Touring Motorcycles

1997BMW R 1100 RT

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The 1997 BMW R 1100 RT is a classic sport-touring bike designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with spirited performance. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth 90 horsepower with excellent torque, while the shaft-drive transmission ensures reliability. Best known for its balanced handling and practicality, it remains a favorite among touring enthusiasts and experienced riders.

Capacity: 1085.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 256.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 90.0 HP (66.2 kW) @ 7250 RPM

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What’s new for the 1997 BMW R 1100 RT

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Top speed	—	200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Wet weight	282.0 kg (621.7 pounds)	286.0 kg (630.5 pounds)
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	780 mm (30.7 inches)

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering55%

City riding45%

Daily riding65%

Touring95%

Two-up88%

Track15%

Best for: Built primarily for long-distance, all-weather touring with a passenger and luggage in comfort.
Built for: A composed, unhurried mile-eater that rewards smooth, deliberate inputs rather than aggressive riding.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp sportbike agility 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 BMW R 1100 RT, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 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.

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
Power/weight ratio: 0.3516 HP/kg (dry)
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

Performance

Top speed: 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1485 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 256.0 kg
Wet weight: 286.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 26.00 litres

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	1996	1997	1999	2000	2001
Capacity	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc
Dry weight	256 kg	256 kg	256 kg	256 kg	256 kg
Seat height	800 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm	780 mm
Fuel capacity	26 L	26 L	26 L	25.5 L	25 L