![]()
No images available
Tap to enlarge
![]()
1983 BMW R 100RT Overview
The 1983 BMW R 100RT is a sport touring motorcycle built around 980 cc 59.8 cu in of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 94 x 70.6 mm. 1983 BMW R 100RT delivers 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 76 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 179 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1983 R 100RT tips the scales at 238 Kg, carries a 24-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1465 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 1983 BMW R 100RT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1983 R 100RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
⚡
Strong power output: 1983 BMW R 100RT makes 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm with 76 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Low-speed confidence
At 238 Kg, the R 100RT is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
R 100RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 1983 BMW R 100RT, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 100RT should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 100RT. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
1983 BMW R 100RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1983 BMW R 100RT have?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 980 cc 59.8 cu in of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT has a factory-quoted top speed of 179 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1983 BMW R 100RT weigh?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT weighs 238 Kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1983 BMW R 100RT make?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT produces 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm of power and 76 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT has a 24-litre fuel tank.
Is the 1983 BMW R 100RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 1983 BMW R 100RT have?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT uses 2 x ∅260mm discs, 2 piston calipers at the front and Simplex ∅200 mm drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1983 BMW R 100RT use?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT runs 3.25 H-19 front and 4 H-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1983 BMW R 100RT have?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW R 100RT Spec Evolution
The BMW R 100RT was produced across 13 model years (1979-1996). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1979 |
1981 |
1983 |
1984 |
1988 |
1989 |
1990 |
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
| Max Power |
51 kW / 70 hp @ 7000 rpm |
51 kW / 70 hp @ 7000 rpm |
51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm |
51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Wet Weight |
234 kg / 515 lbs |
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs |
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs |
238 Kg / 525 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs |
| Top Speed |
203 km/h / 126 mph |
203 km/h / 126 mph |
203 km/h / 126 mph |
203 km/h / 126 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Seat Height |
820 mm / 32.3 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in |
820 mm / 32.3 in |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
807 mm / 31.8 in. |
807 mm / 31.8 in. |
807 mm / 31.8 in. |
850 mm / 33.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons |
- |
- |
| Displacement (ci) |
- |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
- |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.74 cubic inches |
59.80 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) |
- |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
- |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
979.00 cc |
980.00 cc |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) |
- |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
- |
3.7 x 0.4 inches |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
3.7 x 2.8 inches |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque
76 Nm / 7.7 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
179.0 km/h / 111.2 mph
Fuel Capacity
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Advertisement
Full 1983 BMW R 100RT Specifications
Year
1982 - 83
Make Model
BMW R 100RT
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase
1465 mm / 57.67 in
Ground Clearance
165 mm / 6.49 in
Height
1465 mm / 57.67 in
Length
2110 mm / 87 in
Width
746 mm / 29.37 in
Fuel Capacity
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Fuel Capacity
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal
Wet Weight
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Wet Weight
238 Kg / 525 lbs
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
OHV
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement (ci)
59.74 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
979.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
94.0 x 70.6 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.7 x 2.8 inches
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
OHV
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement
980 cc 59.8 cu 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
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.1 L/100 km / 19.6 km/l / 46 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
2
Valve System
2
Battery Capacity
Bosch 0.6 hp (from 1978: 0.7 Kw)
Clutch
Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
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
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
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
Alternator
Bosch 12V/240 W
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅260mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Front
Dual disc
Brakes - Rear
Simplex ∅200 mm drum
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
3.25 H-19
Tyres - Front
3.25-19
Tyres - Rear
4.00 H-18
Tyres - Rear
4.00-18
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:2.91 or 1:3.00
Wheels - Front
1.85 B 19
Wheels - Rear
2.75 C 18
Advertisement