Protection against wind and weather.
A new era is being introduced: Cockpit and full fairings make driving on the motorcycle more comfortable. There are sporty motorbikes. In particular, the R 90 S is a popular design classic - not least because of its elaborate two-tone paintwork.
Born in the wind tunnel: The R 100 RS.
Born in the wind tunnel: The R 100 RS.
The R 100 RS was BMW Motorrad's first production motorcycle with standard full fairing developed in the wind tunnel. As well as following aerodynamic principles the developers' primary concern was to protect the rider from wind and bad weather. In addition, the R 100 RS was the first BMW bike with a 1-litre cylinder capacity. With a top speed of 200 km/h, the motorcycle is also a leader in terms of speed - however, unlike competitor bikes, the rider can sit in a relaxed upright position behind the fairing. BMW thus established the sporty tourer class.
The motorcycles of the 1970s
1973: R 90 S.
1973: R 90 S.
The R 90 S was the first BMW model with a cylinder capacity over 750 cc and the first BMW to achieve a top speed of 200 km/h, while the twin disc brake to the front made for reliable braking. With its standard cockpit cladding and complex two-tone paintwork, the R 90 S is regarded as the design classic of the 1970s.
1976: R 100 RS.
Source: BMW Group Archive; Photographer: BMW Werkfoto.
1976: R 100 RS.
The R 100 RS was the world's first production motorcycle with standard full fairing developed in the wind tunnel, providing wind and weather protection. This heralded a new era in motorcycle construction.
1977: R 100 RT.
1977: R 100 RT.
Thanks to the fairing, which is built for greater comfort, a long-distance touring motorcycle was developed from the sporty R 100 RS. The letters RT are still synonymous with comfortable touring bikes in the BMW range.
1978: R 45.
1978: R 45.
The R 45 brings proverbial BMW motorcycling pleasure to the entry-level class, which cost less to insure. New riders and those returning to the fold do not need to miss out on BMW's typical boxer engine and shaft drive.
1978: R 65.
1978: R 65.
The "small" R 45 provided the base for a 650 cc mid-range model produced mainly with the export market in mind. This was followed a short time later by the R 65 LS, which had reduced cockpit fairings.
