1996BMW R 1100 RS

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The 1996 BMW R 1100 RS is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking a balanced blend of performance and comfort. Powered by an 1085cc boxer engine producing 90 horsepower, it excels at long-distance touring while maintaining responsive handling. Known for its reliability and practical design, this bike suits adventure-minded riders who value versatility over pure sportiness.

Capacity: 1085.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 239.0 kg
Seat height: 800 mm
Power: 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7250 RPM

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What’s new for the 1996 BMW R 1100 RS

vs the 1995

Spec	1995	1996
Torque	93.2 Nm (9.5 kgf-m or 68.7 ft.lbs)	95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.1 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	219.0 kg (482.8 pounds)	not listed

Other years 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering65%

City riding55%

Daily riding70%

Touring88%

Two-up75%

Track35%

Best for: Built for covering long distances quickly and comfortably, blending shaft-drive durability with sporty handling for mixed highway and twisty-road riding.
Built for: A torquey, air-cooled boxer twin with a distinctive character, shaft-drive smoothness, and BMW's classic long-haul touring ethos.
Not ideal for: Not the best fit for riders seeking cutting-edge sportbike performance, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable city commuter.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

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 1100 RS, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and a slightly forward 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 →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1085.0 ccm
Power: 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Torque: 95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3766 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 99.0 x 70.5 mm
Compression: 10.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1473 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Wet weight: 239.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 305 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 276 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 160/60-ZR18

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	1993	1995	1996	1997	1999	2001
Capacity	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc
Dry weight	219 kg	219 kg	—	—	—	216 kg
Seat height	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm
Fuel capacity	22 L	23 L	23 L	23 L	23 L	23 L