In 1999, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R1100RS, a touring motorcycle that debuted in 1993. The bike was suited for touring riders who wanted more performance from their machine but also the unmistakable sound of a boxer engine.
The BMW R1100RS was a fully faired sport-touring or standard motorcycle manufactured by BMW in 1993 to replace the BMW R100RS. It continued production until 2001, when it was replaced by the BMW R1150RS.
In addition, the BMW R1100RS was marketed in the United States in 1994 and was chosen by Cycle World magazine as the best standard motorcycle of that year. It used a frameless design with the engine used as a stressed member.
The 1999 BMW R1100RS had its heartbeat set by a 1,085cc four-stroke twin-cylinder air-cooled boxer engine mounted at its core, boasting 90 hp at 7,250 rpm and 95 Nm (70 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.
All the power generated by the engine was transferred to the rear end via a five-speed manual transmission controlled by a dry single-plate clutch and a final shaft drive, pushing the bike to a top speed of 219 kph (136 mph).
Visually, the bike was fitted with standard fittings, like a full fairing with a rectangular headlight, a small windscreen, a two-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a luggage rack, a two-into-one exhaust system, a center stand, and three-spoke aluminum wheels.