weight ratio
0.2804 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
94.0 x 70.6 mm
Compression
8.4:1
Cooling system
Air
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
850 mm
Dry weight
214.0 kg
Wet weight
236.0 kg
Fuel capacity
22.00 litres
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Single disc
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 19801984198819921996
Capacity 979 cc 979 cc 979 cc 979 cc 980 cc
Dry weight 214 kg 214 kg 214 kg 214 kg 214 kg
Seat height 807 mm 807 mm 807 mm 807 mm 850 mm
Fuel capacity 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.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the BMW R 100 RT?

The 1996 BMW R 100 RT has a Capacity of 980.0 ccm (59.80 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 100 RT have?

The 1996 BMW R 100 RT has a Power of 60.0 HP (44.1 kW) @ 6500 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 100 RT have?

The 1996 BMW R 100 RT has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the BMW R 100 RT?

The 1996 BMW R 100 RT has a Torque of 74.5 Nm (7.6 kgf-m or 54.9 ft.lbs).

How much does the BMW R 100 RT weigh?

The 1996 BMW R 100 RT has a Dry weight of 214.0 kg (471.8 pounds).

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