BMW R100 RS (1978-1979) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1978, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R100 RS, a version of the standard R100 model, which came as an evolutionary change of the BMW 247 engine from the previous "slash six."

The BMW R100 was made in several versions with different designations, such as T, S CS, RS, RS Classic, RT, RT Classic, TIC, TC, R, and GS. In addition, the motorcycle was also known as the Slash 7 "Airhead."

In the visual department, the 1978 RS model had standard features, such as a large fairing that covered the entire handlebar, a round headlight, a windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab handle, a dual exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, a center stand, and multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The 1978 BMW R100 RS took its muscles from a 980cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine with two Bing carburetors, delivering an output power of 70 hp at 7,000 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.

With a five-speed manual transmission helping the engine deliver the power to the rear wheel, the motorcycle reached a top speed of 196 kph (122 mph).

For suspension, the bike packed a telescopic fork with a hydraulic shock absorber on the front, providing 200 mm of travel, and an extended swingarm with dual shock absorbers mounted on the sides, offering 125 mm of travel.