1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1985 BMW R 100RS
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | - | 1984 - 85 |
| Make Model | - | BMW R 100RS |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | - | 820 mm / 32.3 in |
| Wheelbase | - | 1465 mm / 57.67 in |
| Ground Clearance | - | 165 mm / 6.49 in |
| Height | - | 1300 mm / 51.8 in |
| Length | - | 2130 mm / 83.8 in |
| Width | - | 746 mm / 29.37 in |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Fuel Capacity | 21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons | 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
| Wet Weight | 272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs | 230 kg / 506 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph | 196 km/h / 121.5 mph |
| Max Power | - | 51 kW / 70 hp / @ 7000 rpm |
| Max Torque | - | 76 Nm / 7.75 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | - | 13.9 sec / 157 km/h / 97.3 mph |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Fuel Control | DOHC | - |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 2.8 x 2.6 inches | - |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 72.0 x 66.0 mm | - |
| Engine Type | In-line four | - |
| Displacement (ci) | 65.54 cubic inches | - |
| Displacement (cc) | 1074.00 cc | - |
| Displacement | - | 980 cc / 59.8 cub in. |
| Engine Detail | - | Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | - | 94 x 70.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | - | Air cooled |
| Fuel Consumption | - | 4.8 L/100 km / 20.8 km/l / 49 US mpg |
| Fuel Induction | - | 2 x Constant depression carburettors, Bing 94/40/105 - 94/40/106 |
| Ignition | - | Battery ignition |
| Lubrication | - | Wet sump |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring |
| Final Drive | Chain | Shaft |
| Final Drive Gear Ratio (Bevel/Crown Teeth) | - | 11/32 teeth or 10/32 teeth |
| Gear Ratios | - | 1st 3.38 / 2nd 2.43 / 3rd 1.93 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | - |
| Transmission / Drive | - | 5 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Double sown tubs, dual cradle |
| Suspension - Front | - | Telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber. |
| Suspension - Rear | - | Long swinging arm with adjustable strut. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 200 mm / 7.8 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 125 mm / 4.9 in |
| Electrical Systems |
| Alternator | - | Bosch 12V/240 W |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Dual disc | 2 x ∅260mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Simplex ∅200 mm drum |
| Tyres - Front | 3.50-19 | 3.25 - H19 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.50-17 | 4.00 - H18 |
| Wheel Ratio - Rear | - | 1:2.91 or 1:3.00 |
| Wheels - Front | - | 2.15 - B19 |
| Wheels - Rear | - | 2.50 - B18 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
1985 BMW R 100RS
The 1985 BMW R 100RS edges out the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana thanks to its dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
1985 BMW R 100RS - Advantages
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana vs 1985 BMW R 100RS - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana and 1985 BMW R 100RS?
The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana uses In-line four, while the 1985 BMW R 100RS is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder.
Which should I buy, the 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana or the 1985 BMW R 100RS?
Both are strong choices. The 1983 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana has its own strengths, while the 1985 BMW R 100RS stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.