Monolever – 1989 BMW R100RT

In Germany, Touring by Mathieu Guyot-SionnestLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This RT did not get any interest at the BIN of $3,550.


In 1983, BMW released the K100, which featured a lengthwise 4-cylinder engine. Two years later, the K75 came out as well with a 3-cylinder engine using the same configuration. Unfortunately, BMW did not realize how important was the flat-twin for its riders, and the K-series was not as welcomed as it could have been. Facing this issue, the production of the R100RS and RT that had been stopped in 1984 was restarted in a boxer-twin revival.

Just like your grandma would tell you, don’t change a recipe that pleases the ones that eat it. BMW understood that, so the German maker served customers what they wanted. The air-cooled, four-stroke Boxer displaces 980cc. A decrease in the compression ratio from 9.5:1 to 8.45:1 reduces the power from 70 hp to 60 hp. This simply lowered the top speed, but comfort remained and max power was now available lower (6500rpm vs 7250rpm). The major modification on the 1987 version is the adaptation of the BMW single-sided Monolever rear suspension instead of the regular swingarm. The Monolever was already applied to the K100 and made its first appearance in 1980 when the mighty R80 G/S was released. You can get more info about the second version of the R100RT here on Motorcycle Specs.

The R100RT presented in this article (VIN: WB1045903K6017232) shows 57k miles and seems to be in great condition . Apparently the bike only had two owners that took good care of her. The bike has a tank bag and a Corbin seat with backrest, as well as the original tool kit and owner’s manual. The machine is red and has its original hard cases.

Find this R100RT in Richards Landing, Ontario, Canada, with a BIN of $3,550 or best offer