BMW R100 RT (1981-1982) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R100 RT was a liter-class half-faired motorcycle produced by BMW from 1978 to 1996. The House of Munich created the bike, blending agility and performance in a package that could take riders to the furthest corners of the earth.

In 1981, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R100 RT, a touring-oriented machine in its fourth consecutive production year, featuring the same specifications as the previous model without any changes.

The 1981 BMW R100 RT was powered by a 980cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine mounted between the wheels, delivering an output power of 70 hp with maximum force at 7,000 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.

The power generated by the engine was redirected to the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission with a dry single-plate clutch and a final shaft drive, pushing the motorcycle to a top speed of 203 kph (126 mph).

From 203 kph (126 mph) to a complete halt, the bike relied on two 260 mm brake discs with dual-piston calipers on the front and a 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear, offering optimum braking performance.

The bike had standard fittings, such as a half fairing with a round headlight, a tall windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a luggage rack, panniers, a dual chromed exhaust system, and multi-spoke aluminum wheels.