After the successful R 100 RS model was revived in 1986, BMW decided to take a shot with the R 100 RT which was revived and launched in 1987. The successful recipe of the RS was also used with the RT model, which combined the well-known wind and weather protection of the RT fairing with the revised 1,000cc boxer engine and the stable Monolever chassis.
The top speed was decreased by five kph, but the beefier torque compensated for that and was a good selling point for touring drivers. The model, powered by a 980cc flat-twin engine with a power output of 60 hp at 6,500 rpm and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 6,000 rpm and a bolted five-speed manual transmission, registered a top speed of 185 kph (115 mph).
For suspension, the bike packed a telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorbers on the front and a BMW Monolever swingarm with a central spring strut on the rear.
The stopping power was provided by two 285 mm discs on the front wheel and a 200 mm drum unit brake on the rear wheel.
The 1987 BMW R 100 RT came from the factory with standard features such as a dual seat, a chromed dual exhaust system, a half-fairing with a large adjustable windshield, a center stand, die-cast aluminum wheels, and an analog instrumentation panel.