1981 BMW R 100 RT

1981 BMW R 100 RT sat at the top of BMW's touring range, the fully-faired flagship built for riders who wanted to cross continents rather than just commute. This is a bike defined by its fairing and long-haul manners: the boxer twin's low center of gravity and shaft drive make it a stable, unhurried companion on the autobahn or a two-week trip through the Alps, not something you toss around back roads for thrills. Owning one means learning its quirks, the shaft jack under hard throttle, the wide bars, the deliberate rather than eager acceleration, and accepting that this is a bike built for miles, not moments. The 1981 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year, buyers comparing it to a 1980 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Today the 1981 BMW R 100 RT attracts riders who already know boxer twins, often stepping down from modern touring rigs in search of something mechanically honest, and collectors drawn to a well-preserved example as a usable, moderately appreciating piece of BMW's touring history.