BMW R100 RS Mono (1985-1986) Specs, Performance & Photos

The die-hard fans of the large two-cylinder 1,000cc boxer engines did not take the K 75 with its three-cylinder in-line engine and the K 100 model with its four-cylinder engine or even the smaller 800cc boxer models as a real alternative to the BMW decision to drop the characterful 1000s.

In return for the great demand for big boxers that came particularly from traditional customer groups in the USA and Japan, BMW launched the BMW R 100 RS model at the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (IFMA) in Cologne.

At first sight, the model looked exactly like its predecessor, but at a closer look, it became clear that BMW combined the well-known RS paneling with the Monolever chassis and the add-on parts of the 800s.

The 1986 BMW R 100 RS Monolever featured a 980cc flat-twin engine with an output power of 60 hp with a peak at 6,500 rpm and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) of torque available at 3,500 rpm, and with the spinning parts of a five-speed manual transmission, the bike registered a top speed of 185 kph (115 mph).

In addition, the model came with touring-enhancing features such as a full-fairing with an adjustable windscreen, a dual seat, pillion grab rails, dual 285 mm front disc brakes and a 200 mm drum unit on the rear, and a center stand.