MotoSpecs

1983 BMW R 100RT vs 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1983 BMW R 100RT 1983 BMW R 100RT

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
203 km/h / 126 mph
Weight
573.2 pounds
1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
130 hp / 94.9 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
244.3 km/h / 151.8 mph
Weight
259 kg / 571 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year1982 - 831986
MakeBMW-
ModelR 100RT-
Make ModelBMW R 100RTYamaha FJ 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in780 mm / 30.7 in
Wheelbase1465 mm / 57.67 in1490 mm / 58.7in
Ground Clearance165 mm / 6.49 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1465 mm / 57.67 in1,245mm / 49.0 in
Length2110 mm / 87 in2230 mm / 87.8 in
Width746 mm / 29.37 in775 mm / 30.5 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-245 kg / 540.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity24 Litres / 6.3 US gal22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Oil Capacity-4.2 Litres
Wet Weight238 Kg / 525 lbs259 kg / 571 lbs
Performance
Top Speed203 km/h / 126 mph244.3 km/h / 151.8 mph
Braking (60 km/h - 0)-14.1 m / 40.0 m
Max Power51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm130 hp / 94.9 kW @ 9000 rpm
Max Power - Rear Tyre-112.5 hp @ 8600 rpm
Max Torque76 Nm / 7.7 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm108 Nm / 79.6 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.8 sec / 153 km/h / 95 mph10.9 sec / 200.3 km/h
Engine
Fuel ControlOHV Pushrod-
Displacement (cc)979.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.70 x 2.78 in-
Bore x Stroke (mm)94.0 x 70.6 mm-
Displacement (ci)59.74 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Stroke70.6 mm-
Displacement980 cc 59.8 cu in1188 cc / 72.5 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke94 x 70.6 mm77 x 63.8 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:19.7:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledAir/oil cooled,
Engine Oil Specification-20W/40
Fuel Consumption5.1 L/100 km / 19.6 km/l / 46 US mpg14.5 km/lit
Fuel Induction2 x Constant depression carburettors, Bing 94/40/105 - 94/40/1064x Mikuni BS36 36 mm carburettors
IgnitionBattery ignitionTCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, DP8EA-9
StarterElectricStarting
Valve System2-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBosch 0.6 hp (from 1978: 0.7 Kw)-
Drivetrain
ClutchDry single plate, with diaphragm springWet, multiple discs, hydraulic operated
Final DriveShaftChain 2.353 (40/17)
Final Drive Gear Ratio (Bevel/Crown Teeth)11 / 32 teeth or 10 / 32 teeth-
Gear Ratios1st 3.38 / 2nd 2.43 / 3rd 1.93 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.501st 2.857 (40/14) 2nd 2.000 (36/18) 3rd 1.571 (33/21) 4th 1.291 (31/24) 5th 1.115 (29/26)
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios-Spur Gear 1.750 (98/56)
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble sown tubs, dual cradleSteel, twin spar
Suspension - FrontTelescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber.Telescopic with 3-way preload and damping adjustment
Suspension - RearLong swinging arm with adjustable strut.Monocross monoshock 5-way preload and 5-way damping adjustment
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear125 mm / 4.9 in-
Electronics
TachometerStandard-
Electrical Systems
AlternatorBosch 12V/240 W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)7.9 in-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)200 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.2 in-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)260 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x Ø260mm discs, 2 piston calipers2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSimplex Ø200 mm drumSingle 282mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front3.25 H-19120/80 V16
Tyres - Rear4.00 H-18150/80 V16
Wheel Ratio - Rear1:2.91 or 1:3.00-
Wheels - Front1.85 B 19-
Wheels - Rear2.75 C 18-

Verdict

Winner on specs

1986 Yamaha FJ 1200

The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 edges out the 1983 BMW R 100RT thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

1983 BMW R 100RT - Advantages

  • Lighter: 238 Kg vs 259 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 165 mm vs 140 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 130 hp vs 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 108 Nm vs 76 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1188 cc vs 980 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

1983 BMW R 100RT vs 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1983 BMW R 100RT and 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT uses Boxer Twin 2-Valve, while the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 1983 BMW R 100RT or the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT is lighter at 238 Kg compared to 259 kg for the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 - a difference of 21 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 1983 BMW R 100RT or the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 produces more peak power at 130 hp, compared to 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm for the 1983 BMW R 100RT.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 1983 BMW R 100RT or the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 1983 BMW R 100RT sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1983 BMW R 100RT or the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
The 1983 BMW R 100RT has the larger tank at approximately 24 litres vs 22 litres for the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 400-480 km vs 366-440 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1983 BMW R 100RT or the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 1983 BMW R 100RT has the edge in lighter kerb weight and dual front discs, while the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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