BMW R100
type of motorcycle
BMW R100, with variant models designated by T, S, CS, RS, RS Classic, RT, RT Classic, TIC, TC, R and GS is a BMW motorcycle series, using a two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine of 980 cc capacity. Model production began in 1976, with a premature shutdown and subsequent restart in 1985, and final completion of the series in 1996.
The last of the "airheads," this article also discusses the different /7 models of smaller displacements (R60, R75, R80).
First (/7) and second series
The "slash seven" development was an evolutionary change of the BMW 247 engine from the previous "slash six" and initially constituted the R100RS (51 kW / 70 PS), R100S (48 kW / 65 PS), R100 (44 kW / 60 PS), R75/7 (37 kW / 50 PS) and R60/7 (30 kW / 40 hp).
The R100RS was the first motorcycle manufactured in volume to be fitted as standard with a frame fixed full fairing, a feature pioneered by the Vincent Black Prince. This innovation was a departure from previous touring fairings, giving birth to the modern sport touring motorcycle.
Brakes
The R100 models received a double disc brake in the front wheel. For 1976 to 1979 models the front brake was a pivot caliper ATE disc actuated from the controls via cable to a brake master cylinder under the tank. From 1980 models onwards front brakes were changed to a Brembo fixed caliper brake, and the master cylinder was moved from undertank to the right handlebar. With the introduction of Monolever models in 1986, the Brembo fixed calipers were mounted on the fork tubes.
This brief starts where responsible research should: with the source description of “BMW R100” as type of motorcycle. Everything that follows is an evidence route, not borrowed authority.
Why this record matters
The subject matters to the general reference register because the source frames it as type of motorcycle. Its deeper value depends on whether names, dates, institutions and citations support that framing.
The citation trail is more important than the brevity of the summary: it shows where individual claims can be examined in context. The source revision retrieved here is dated Dec 20, 2024. The linked authority identifier is Q18163039. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference. The first chronological checks are 1976, 1985, 1996 and 1979.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “BMW R100”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow BMW R100 primary sources, BMW R100 archive and R100 research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “BMW R100”?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “BMW R100” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.