BMW R100 CS (1980-1981) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1981, BMM Motorrad released the R 100 CS, a motorcycle with a sporty cockpit fairing and a powerful 70 hp engine taken from the RS and RT models, which replaced the R 100 S motorcycle.

The bike had classic lines, subtle paintwork, and spoke wheels, which appealed mostly to the traditionalist BMW riders. The 1981 BMW R 100 CS was presented with wire-spoked wheels, but due to some problems with the wheel hubs, the spoked wheels were not used on the production series instead, the model received cast aluminum wheels.

A distinctive feature of the CS model was represented by the fact that it was the fastest motorcycle in the BMW range at the time, thanks to the lower curb weight of 220 kg (485 lbs) and the same performance which launched the bike to a top speed of 200 kph (124 mph).

In the power department, the rule-making chief was a 980cc flat-twin engine with a power output of 70 hp at 7,000 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 6,000 rpm, and somewhere attached to the engine was a five-speed manual transmission linked with a shaft drive to the rear wheel.

The bike came equipped with standard features such as a nose-fairing with a windscreen, a large round headlamp, dual 260 mm front disc brakes, a 200 mm rear brake drum unit, a dual seat, a rear luggage rack, pillion grab rails, a chromed dual exhaust system, and a center and side stand.