BMW Motorrad Celebrates 50 Years of RS Series with R 1300 RS

BMW Motorrad is celebrating 50 years of its RS series, highlighting a long tradition of sport-touring motorcycles. The RS badge, which once stood for racing, shifted focus with the R 100 RS in 1976. This model became the first large-series production motorcycle with a frame-mounted full fairing, shaping the sport-tourer segment for decades to come.

Key Highlights

• BMW Motorrad marks 50 years of RS series sport-touring motorcycles
• R 1300 RS features a 1,300cc boxer engine producing 145bhp
• RS series evolved across boxer and four-cylinder platforms with major technical advancements
• K 1200 RS reached 130bhp and 245kmph top speed in four-cylinder lineup

R 1300 RS Marks the Anniversary

The spotlight now falls on the BMW R 1300 RS, the latest in the RS line. This model features a new 1,300cc boxer engine producing 145bhp, making it the most powerful production BMW boxer engine to date. The R 1300 RS includes three standard riding modes and engine drag torque control. Optional features include Automated Shift Assistant and Dynamic Suspension Adjustment. The motorcycle also debuts as the world’s first production bike with a telescopic fork featuring adjustable spring rate.

The R 1300 RS continues the RS tradition by balancing sporty performance with touring comfort. Its revised chassis and improved aerodynamics further enhance long-distance riding capabilities.

Evolution of the RS Series

The RS series has evolved across both boxer and four-cylinder platforms over seven generations. The boxer lineage began with the R 100 RS, followed by the R 1100 RS, R 1150 RS, R 1200 RS, R 1250 RS, and now the R 1300 RS. Over the years, BMW introduced technical advancements like four-valve heads, air/oil cooling, digital ignition, fuel injection, Telelever front suspension, liquid cooling, Dynamic ESA, and ShiftCam variable valve timing. These updates kept the RS models competitive in performance, refinement, and touring function.

BMW also developed four-cylinder RS models, starting with the K 100 RS in 1983. This bike featured a horizontal inline-four engine and a modern half-fairing. Later models included the K 100 RS 4V, K 1100 RS, and K 1200 RS. The K 1200 RS delivered 130bhp and reached a top speed of 245kmph, combining speed, comfort, and long-distance capability.

Legacy of the R 100 RS

The original R 100 RS remains notable for its 980cc boxer engine producing 68bhp. Its fairing, developed with Pininfarina, provided wind protection and made high-speed cruising more comfortable in the 1980s. Variants like the R 100 RS Classic 500 and the R 100 RS Nardò Record Bike added further comfort and touring features. The R 100 RS Monolever's return in the late 1980s demonstrated ongoing demand for large-capacity boxer sport-tourers.