1984 BMW R100RS 980cc Motorcycle

Description

Since the birth of its legendary R32 in 1923, BMW has been a byword for beautifully built, rapid and reliable touring motorcycles.  Launched in 1976, the R100 continued this tradition, setting a new standard for a touring motorcycle with its unique, fully integrated fairing and 980cc flat-twin engine.  Powered by an air-cooled four stroke boxer motor with a bore of 94.0mm and stroke of 70.6mm, BMW claimed the 980cc unit produced 70 horsepower at 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 76 lbs/ft at 6000 rpm.  Braking was via a dual disc set-up at the front and an expanding drum at the rear with later models receiving a rear disc upgrade, the front fork was a hydraulic telescopic unit and the rear was suspended by twin adjustable shocks.  Other notable features included a five-speed gearbox, chromed dual exhaust system and die-cast alloy wheels replaced wires after the first year of production.  Initially launched in three versions, the R100/7 was the tourer, the R100S featured a cockpit fairing and the R100 RS was a fully faired-in superbike.  The fairing featured an adjustable windshield, there was a dual passenger seat and a luggage rack.  Two distinct versions were available from 1982 until 1984, the Sport (with lower bars) and Touring (equipped with saddle bags), both capable of reaching a top speed of 110mph.  Produced in relatively large numbers, the BMW briefly discontinued the R100 at the end of 1984 after deciding the future lay in the K-series and a limited production Final Edition model was sold in America, both in CS and RS versions.  The R100 was ultimately brought back by popular demand and today lives on as one of the most ground-breaking motorcycles of all time.