1982 BMW R 100 RS

1982 BMW R 100 RS sits at the top of BMW's airhead lineup, the flagship sport tourer built for riders who want to cover serious distance without giving up some feel of speed and control. That distinctive full fairing wasn't there for looks alone; it was developed in a wind tunnel and it actually works, cutting rider fatigue on long autobahn stretches while keeping the boxer twin's low-slung, torquey character intact. This is a bike that rewards steady-state cruising over aggressive cornering, and the shaft drive means none of the chain maintenance that competitors demanded. It's a machine built for people who ride to somewhere, not just around the block.

The 1982 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1981 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.

Typical buyers are experienced riders in their 40s and up, often former sportbike owners looking for something they can ride all day, plus a steady base of BMW collectors who value the R 100 RS as a well-built, historically significant entry point into airhead ownership.