The BMW R100 RS. Is it the Worlds Best Motorcycle?

Is the BMW R100 RS the best everyday motorcycle ever made?
You be the judge!

[@Pyrrho_]

I've had an R80, a sort of predecessor to the R100RS, but then followed that with a R1100RS, a K1200RS, and now daily a R1250RS. Long live the mighty BMW RS!

[@rogerramjet5302]

After years of Italian sportsbikes I bought a low mileage monolever 100rs a few years ago. First few weeks were 'what have I done?!' but very quickly I got to grips with the boxer engine and gearbox. I can honestly say it's the best bike I've owned. Pulls beautifully, sounds lovely, bags of character and after fitting an RT seat, comfortable all day long. Interestingly as the bike market has changed, it gets attention everywhere. Subjectively, best bike ever made!

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes, they are the sort of motorcycle you can have for a lifetime a bit like a Moto Guzzi.

[@marcob4630]

OK, but by far too heavy !

[@rogerramjet5302]

@@marcob4630 I also own a GS so the RS appears light in comparison!

[@fulknerra6116]

had an early 80s R100RS and I loved it. You could eat up the miles effortlessly and it would cruise all day at 100mph. However two things irritated me...firstly you really had to use the steering damper if the road surface got a bit dodgy, because it could throw a tank slapper if you didn't ride cautiously over loose grit, say crossing the middle of the road on a country lane. Second, with the side boxes on, it developed a weave at about 85mph when riding solo (absolutely rock steady without the boxes, though). Put a passenger on for touring with the boxes and it settled down and was good up to 120mph. I used to enjoy reeling in lads on 500s who had flashed past me crouched over the bars...over the next ten miles you could steadily pull them back just by riding steadily. It did sound like a bag of nails until the oil had thoroughly warmed up, and then it was just gorgeous to hear the exhaust note reeling out behind you . oh, I wish I still had it, but life......

[@WOLFIE-96B-UK]

One of my bikes is a BMW R80RT that I bought new in 1989. It's done 170,000 miles and still going strong. I just love it! 🇬🇧

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes the do manage a lot of klms. Good job

[@lestersmyth692]

Likely ahead of its time, can imagine sitting at a ton all day long on a German autobahn in relative comfort. A true high speed mile muncher 😊 In my youth I’d no time for such however now I’m approaching 60 I’ve recently acquired a 1200 RT and couldn’t be happier. Thanks for your review 👍

[@motorcyclecafe]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@allanhughes7859]

You must be off your head unles you live on the motorway never heard so much trash in all my life and I am older than you young sir !!

[@louisrauzi3872]

As an every day bike, I disagree. My 20 mile commute ( one way) in traffic was painful. Open road, glorious. Really only comes into its own at 70mph+, which it's meant to do all day.

[@robertakerson7186]

I don't know if it's the best bike in the world, but my 1981 RS is my favorite motorcycle. It has unmatched practicality and it is the one bike on which I feel closest to flying.

[@peterjohn3123]

I restored a 78 R- 80 the bike was a bright red. This bike also had a full fairing. You could fall asleep on the bike doing 70mph, it Was that quiet, and the fairing worked great.

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

When I lived in San Francisco, there was a BMW Motorcycle dealership South of Market that I use to pass frequently. I would always stop and gaze in the display window at a thing of wonder: a brand spanking new R100RS, which would've been nothing unusual had I travelled a couple of decades back in time, but this was the early 2000s. This beautiful machine appeared to have never been ridden. All parts had that crisp, just out of the box look. On occasion I would be bold enough to go inside to get a closer look. To their credit, the staff was always friendly and never batted an eye, even though I was not in the market for anything beyond food and rent at the time. I always wondered what the bike's story was. New, unsold stock? Restored show bike? Whatever, I sincerely hope someone is riding and enjoying the gorgeous thing, or if not, It'd be a hoot to see it still there, like a moment frozen in time.

[@20111111jorg]

Great review. I've had three of them and still have one today. It's one of the few bikes you can comfortably cruise at 100 mph without exhaustion. Each year they got a little better culminating in the beautiful (my opinion) blue and silver 1992. My pristine 88 has over 150k miles and is still going strong.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks mate! 150,000 miles is the engine still on original bore, rings etc...

[@20111111jorg]

Redone top but original everything else. @@motorcyclecafe

[@jfu5222]

I rode an R1100RS as my only bike for 19 years. It was a 1993, the first of the 4 valve boxers. Other than a clutch it never had a mechanical issue. With around 90 hp and gobs of torque, it was reliable and faster than I really needed (135 mph top speed). I never found the limits of it's ground clearance, the brakes were fantastic and in a Teutonic way, it was a fine looking machine. It certainly handles better than the R100RS. As a guy with one bike it could have been the best all around machine of it's day.

[@robertreasor7522]

Yes I've had both and the R1100RS is the superior bike for the type of riding I do most often which is high speed sport touring. The R100RS was a great bike but I needed more power and I am used to 4 cylinder engines from selling and riding Japanese sport bikes. My ZX11D I bought in 1996 upped the performance even more and I became my new favorite. Although I do wish I would have kept the BMW bikes. They were great to ride when you wanted to ride something with more personality. Honestly I always wished BMW would have fitted the magnificent fairing from the R100RS to one of their newer bikes. I know they could have. Can you imagine a K bike with that fairing? That would make an excellent sport tourer!

[@jfu5222]

@@robertreasor7522 I mostly ride in the city these days on the venerable BMW's replacement, my little KTM rc390. Completely different from my last bike, it is the most fun I've had on a motorcycle for years! I have been on a few longer rides and I've packed it up with camping gear a couple times. While not ideal for touring, it's been a great city bike.

[@richardcrighton8079]

i had a 1979 R80/7. a work of art

[@jimiorezzoli]

Great review. I have several different bikes (Parallel Twin, 45'V, 90'L and a Boxer. The Beemer was the quickest to get to 100k miles/160k Km. When putting on the miles/Kms the maintenance and replacement of chains and sprockets is significant compared to changing the final drive oil every 10k miles. When I pull into the garage at night I just need to shut it off and go into the house.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Some bikes these days you cant even adjust idle speed without taking it to a dealer and plugging it into a computer.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@motorcyclecafe Ahh, yes you can. And quite easily too.

[@georgerrust4087]

My '78 R100RS with good tires and a tricked out dual plug ignition would crack 140mph when ever I pleased. Cracked it often on my way from south Florida to AZ. I noticed that once you left a metropolitan area all the rice racers disappeared from the road then it was only the BMW's that had the confidence for riding single up with the big condo bikes and Harleys traveling in groups with a support pick-up usually traveling just behind. Along with my '72 R/5 750 they were great bikes that I rode "trouble free" all over the U.S..

[@HabuBeemer]

I had a '84 Last Edition R100RT with the white pearl paint and blue/ red pinstripe like your picture of R100RS. Great bike. Since then R1100RT and K1200RS. All great bikes without any issues. Great post! Thank you.

[@motorcyclecafe]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it.

[@steveprinty5674]

I bought a new ‘81 R100RS. It was my 10th bike. (‘61 Honda 50 Cub, ‘63 Yamaha 250, ‘66 Triumph TR6, ‘67 BMW R60, used ‘63 Harley Duo Glide police model, ‘72 Moto Guzzi 750 Ambassador, ‘73 BMW R75, ‘76 BMW R75, ‘78 Yamaha XS 1100, ‘81 BMW R100RS) I kept the RS for 3 years, it was by far my favorite. I remember one of the bike magazine road tests said something like: This motorcycle may be one of the best looking VEHICLES ever made! While out on a ride I happened to meet another guy with one. Talking to him he said that he was friends with the editorial staff of a bike magazine and as a result got to ride everything they did for road tests. He picked a BMW R100RS to buy as his own. He had installed aftermarket front fork brace and upgraded rear shocks to make up for 2 of its flaws. Both of which I would have done had I not sold it. I haven’t ridden for nearly 40 years, but I still dream of and drool over photos of the unforgettable RS.

[@battleshipnewjerseysailor4738]

I never had any stability issues with my 1974 R90s, in fact I removed the steering damper, also my R90s achieved 125 mph along with another R90s ridden by my friend on a US highway

[@kevinrobb86]

This will always be my favourite looking bike, for me it has an iconic look in the same way the K16 has with the angel eyes headlights as opposed to the new one with its widescreen tv for a instrument panel

[@reinmansmith]

I’ve owned R80RT monoshock, R100RT and now own a 1983 R100RS with over 100k miles on the clock. I would happily jump on it tomorrow and ride off across the continent without a worry. These old ‘boxer’ bikes just cover the miles efficiently in comfort and while they may not be the quickest on paper I can guarantee you that, outside of a racetrack, there is not many bikes that will get you across the country quicker, simply because you will be covering 200mls on a tank while maintaining a high cruising speed in comfort. I actually find the RS ‘sporty’ riding position is more comfortable over long distances than the more traditional ’touring’ position of the RT because you take more of your weight through your legs rather than on your bum. I also currently own a BMW K1 and have owned a K1100LT but the RS is the one that will stay with me for life 😊

[@assessor1276]

Couldn’t agree more. I lusted after an RS when they were introduced in 1977 and 43 years later, I got one to replace my excellent 2007 Honda ST1300 (which is a great bike, but heavy). The RS is simply, sublime!

[@artwallace5925]

I went from a 1996 ST1100 to a 2000 RT and never looked back. The ST's V4 powerplant was sublime but the handling, character and comfort of the RT are in a class by itself!

[@vadimbecker9934]

Agree to every word. Had one in 1990-93. Love it.

[@A861967]

Awesome review and explanation, cheers from South Australia 🇦🇺

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thank you buddy, i'm glad you liked it!

[@paulreed3716]

Great review!

[@periyavasamayal7453]

Good clip and background music 🎶 great bike and nice video

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks mate!

[@malcolmabram2957]

I agree, in the context of motorcycle histroy I would say the BMWR100RS is the fiest all rounder ever produced. Vry reliabe, cheap to service, cheap to run, and good performance. I had one in the 80s. My only gripe is that it was a bugger to start in cold weather. I now have a R1250R, and it has the same problem, though a fantastic bike to ride. i like boxers, that is if one is into that sort of engine.

[@gibb013]

Excellent review.

[@mattwillis9173]

Great video. We used to laugh at the bloke who used a R100RS as a despatch bike in London, until of course you got that job that took you miles up the M4.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks mate! They probably not the best bike in the city.

[@tuatua9029]

I couriered a R80RT in London covering 140000 miles and a K100LT covering 120000, in the eighties while working for West1 and A to Z, having possibly the first car phone fitted to my K100lt, when England played Germany in the world cup semis I got a job over the phone, Sainsbury's to Liverpool, I thought it was a joke , but no, 6pm collection up to Liverpool and got home in time for the penalty shoot out. 😅 Those were the days!

[@jdillon8360]

I had an R80 for a little while. Should never have sold it, it was a great bike!

[@gregorymcnear6474]

Good honest opinion which is much appreciated by many I'm sure 😉

[@gerokron3412]

Cheers! It´s quite nice to hear that kind of eulogy in English with a broad Australian accent. I usually hear it in German with a broad bavarian accent. All the best from Munich!

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks buddy, some people absolutely hate my accent but there ain't much I can do about it.

[@brianperry]

l owned a lovely gold R100RS in the late seventy/ eighties... l used it for weekend rides and commuting to London ...about 80 miles round trip.... it was a lovely comfy bike with a 'long legged' feel....and very well put together. The fairing was a work of art....even down force built in 40 years before it was to be seen again....if there be one Bike l miss and regret selling on it would be the RS....especially as I'm forty years older...

[@motorcyclecafe]

"long Legged" dam it I wish I used that description in the video. Describes it perfectly.

[@tommaguzzi1723]

The RS is the best bike i ever had. I used mine as my only transport for 15 years everyday rain or shine. It was hardly ever parked inside. But it never let me down. It cruised at 85 all day more if i wanted but then the fuel consumption dropped to 35 mpg so no faster with the extra stops. Eventually everything rotted away, exhausts, seat pan, tank, front discs scored ect. At that time i couldnt afford the repairs and then unleaded fuel came in so it needed new valve seats and so reluctantly it had to go.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Good read buddy i bet you loved that bike!

[@tommaguzzi1723]

It was totally shot at the end burning half a pint of oil every 100 miles! I sold it for parts and got more for the fairing than the rest of the bike. Eventually i moved on to Guzzis ( hence my YT name ) but I am now riding a F800GT which very much reminds my of my old RS. I need to try and find some narrower bars though, it feels more like an RT.

[@garyinkin4834]

I have one and I fully agree., I've ridden and owned many bike types over the many years I've been riding, but I don't intend being separated from my RS.

[@motorcyclecafe]

I dont blame you, great bikes!

[@playedon78]

Have had a R100RT classic for almost 20 years. Only two things have ever failed me...1) The permag starter motor locked up ( the glued pole shoes broke off and shattered) and 2) out on a ride one day and the bike started running VERY rough. Managed to nurse it home and subsequently found an open plug lead, so it was running as a single! Other than that it has never let me down. 178,000km, engine untouched

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thats great to hear buddy. You can't complain about that. The single best thing about those old boxer engines is their reliability. They just go forever. I love them!!!

[@edbot456]

I remember reading a new edition of Bike magazine and it said on the front cover "Is any motorcycle worth £1800"? I remember demoing one and thought how much I didn’t like the front fork dive, apart from that it was good.

[@stewy62]

I think that price and sentiment related to the R90S. The first Bike magazine I bought was February 1977 where they compared the R100RS vs Z1000 vs Laverda Jota. The R100RS price was £2899 and in this review they referred back to the magazine you refer to 🇬🇧

[@carlthor91]

I've had R60/5, R80GS and R75/5, as well as 3 Harley's. Favourite to ride was R100 RT. Wished I owned one now.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yeah many bikes are just to complex these days.

[@tonsper]

I have owned a 1977 R100RS for the last 26 years and I am the second owner of this first year machine. I used it for my qualifying run to become a member of the Iron Butt club. This run was 1,000 miles in 24 hours with no riding infractions or accidents. I am now 70 years old and I do not ride it much any more. I bought a BMW R1150RTwhich is another great ride. I now have over 350,000 miles on these two rides and intend to stop riding when they put me in a box and cover me up with 6 feet of dirt.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Good read buddy, well done!

[@Peter-wc4kr]

I dreamed when I was younger owning the BMW 100RT at the time they were almost twice the price of the Kawasaki 750GT which also was a great bike being crowned bike of the year by the then popular Two Wheels Magazine. I have recently bought a 84 model BMW R100RT and I love it for it’s simplicity, looks, comfort and character. It is my forever bike.

[@motorcyclecafe]

I know what you mean mate, those old beemer engines are just great!

[@keithad6485]

I owned a Gold coloured 1978 R100RS in the early 1980s. Top speed 205km/h on the Hume Hwy. Felt very solid on the road at this speed. Replaced it with an R100RT cos did not like sore hands and wrists from leaning forward on long rides. I liked the RS very much. After 33 years of pretty much no bike riding, just bought a 1981 R100RT.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Low klm buy?

[@keithad6485]

@@motorcyclecafe No, done about 95k, the odo stopped at 89k. Trip meter is not working either. Have to find an odo repairer in Australia. Where abouts is your cafe? I love the very German styling of the RS and the RT fairings. Later bikes including BMW the fairings look like something out of a superheros comic. Weird shapes. I am thinking about acquiring another RS. A mate has offered to sell me his '77 model 100/7 with an S fairing. been in his mechanics garage for over thirty five years and not ridden in that time!

[@motorcyclecafe]

@@keithad6485 motorcycle cafe is just the name of the channel mate. A place to visit on KZbin nothing more. Cheers.

[@keithad6485]

@@motorcyclecafe Thanks. Perhaps a subject for a vid, I remember in the late 1970s and 1980s, Jap bike often had aftermarket 4 into 1 mufflers which at high revs going down the highway had a howl sound, quite distinctive. I am reminded of this howl when ever i watch Mad Max 1 and I think, there is a sound I don't seem to hear anymore.

[@michaelprovence2409]

I like mine. It's a 1988 monolever. Used to ride old English bikes, and had a 1970 Triumph 500 T100C, and 1971 Norton Commando. Then I found a Moto Guzzi 750 CHP police bike with a spun rod bearing in boxes for $300. In the early 90s I went to work for Schleicher Motors in Oakland. They had been the first US Suzuki dealer, then Moto Guzzi, and BMW. I built the Guzzi with used parts from the shed, but even tuned and bored to 900cc, it was a dog. Couldn't start, stop, or corner! BMW were still making airheads, and everybody said the Monolevers were the best ever. Finally in 2006 I bought one. It handles and stops well, will keep you dry in a torential rainstorm, and do a 700 mile day at 90mph for hour after hour. Ridden well, it will keep up with most on a twisty road, and no matter what happens, you can fix it on the side of the road with the tools under the seat, and a handy rock hammer. Mine's got about 140k miles on it now. Best motorcycle? uh..no, but best push rod twin, maybe. Back in the Oakland days, Sonny Barger used to drop by the shop. We thought maybe he'd buy one, but he said he couldn't because his club had some kind of pesky buy USA requirement. He seemed to think those bikes weren't too good for all day riding. He also seemed to think he ought to get one of those USA bikes for free for all the bikes he'd sold.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Ha Sonny Barger on a BMW now that would make a great photo. Thanks for watching and your comment. It was an interesting read.

[@shawngrinter2747]

I had a R100Rs and took it around the Isle of Mann TT circuit with one of the islands resident riders. With ought doubt it was the best looking bikes I ever had. However the frame flexed like a loon and the power delivery was adequate at best. But boy could it the miles, I went from London to Berlin on it. Simple to service, robust and long legged. I miss it but by far not my best bike which to date would be my K1209RS.

[@stephenanderson4603]

Great video, great bike, becoming quite rare now as unfortunately lots got stripped down to make a lash up, sorry cafe racer 😂

[@motorcyclecafe]

thanks and yes they are pretty rare now for sure. I can't even remember the last time I seen one come up for sale in my area.

[@abbersj2935]

Vincent Black Knight 1954 & 1955 Sold new with a standard full fairing. I would imagine there were others too.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes you are right.

[@SPEEDTER601]

You might wel be right that it is the best motorcycle ever made. However for daily use I would prever the RT version which I basicly the same bike but more comfortabele. I now own a K1100LT and you could make the same argument about the K series being the Best Motorcycle in the World. See what I did there 😃.

[@joannedickie7863]

My husband & I were classic British & Italian enthusiasts. My husband always thought BMWs were slightly over-priced & boring. In 1984 I talked my husband into a European holiday by telling him he could buy a R100RS from the factory as our transport & attend the IOM TT. We did huge daily mileage through all kinds of weather on our RS & got off the bike at the end of each day as fresh as when we hopped on. My husband intended to sell the RS when we arrived back home in Australia as we already had a nice collection of British & Italian motorcycles but it didn't take long to decide the RS was a "keeper". My husband & I ride our othder bikes but it is the RS my husband pulls out for any long distance tours or riding in foul weather.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Well, i gotta say i am not surprised at all. My mate had one, he hated it lol. But I rode it a few times and loved it. Each to their own i guess.

[@jeffstever7754]

I had a 1978 r100rs built by Reg predmore was actually an RSE

[@wboeren1]

That is one good looking bike. Would like to ride one.

[@nosherz]

Never rode the RS version, but did own a 1981 RT for 3 years. In terms of reliability, real world usable performance & all day comfort for knocking out big miles effortlessly, I just couldn’t fault it in any way. It’s the only bike I’ve ridden before or since, that I actually came very close to falling asleep on a few times when riding on motorways, near the end of long high mileage days when touring. Also, because the weather protection & aerodynamics were so effective , it meant I could just jump straight on with basic riding gear and go, without having to spend ages messing around, dressing up like the Michelin man every time the weather took a turn for the worse.

[@motorcyclecafe]

yes, you have some very good points there!

[@kaleuclint]

Answer: “Yes”.

[@NYCZ31]

2:05 *cough* Road Glide *cough* I greatly enjoy my 1984 R100RS even though the 40 year old equipment is starting to get a little tired and replacing it with modern substitutes will cost a pretty penny

[@AndrewTheCelt]

I love my BMW r100rt, it is a great motorcycle

[@davesy6969]

The only bike that i ever regretted selling was my R75/7 ex police bike.

[@sturejonsson]

Very beautiful Bmw R100 Rs😊👍💪

[@peterkoning21]

I have never been a BeeM boxer fan. My brother has a plethora of them. When the R & Rs came out they were quite futuristic(?)The newer boxwers are so much more refined and powerful but still.....not for me !!

[@stephensaunders4668]

My R100S was rock solid up to top speed and it was completely standard even with bags on. Ribbed pattern front tyre and block...ish on the rear, Metzlers or Continentals only; use Avon’s at your peril. They were the tyre of the day but not suited to BMs.The R100RS lower and narrower handlebars produce an ache between the shoulder blades which was made worse if one used the single or 1 and 1/2 seat with its cowl as this seat was taller than the standard twin seat and exacerbated the forward lean. The RS was also slower in both acceleration and quarter mile times when compared with the R90/6. The fairing material was very thick and heavy particularly in the light of what came later. What ever arguments you use it is undeniable that the RS was beautiful and will remain as a great milestone. Avoid all BMs that had the first aid kit inside the front of the riders seat, agony, which seems at odds with the long distance concept of a faired Uber tourer. Not just the RS but all BMs came with tyre levers and a pump. Not comparison between any rideable BM and any other brand with a flat by the side of the road. Float bowls off and on in under 10 seconds to drain water or unblock a pilot jet. Try that on a bank of 4 or hidden away dellortos.

[@abbersj2935]

Agreed, the 90s was capable of huge daily distances due to it's fuel capacity, good riding position, stability and vibrationless ride at high speeds. Happy memories!

[@tj-kv6vr]

It would be from the left Ace,King,Queen, Joker. Good video

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thank you!

[@klano8443]

I've known many who owned the r100rs ,let me tell you they had big problems for their still exorbitant price.The biggest issue the owner had was the flimsy top triple clamp that was standard i mean it was tin foil and most owners replaced them with a aftermarket thick type,my gripe is for their price you would expect perfection.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Of all the people I know including myself the only issues I remember was some oil leaks and oil consumption. But you are right they were somewhat overpriced.

[@Ordinz]

I owned one of those in the early 80,s and did extensive touring in Europe raking up 60 000 km of long distances touring kilometres. It was a fabulous bike and I still regret selling it. I now ride a R1200ST, again using it for extensiv touring. It's also a nice and capable tourer but it isn't as enjoyable as the RS had been.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks for sharing

[@henrybartlett1986]

I agree and the 90 was ground breaking in its day.

[@motorcyclecafe]

It certainly was that's why it was featured in the channels video 'Ground Breaking Motorcycles 1960s 1970s'... thanks for watching

[@sydsacks9097]

You speak sense apart from the brakes which weren’t good. I have owned my R90s since 1977 and bought it when it was 1 year old because I couldn’t afford the R100RS. Ironically it seems to be worth double the R100RS today!

[@motorcyclecafe]

A real classic there mate. FYI in period road tests the R100 did actually perform pretty well compared to other bikes in the braking department.

[@Dieselschlucker1312]

Ganz klares ja. Die R 100 Serie ist top. Das beste, was es für Geld zu kaufen gab. Das Langstreckenmotorrad mit sehr hohem Fahrkomfort schlechthin. Sehr funkionssicher, sehr handlich mit tiefem Schwerpunkt. Günstiger Treibstoffverbrauch trotz Vergaser. Sehr servicefreundlich; den Hinterreifen habe ich ohne fremde Hilfe in 20 Minuten fahrfertig gewechselt. Ich wüßte kein besseres Motorrad als die R 100. Alles was BMW danach gebaut hat, kann mich nicht interessieren.

[@BillACK]

I've gotta speak up for the R90S. The only issue with high speed stability was on the race track where HIGHLY modified bikes achieved speeds not possible on a stock 90S.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Very interesting and I don't disagree with you. I've never owned one myself but the Beemer's I have owned all handled very well. It was a commonly reported issue. Of course that doesn't mean that it's correct as so many times I find things doing research for videos that are just not correct. Thanks for the feedback buddy.

[@G58]

There aren’t many bikes that can genuinely lay claim to the right to be considered The Best Bike, but the R100RS does indeed deserve to be up there with the VFR750 and first VFR800. Now, the first bike with a full fairing… how about the Velocette Vogue and Vincent Black Prince? Was it the Ariel Arrow or the Leader that had a full fairing too? Interesting vid. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this now classic Beemer. Sadly many of them are being ruined by the Passé Racer mob. Ride safe. Peace Edit It was the Ariel Leader.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Crikey! You are right but what were they thinking with styling like that? 🤔

[@G58]

@@motorcyclecafe It was the 1950s. The UK government was encouraging people to buy cars, so the motorcycle industry was desperate produce machines that kept people dry - like in a car. They were also building new roads. But the real threat was from the Japanese, and the poor management and low investment in the British bike industry. They were desperate and confused. And the workers were disillusioned too. They came home from the war and expected to be treated differently from before. They were wrong too. By the way, here in the UK, at some point I’ve seen all these bikes, but never ridden them. The Vincent is of course the rarest, then the Ariel Leader, then the Vogue - which is an LE 200 with a frame and that huge fibreglass body. The interesting thing is that when I checked the internet for the first production bike with a fairing, it claims that the BMW that you featured was!! This made me rather annoyed at first, but actually it proved that at 65, my memory is actually better than Wikipedia!! 🧐😎😜 Ride safe. Peace

[@monsterslayer4317]

Well, at the time, it arguably was.

[@JonathanBays]

Never wanted to own one either but respected the engineering of them 100%. Probably now I am past the boy racer phase in my life I would appreciate owning one

[@motorcyclecafe]

My thoughts exactly!

[@chained_1969]

Yes it is❤

[@neilrogers1027]

I had 2 back in the 80's my 2ND one had 4 valve krauser heads and d'ellorto carbs went like sh#t off a shovel would do the ton allday

[@motorcyclecafe]

I never had one, my mate did though for quite a while. I rode it a few times. Now I'm older I wish I had one.

[@allwinds3786]

I've received a warning ticket for 126mph on mine, and it had a little more to go. I've had it since '84 and except for raising my children I use it everyday (it's not snowing 😉)

[@motorcyclecafe]

Good to know buddy. And glad shes still running well.

[@rosewood1]

Good review. I actually think that my 2012 R1200R Classic is a serious contender for best bike. It is superbly made and is a real technical tour de force. With the unique combination of Telelever Paralever rear 4 valve engine and electronic suspension and light weight you have a sophisticated hot rod that with its huge torque, light weight and panzer crushing suspension it can literally leap past vehicles and obstacles with its road crushing suspension. 100k to 140k happens almost instantly. The suspension is largely the same as that on the GS so dealing with bad roads is something it deals with in a way few other motorcycles can consider. Every part of the motorcycle is beautifully engineered. No crude hose clamps on this bike. No it's not the fastest but it is fast and it can be ridden almost anywhere. And it has real character. You know you are riding a true motorcycle. It is all about the ride.

[@graemeoneill369]

Have to agree with what you say about the R1200R classic, I also have one and will find it hard to replace. I actually went from the later model water cooled R1200 but wasn't that impressed. In my view the quad cam oil cooled boxers are the pick of the bunch

[@free2roam674]

I had a 2010 R1200RT. Best bike I ever owned for sure. I mostly rode around southern BC, it was perfect. On the less twisty roads away from towns it was happiest at 160 kph, sometimes with the cruise control on and comfort suspension settings. In the twisty roads it was fun with the sport settings, even 2 up. I did about 20 K km every year until I sold her in 2019. Totally bulletproof.

[@rosewood1]

@@graemeoneill369 I bought a new Indian Springfield for extensive touring in North America and then brought the Indian home to Australia. But I couldn't part with my old BMW. The BMW can be ridden at panzer crushing speeds on Australia's at times appalling country roads in a way few other motorcycles can IMO. It really is very well made and its so nice having a motorcycle where getting it serviced is so easy. Australia has lots of really excellent BMW dealers with great mechanics. The Indian is a very good motorcycle But...

[@stephenandrew8387]

First full fairing motorcycle was the Vincent Black Prince.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes so I have been informed. I wonder how many they sold, they certainly have an odd appearance.

[@charlesbradley2943]

Nice review. Calling the brakes superb is a gross overstatement.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Thanks. Fyi...When they first appeared in period road tests they did in fact perform very well against similar machines of the era.

[@alfred-vz8ti]

bmw dealers in arizona offered an optional full fairing, in 1962. in bmw colors, so they had permission from head office. thought fairings were 'sissy' then, i was young and foolish. but the r69rs was a very good 'sports tourer,' long before r100 came on the scene.

[@motorcyclecafe]

There were plenty of fairings available before the R100 and indeed the 750S but they were not 'factory production fairings' I dont doubt the R69 was a great bike though. Be worth a bit these days!

[@bikeymikey748]

Sorry mate I have to disagree with you. I thought it was my dream bike and moved heaven & earth to get my brand-new ‘84. Picked it up on a cold October afternoon and traded it in come May the following year. Disappointed? You have nooooo idea. Handling? It would develop a WICKED wobble if I cruised above 140km. with the saddlebags attached. The short bars provided ZERO leverage to negotiate tighter turns, and the SOFT suspension proved proved ‘entertaining’ when under cornering or braking loads. The beautiful smoked grey paint chipped with heart-breaking ease. Engine performance was uninspiring, though relaxed cruising was a strong point. I recollect reading a period test of one warning potential to be wary of any bike who’s mufflers were wider than it’s tires. Spot on that, they were just too NARROW to provide any amount of grip you could have confidence in. The seat was comfy. In the end it sure was nice to look at, and I sure loved the adverts (“For one long shining moment…”). But…of all the many bikes I’ve been lucky enough to have owned/own my R100RS was, hands down, the worst of the lot by a LARGE margin.

[@motorcyclecafe]

You are fully entitled to your opinion, buddy. I doubt there is one bike made that would suit everyone. The bad handling you mentioned is not the norm though, I do agree the engine performance was not the best but it got the job done. Anyway thanks for watching and leaving your opinion.

[@user-zq4zr5hs6j]

Sold r100s to buy r100rs. Did better paint job, put higher bars on rode cross country l.a. to new York 3 days.

[@tcmits3699]

The great Honda Motor Co built many iconic motorcycles, the Gold Wing and the African Twin, being two. BMW killed two birds with one stone, still have my BMW's since 1984 R100 and 75/5 "Toaster" and still running strong. $500 will get you an old, probably non-running Gold Wing from the 80'S, now that's expensive 😂

[@motorcyclecafe]

Those old boxer motors may not be super powerful but they get the job done and they last. Thanks for watching.

[@lucastherexcat]

The finest motorcycle ever made was the Honda 919 hornet. Yammie said so. I agree.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But seeing as the Hornet was only made for 5 years, not even Honda thought it was that good.

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

No picture of the iconic gold coloured ones! Sacrilege.

[@jdsalinger73]

7:27 🤤

[@stevem5383]

I thought the Vincent Black Prince was the first fully-faired motorcycle.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes it was buddy a few blokes have pointed that out although im not sure it was sold outside GB.

[@got2kittys]

My Beemer is hands down the best bike I've ever owned. But, I'm seeking a K75. It'll be the machine that outlasts me. The last motorcycle I will own.

[@motorcyclecafe]

I like the twins better but thats just me. My mate had a k75, never had an issue but I can tell you they are shit as a pillion passenger.

[@got2kittys]

@@motorcyclecafe I have a twin, if I'm extra good to it, could be the last one I get. I'm wearing out, and harder to repair, lol.

[@motorcyclecafe]

I feel your pain buddy, believe me!@@got2kittys

[@Markonthisworld]

Vincent Black Prince was fully faired in the 1950’s

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes thats correct others have mentioned that.

[@pmg8504]

Achtung Baby!😊

[@practicalplinking6133]

No !! Suspension is why.

[@scottastell9415]

Interesting. Never owned a genuine one but I made an R100R with single side mounted shock (1992 model) into an RS copy by fitting a genuine RS fairing to it. Toured Tasmania with wife on pillion in late 90s plus rode long distances on it. Easy to maintain at home with simple lock and screw valve clearance adjustment and carbs. That said having owned other K series BMWs I'd rather ride my Kymco AK550 maxi scooter today. BMWs are too expensive new and just status symbols especially the new R1250GS model.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Nothing wrong with scooters I ride one everyday around town.

[@markl4673]

The best in the world? ...No. Good? ...Yes

[@derniederrheiner4518]

"The world's best motorbike"? Well, not bad, but there are better ones. In terms of handling alone, the 4V GS is much better. I had an '81 RS. Not bad as a motorway burner. Two years ago I took the fairing off and put an R80GS handlebar on it. Much more comfortable. . .

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes the riding position was somewhat odd. Took a bit of getting used to for sure.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Just a fabulous and beautiful machine.....compare those lovely clean (and practical) lines with the modern bitty mess that is current BMW (and others) styling...... 😞

[@motorcyclecafe]

Couldn't agree more!

[@lesklower7281]

That 1977 win in the Castrol 6 hour for the BMW was due to the rider who was Joe Eastmure an ameture rider who won the Castrol 6 hour on a Suzuki 350 but was disqualified because the Suzuki 350 he rode didn't have a horn when preparing the bike somebody forgot to put the horn on but the following year he won the 500 class on the same Suzuki 350 which wasn't even a 350 it had the capacity of 315cc getting back to the BMW it was an expensive motorcycle the Japanese brands were much cheaper and at the time l had a Suzuki GT750 and did a couple of trips to Adelaide and across the Hay Plains l would cruise on 160kph quite easily and the BMW had 60hp so did my GT750

[@motorcyclecafe]

Yes I did a bit on Joe and his Suzuki in the channels video on 1960s 350cc bikes. But even so the BMW bike must have some input to the 1977 win.

[@lesklower7281]

@@motorcyclecafe When he won the following year after he was disqualified and one the 500 class in that particular race he was leading the race at one stage now getting back to Joe Eastmure l lived on Blaxland Rd in Eastwood and Joe Eastmure lived in Epping and l would see him on the Suzuki 350 commuting to work in Sydney almost every morning because Suzuki gave him that bike for doing so well in the Castrol 6 hour l was going to work myself when l saw him

[@motorcyclecafe]

@@lesklower7281 what a great memory buddy. He must have been a very talented rider!

[@lesklower7281]

@@motorcyclecafe Joe Eastmure many years ago wrote a long essay about his Castrol 6 hour races lread several times and mentioned about his Suzuki 350 and he had enough parts to restore the bike and he did and l saw in a motorcycle magazine that he finished the 350 and there was a vintage Japanese motorcycle show and he won the best restored motorcycle

[@keithad6485]

My mate had a Ducati 900SS and he would argue about RS being better than the SS.

[@motorcyclecafe]

I too owned a 900SS although I loved it and it looked fantastic there are many bikes better than one of those, of course they are all Ducati's 😉

[@kerryburns6041]

My Motorsport was the best bike I've ridden, a truly great machine.

[@motorcyclecafe]

You said Was? You sold it didn't you 😉

[@kerryburns6041]

@@motorcyclecafe P/E for a Guzzi V7, the RS was needing a full rebuild, and with a bad back I needed something easier to maneuver at home, I ran it for 7 years, but mostly around small country roads, I think it used to yearn for the Autobahn. Now I´m an old geezer on a scooter in a little Spanish town, but I have my memories !

[@motorcyclecafe]

@@kerryburns6041 I ride a scooter everyday pretty much, so much fun in the city & practical.

[@kerryburns6041]

@@motorcyclecafe Well yes, but the Bluetooth told the dealer my position, mileage and gave them control of my ABS warning lights and god knows what else, I had to wrap it in tinfoil !

[@aidenmornay]

Excellent bike, but no it isn't the best bike

[@kanuklastman3436]

If only the BING carburetors didn't leak gas onto your boots at random times throughout the year. I've rebuilt the carbs for the umpteenth time on mine and am giving up.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Oh well, at least you still have one. They almost never come up for sale now.

[@dams77600]

not agree w the begining .... I own bmw cruiser, its a piece of pleasure, of confort and relax ride w the sound of the flat . you guys need to spend time to discover the cruiser and you will enjoy

[@motorcyclecafe]

That was done more in jest mate. I rode one once and couldn't fault it.

[@allistairneil8968]

Unlikely.

[@georgetrakadas8595]

The best motorcycle is BMW R69S

[@lorimcquinn3966]

Absolutely not, If you actually owned one and are honest with yourself.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Each to their own. Plenty of riders swear by them.

[@graantmnz]

i disagree on one point , having had three of these similar brake setups, R100s and R100rs ...the brakes were not great...my R1100s has much, much better brakes

[@motorcyclecafe]

Point taken but in period road tests compared to other bikes of the same era the R100 RS did in fact perform very well. It was a different era back then.

[@seanys]

“…they have a very soothing feel and sound.” Just like a big long, weak fart.

[@marcob4630]

I wouldn't say that: it's a good bike, and I also have one, anyway she's by far too heavy to maneuvre on parking. If you don't pay attention, you can land under the bike in a moment, and that can be utterly harmful. It could be better only if installing also a rear gear!

[@williammuir638]

R100, R100s, R100rs, R100rt were the last proper, decent bikes they made. I considered the R100r seriously for a long time. However went Italian. Everything bmw have made since is crap. Moto Guzzi were always making better bikes for real enthusiasts though.

[@motorcyclecafe]

Ha, I like my Italian bikes too!

[@keinname629]

Handling and roadholding was horrible (esp. considering today's standards). Engine shaking was impressive unless you cared for carburator-synchronization on a daily basis. Still remember my tortured knees that were stuck between the tank and the fairing. Awful! Besides: between 7 and 8 liters / 100 km.

[@motorcyclecafe]

It is unfair to compare old bikes like this to modern bikes. In their day many riders loved them.

[@keinname629]

@@motorcyclecafe it was a big and heavy bike at the time and was trimmed to run sturdy straight ahead (you explained that in the video). Large front-wheel. I did not like that. As you mentioned: very narrow handle-bar! A mixed bag.

[@motorcyclecafe]

@@keinname629 i wasnt a fan myself at the time. Your pretty much correct in what you say.