BMW R100 GS Paris Dakar (1993-1994) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1993, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R100 GS Paris Dakar, a touring motorcycle that couldn't use the full name for copyright reasons. Because of its oversized plastic fuel tank, which was illegal in the UK, the bike was available via a grey import back door like Guernsey.

At first, the BMW R100 GS Paris Dakar was a liter-class enduro bike that debuted in 1989 as an independent machine in BMW's range. First, the maker introduced the conversion Paris Dakar Kit in 1988, with good response but low sales figures, and then the GS Paris Dakar model with the kit installed right from the factory.

The 1993 motorcycle had standard features, such as a high-mounted front fender, a front cowl with bars, a small windscreen, a one-piece dual seta with a passenger grab rail, a luggage rack, side-mounted suitcases, a center stand, and wire-spoke wheels.

In the power department, the 1993 BMW R100 GS Paris Dakar had its soul brought to life by a 980cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 60 hp with a peak force at 6,500 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) torque at 3,750 rpm, launching the motorcycle to 176 kph (109 mph).

The bike packed a telescopic fork with 180 mm of travel on the front end and a 285 mm brake disc with a dual-piston caliper. In contrast, the rear end was controlled by an adjustable paralever system and a 200 mm drum braking unit.