BMW R100RS

BMW R100RS

In 1977, BMW’s erstwhile R90S became the R100S. The boxer twin motor gained a useful 100 cc or so, 40 mm Bing carburetors were bolted on for smoother starting and running, and the cosmetics and paintwork were upgraded. The flagship was the radical-looking RS variant, which gained a full fairing and went gunning for the Japanese heavyweights of the time, such as Honda’s Gold Wing. With 70 hp, a 24-liter fuel tank and a 200 kph (124 mph) top speed, the R100RS became the ultimative Motorrad for the long-distance motorcyclists of the day. Cycle magazine somewhat enigmatically said, “The RS is its own bike, and expression, emblematic of course of BMW’s willingness to thrash with the Japanese but not necessarily a signpost pointing into the future. It is BMW’s Corvette; whether it succeeds or fails, there will always be Biscaynes enough for all.” Nowadays, the BMW R-series bikes are increasingly becoming candidates for customization, and more than a few café racer conversions are appearing. This lovely 1982 machine was modified by Australian Paul Cail, who has a background in television and advertising. Cail’s aesthetic tweaks have worked wonders for BMW’s tourer—that stubby bikini fairing and elegant seat unit make this RS as desirable today as the original must have been thirty years ago. [For an extensive list of R100RS links and information, check out webBikeWorld.]