1978 BMW R100SRS
Frame no. 6183444 Engine no. 6183444

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1978 BMW R100SRS
Frame no. 6183444
Engine no. 6183444

Just a few years after introducing the R90/6 and "luxury" Daytona Orange and TT Silver Smoke R90S, BMW upped the capacity of its range-topping flat-twins to 980cc for the 1977 season in the form of the R100/7 series, the flagship of this new line-up being the fully-faired R100RS "superbike." Although styled like a super-sports machine, the R100RS was more of a sports-tourer, which did it no harm whatsoever in BMW's traditional market sector. "BMWs have always managed to give you a unique and almost uncanny feeling of complete security and stability at speed," observed Bike magazine's Peter Watson. "The ability to maintain cruising speeds of over 100 mph for as long as your licence holds out must be one of the machines' most attractive features. The RS even manages to improve on this reputation." Extensive wind tunnel testing took place to get the fairing right – it ultimately set a standard the industry copied – in the Stuttgart Technical University and in Pinifarina's tunnel in Italy.

Originally made for Europe, it was finally imported to the US because the European order had been canceled during mid-production. Butler & Smith Inc. that were based in Norwood, NJ purchased the motorcycle with a discount and the choice of the colors and equipment. Some R100RS were fitted with the 'bikini' fairing of the R100S, which is the case of the BMW on offer here with it also being painted in the famous "585 Weiss MotorSport" color. It's believed a small number (c.90) R100RS/S bikes were imported to the US. Since being purchased in 2008, the BMW has had little use and will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is 6183444 R100RS and the engine number is 817731 US 247/D. Additionally, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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