BMW R100 RS (1975-1976) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1976, at the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show in Cologne, the highlight of the exhibition was the newly released BMW R 100 RS with a 1000cc boxer engine. The model stole the show from competing motorcycles that were even more powerful.

It was the first series motorcycle equipped with a full fairing aerodynamically optimized in the Pininfarina wind tunnel, finished in a bluish sheen of Silver Metallic that also offered a level of protection against wind and weather, something unknown until that point.

The RS model, powered by the 980cc twin-cylinder boxer engine, bragged with a power output of 70 hp at 7,250 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) of torque available at 6,000 rpm and pushed the bike to a top speed of 200 kph (124 mph).

The touring machine came with standard features such as an adjustable windshield, a dual seat, a small luggage rack in the rear, passenger grab rails, die-cast aluminum wheels, a chromed dual exhaust system, an analog instrument cluster, and a side stand.

On the 1976 BMW R 100 RS, the maker installed the same chassis and brake technology used by its sister model, which helped BMW Motorrad to sell more than 33,000 RS models.

The acronym RS “Rennsport” (racing sport) was changed by BMW to “Reisesport,” which means tourer sport.