1999 BMW R 1100 RS Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown
Positioned in BMW's sport touring motorcycle lineup, the 1999 BMW R 1100 RS pairs a 1185 cc (72.3 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 90 HP (65.7 kW) at 7,300 rpm while maximum torque reaches 95 Nm (70.1 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 75.9 HP per liter and a 1,800 rpm working window between peak torque (5,500 rpm) and peak power (7,300 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 R 1100 RS measures 242 kg (534 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.37 HP/kg (2.69 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 780 mm (30.7 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,473 mm (58 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 23-liter (6.1 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 6.5 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 354 km (220 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 217 km/h (135 mph).
Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 9 indexed model years from 1993 to 2001, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
75.9 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.37 HP/kg (2.69 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
5,500–7,300 rpm
Theoretical Range
~354 km (220 mi)
Engine
Displacement1185.0 ccm (72.31 cubic inches)
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine DetailsTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power90.0 HP (65.7 kW)) @ 7300 RPM
Torque95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.1 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Compression10.7:1
Bore x Stroke99.0 x 70.5 mm (3.9 x 2.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder4
Fuel SystemInjection
CoolingOil & air
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Performance
Top Speed217.0 km/h (134.8 mph)
0-100 km/h4.20 seconds
60-140 km/h11.80 seconds
Fuel Consumption6.50 litres/100 km (15.4 km/l or 36.19 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases150.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Chassis
Front Travel120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Travel135 mm (5.3 inches)
Wheelbase1473 mm (58.0 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre160/60-ZR18
Front BrakesDual disc
Front Brake Ø305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø285 mm (11.2 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Weight incl.242.0 kg (533.5 pounds)
Seat Height780 mm (30.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height820 mm (32.3 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.