BMW K100 RT (1986-1987) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1986, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW K100, a sports touring motorcycle derived from the standard K100 model. The bike was suitable for those riders who wanted to spend as much time as possible behind the bars, whether solo or two-up.

Compared to the base model, the RT version was fitted with a full fairing, hard, lockable side-mounted panniers, and a sizeable adjustable windscreen. For those riders who liked their vacation in the saddle, the bike was fitted with a radio system with speakers.

Visually, the motorcycle had standard fittings, such as a full touring fairing, a single headlight unit, a tall windscreen, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted lockable panniers, a four-into-one exhaust system with a silencer mounted on the left-hand side, a center stand, and eight-spoke alloy wheels.

The motorcycle was built around a steel frame with a hydraulic telescopic fork handling the front suspension and a monolever system with a single-sided swingarm controlling the rear-end suspension.

In the performance department, the 1986 BMW K100 RT had installed a 987cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder underneath its clothes, delivering an output power of 90 hp with maximum strength at 8,000 rpm and 84 Nm (62 lb-ft) torque at 8,250 rpm.

The power produced by the engine was transmitted to a five-speed transmission with a dry, cable-operated clutch and then to the rear wheel via a final shaft drive, launching the motorcycle to 215 kph (134 mph).