2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 vs 1985 BMW R 100RS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900

Classic

Engine
Twin
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
451.9 pounds
1985 BMW R 100RS 1985 BMW R 100RS

Classic

Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder
Power
51 kW / 70 hp / @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
196 km/h / 121.5 mph
Weight
230 kg / 506 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-1984 - 85
ColoursJet Black/Silver, Racing Yellow/Silver, Caspian Blue/Silver-
Make Model-BMW R 100RS
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in.820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase1,490 mm / 58.7 in.1465 mm / 57.67 in
Ground Clearance-165 mm / 6.49 in
Height1,095 mm / 43.1 in.1300 mm / 51.8 in
Length2,150 mm / 84.6 in.2130 mm / 83.8 in
Width695 mm / 27.4 in.746 mm / 29.37 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight205 kg / 451.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16.60 litres / 4.39 gallons24 Litres / 6.3 US gal
Wet Weight-230 kg / 506 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-196 km/h / 121.5 mph
Max Power-51 kW / 70 hp / @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque72.0076 Nm / 7.75 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3415 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.9 sec / 157 km/h / 97.3 mph
Engine
Displacement (cc)865.00 cc-
Engine TypeTwin-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Bore x Stroke (mm)90.0 x 68.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 2.7 inches-
Stroke4-
Displacement (ci)52.78 cubic inches-
Displacement-980 cc / 59.8 cub in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Twin carburettors with throttle position sensor and electric carburettor heaters-
Bore x Stroke-94 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio9.2:19.5:1
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
IgnitionDigital - inductive typeBattery ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
Starter-Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plateDry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final DriveChainShaft
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
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel cradleDouble sown tubs, dual cradle
Suspension - Front41mm forks with adjustable preloadTelescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber.
Suspension - RearChromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preloadLong swinging arm with adjustable strut.
Rake27.0°-
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 Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.0 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)255 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 2-piston calipers2 x ∅260mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-piston calipersSimplex ∅200 mm drum
Tyres - Front100/90-193.25 - H19
Tyres - Rear130/80-174.00 - 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

2005 Triumph Thruxton 900

The 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 edges out the 1985 BMW R 100RS thanks to its lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 205 kg vs 230 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

1985 BMW R 100RS - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 vs 1985 BMW R 100RS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 and 1985 BMW R 100RS?
The 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 uses Twin, while the 1985 BMW R 100RS is powered by Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 or the 1985 BMW R 100RS?
The 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 is lighter at 205 kg compared to 230 kg for the 1985 BMW R 100RS - a difference of 25 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 or the 1985 BMW R 100RS?
The 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 1985 BMW R 100RS sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 or the 1985 BMW R 100RS?
Both are strong choices. The 2005 Triumph Thruxton 900 has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, 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.