The BMW R100 RS

In 1976, the BMW R100 RS is revolutionary. It is the first motorcycle series in the world with a full shell 'ex works'. And not just a cockpit: On the BMW R100 RS there is one that has learned to cut through the wind optimally in the wind tunnel and also to protect it perfectly against rain and other inconveniences.

The R100 RS had the solid task of following up on the R90 S and not only stealing the hearts of BMW enthusiasts, but the fat boxer also had to attract fans of other brands. This plan has succeeded quite well in figures. Such an 17.000 R90S has been sold. Of the R100 RS, such an 33.000 left the factory.

The RS was the work of the young designer Hans A. Muth

Muth had started working at BMW on the design of the car interiors in 1971. He met the then boss of BMW Motorrad, Hans-Gunther von der Marwitz, and convinced him he was the best man for the revitalization of BMW motorcycles. His arrival coincided with that of Bob Lutz and the result was the / 6 and / 7 series, the R 90 S and the R 100 RS.

The RS was full of details that set it apart from its competitors

The 'Integrated Cockpit', as BMW called it, contained the same instruments as introduced on the R 90 S, but with the key switch located between the clock and voltmeter. The seat was a striking 'one-and-a-half' sport style, but many opted to mount the optional (and more practical) two-person buddy seat, making the original a sought-after item. The unusual yet striking silver blue color scheme, the pin-striping in blue, just like the ATE calipers and - only on the first model - pin-striping on the spoke wheels.

A reinforced frame

To handle the extra strength and weight and obtain greater stability, the frame is reinforced with a brace over the frame and a reinforced main frame tube. This frame, designed for the RS, was also applied to the rest of the model range. The highly priced RS was an instant sensation - not only at the Cologne show, but also in dealer showrooms. This was what many buyers wanted from BMW: an elegant, fast machine, with a touch of exclusivity. This was the start of a new kind of motorcycle, the 'Sports Tourer'.

The pros and cons

The BMW R100 RS was and is a beautiful machine. A topper from the series and provided with exemplary equipment and finish. But in fact it is limited. The BMW R100 RS is a 'one trick pony'. The BMW R100 RS is designed for long, fast, comfortable highway journeys, as in 'Autobahnfahrten'. . Even when a passenger is on board. The RS does not feel happy on the nicest roads. The small steering wheel in combination with the large cockpit. The mechanical sound of the block amplified by the shell, the engine heat rising behind the cladding, the hard suspension and damping, the turning circle of a medium-sized coach. That made this top BMW quite unsuitable for the lousy fiddling secondary roads.

On the other hand: the machine with its plastic made-to-measure suit had the designation 'RS' for a reason. Because from a distant past those letters stood for Rennsport. And don't you expect a marathon runner to be able to swim very well and shot put?

In the meantime, the R100s were the last 'real' two-valve boxers. They are all wanted now. But still so 'cheap' that they fall into the hands of people who make caferacers and scramblers and so on.