1981 BMW R 100RS vs 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1980 - 81 | - |
| Make Model | BMW R 100RS | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 820 mm / 32.3 in | - |
| Wheelbase | 1465 mm / 57.67 in | - |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm / 6.49 in | - |
| Height | 1300 mm / 51.8 in | - |
| Length | 2130 mm / 83.8 in | - |
| Width | 746 mm / 29.37 in | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Fuel Capacity | 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal | 21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 230 kg / 506 lbs | 272.0 kg / 599.7 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 196 km/h / 121.5 mph | 228.0 km/h / 141.7 mph |
| Max Power | 51 kW / 70 hp / @ 7000 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 76 Nm / 7.75 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm | - |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec / 157 km/h / 97.3 mph | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 72.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 2.8 x 2.6 inches |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 1074.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 65.54 cubic inches |
| Fuel Control | OHV | DOHC |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke | In-line four, four-stroke |
| Displacement | 980 cc / 59.8 cub in. | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder | - |
| Bore x Stroke | 94 x 70.6 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100 km / 20.8 km/l / 49 US mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 2 x Constant depression carburettors, Bing 94/40/105 - 94/40/106 | - |
| Ignition | Battery ignition | - |
| Lubrication | Wet sump | - |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Valve System | 2 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft | Chain |
| Final Drive Gear Ratio (Bevel/Crown Teeth) | 11/32 teeth or 10/32 teeth | - |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 3.38 / 2nd 2.43 / 3rd 1.93 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50 | - |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double sown tubs, dual cradle | - |
| Suspension - Front | Telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber. | - |
| Suspension - Rear | Long swinging arm with adjustable strut. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 200 mm / 7.8 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 125 mm / 4.9 in | - |
| Electrical Systems |
| Alternator | Bosch 12V/240 W | - |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2 x ∅260mm discs, 2 piston calipers | Dual disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Simplex ∅200 mm drum | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25 - H19 | 3.50-19 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00 - H18 | 4.50-17 |
| Wheel Ratio - Rear | 1:2.91 or 1:3.00 | - |
| Wheels - Front | 2.15 - B19 | - |
| Wheels - Rear | 2.50 - B18 | - |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
1981 BMW R 100RS
The 1981 BMW R 100RS edges out the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana thanks to its dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1981 BMW R 100RS - Advantages
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
1981 BMW R 100RS vs 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 BMW R 100RS and 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana?
The 1981 BMW R 100RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1981 BMW R 100RS or the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 BMW R 100RS has the edge in dual front discs, while the 1982 Suzuki GSX 1100S Katana offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.