BMW R1100RS (1996-1997) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1996, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R1100RS, a sport-touring motorcycle that debuted in 1993. The bike addressed riders who wanted a more powerful machine but also desired to spend more time behind the bars.

The BMW R1100RS was a sport-touring or standard motorcycle that debuted in 1993 as a replacement model for the BMW R100RS and continued production until 2001 when it was replaced by the BMW R1150RS.

It used a frameless design with the engine as a stressed member. This approach was used by the German manufacturer for all subsequent oilhead models except for the BMW R1100S. In addition, the bike was marketed in the US in 1994 and was chosen by Cycle World magazine as the best standard motorcycle of the year.

The 1996 motorcycle came in the same shape and form as the previous model, delivering the same technical, visual, and performance specifications without any significant modifications whatsoever.

It packed standard fittings like a full-fairing with a rectangular headlight, a small windscreen, a two-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a luggage rack, a two-into-one exhaust system, a center stand, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.

As for power, the 1996 BMW R1100RS had installed a 1,085cc four-stroke twin-cylinder air-cooled boxer engine underneath its fuel tank, boasting 90 hp at 7,250 rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.