43,669 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Naked Motorcycles

1981BMW R 100 CS

Rate this bike
Click to vote

19 fields on record

The 1981 BMW R 100 CS is a classic sport-tourer built for riders seeking reliable long-distance capability with genuine performance. Its air-cooled 979cc boxer engine delivers smooth power through shaft drive, while the nimble handling and comfortable ergonomics make it ideal for both spirited riding and extended touring adventures.

Capacity
979.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
232.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
Know it? Add it →
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 53Agility 53Comfort 60Off-road 15Touring 70Road manners 70
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering55%
City riding45%
Daily riding55%
Touring75%
Two-up55%
Track30%
Best for
A sporty-touring classic built for long, relaxed high-speed cruising on open roads rather than aggressive track riding.
Built for
A refined, gentleman's sport-tourer with shaft-drive smoothness, boxer torque, and timeless BMW styling.
Not ideal for
Not for riders seeking modern sportbike acceleration, aggressive cornering agility, or any off-road capability.

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

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
979.0 ccm
Power
70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM
Engine type
Boxer
Power/weight ratio
0.3017 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
194.0 km/h (120.5 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
232.0 kg
Fuel capacity
24.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
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 1980198119821983
Capacity 979 cc 979 cc 979 cc 979 cc
Fuel capacity 24 L 24 L 24 L 24 L

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

Rider Reviews

—
☆☆☆☆☆
Be the first to rate

Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.

Common questions

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

The 1981 BMW R 100 CS has a Capacity of 979.0 ccm (59.74 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 100 CS have?

The 1981 BMW R 100 CS has a Power of 70.0 HP (51.5 kW) @ 7000 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 100 CS have?

The 1981 BMW R 100 CS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the BMW R 100 CS weigh?

The 1981 BMW R 100 CS has a Wet weight of 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds).

Shop this bike

Affiliate links

We may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Similar bikes

Same category, weighted similarity

More BMW Motorcycles