43,678 bikes · 493 makes Add a bikeLog inRegister
Naked Motorcycles

1996BMW R 100 R Classic

Rate this bike
Click to vote

15 fields on record

The 1996 BMW R 100 R Classic is a heavyweight naked bike ideally suited for riders seeking classic styling with reliable performance. Its iconic air-cooled 980cc boxer engine delivers smooth, predictable torque and straightforward mechanics, making it perfect for enthusiasts who value timeless design and dependable engineering over cutting-edge technology.

Capacity
980.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
197.0 kg
Seat height
800 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 R Classic

vs the 1995
Spec19951996
Rear brakes Expanding brake Single disc
Other years 1995 1996

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 45Agility 58Comfort 68Off-road 15Touring 62Road manners 70
Off-road & trail15%
Cornering55%
City riding60%
Daily riding65%
Touring62%
Two-up55%
Track25%
Best for
Best suited to relaxed road riding, weekend backroad cruising, and light touring rather than aggressive sport riding.
Built for
A classic air-cooled boxer with modest, torque-friendly power delivery that rewards smooth, unhurried riding over revs and speed.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders seeking modern sportbike acceleration, sharp handling, or any serious off-road capability.

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 800mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 BMW R 100 R Classic, with a relaxed knee angle of around 120 degrees and a forward-leaning 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.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

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
0.3046 HP/kg (dry)
Starting
Electric
Valves per cylinder
2
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
800 mm
Dry weight
197.0 kg
Wet weight
218.0 kg
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Dual disc
Rear brakes
Single disc

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 19951996
Capacity 980 cc 980 cc
Dry weight 197 kg 197 kg
Seat height 800 mm 800 mm

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 R Classic?

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

What engine power does the BMW R 100 R Classic have?

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

How many gears does the BMW R 100 R Classic have?

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

What is the torque of the BMW R 100 R Classic?

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

How much does the BMW R 100 R Classic weigh?

The 1996 BMW R 100 R Classic has a Dry weight of 197.0 kg (434.3 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