K 1100 RS

1997 BMW K 1100 RS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the sport touring motorcycle segment, the 1997 BMW K 1100 RS utilizes a 1092 cc (66.6 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line four, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 101 HP (73.7 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 107 Nm (78.9 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 92.5 HP per liter and a 2,000 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (7,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the K 1100 RS measures 256 kg (564 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.39 HP/kg (2.53 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 800 mm (31.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance.

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1993 to 1997, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.