MotoSpecs

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

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
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
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
1983 BMW R 100RT 1983 BMW R 100RT

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
179.0 km/h / 111.2 mph
Weight
573.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year19861982 - 83
Make ModelYamaha FJ 1200BMW R 100RT
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase1490 mm / 58.7in1465 mm / 57.67 in
Ground Clearance140 mm / 5.5 in165 mm / 6.49 in
Height1,245mm / 49.0 in1465 mm / 57.67 in
Length2230 mm / 87.8 in2110 mm / 87 in
Width775 mm / 30.5 in746 mm / 29.37 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight245 kg / 540.1 lbs-
Fuel Capacity22 Litres / 5.8 gal24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Oil Capacity4.2 Litres-
Wet Weight259 kg / 571 lbs260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed244.3 km/h / 151.8 mph179.0 km/h / 111.2 mph
Braking (60 km/h - 0)14.1 m / 40.0 m-
Max Power130 hp / 94.9 kW @ 9000 rpm 51 kW 70 hp @ 7000 rpm
Max Power - Rear Tyre112.5 hp @ 8600 rpm-
Max Torque108 Nm / 79.6 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm76 Nm / 7.7 kgf-m / 56 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.9 sec / 200.3 km/h13.8 sec / 153 km/h / 95 mph
Engine
Stroke-4
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.7 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-94.0 x 70.6 mm
Displacement (cc)-979.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-59.74 cubic inches
Fuel Control-OHV
Displacement1188 cc / 72.5 cu in980 cc 59.8 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke77 x 63.8 mm94 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio9.7:19.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooled,Air cooled
Engine Oil Specification20W/40-
Fuel Consumption14.5 km/lit5.1 L/100 km / 19.6 km/l / 46 US mpg
Fuel Induction4x Mikuni BS36 36 mm carburettors2 x Constant depression carburettors, Bing 94/40/105 - 94/40/106
IgnitionTCI (Transistor Controlled Ignition)Battery ignition
LubricationWet sumpWet sump
Spark PlugNGK, DP8EA-9-
StarterStartingElectric
Valve System-2
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-Bosch 0.6 hp (from 1978: 0.7 Kw)
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, hydraulic operatedDry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final DriveChain 2.353 (40/17)Shaft drive (cardan)
Final Drive Gear Ratio (Bevel/Crown Teeth)-11 / 32 teeth or 10 / 32 teeth
Gear Ratios1st 2.857 (40/14) 2nd 2.000 (36/18) 3rd 1.571 (33/21) 4th 1.291 (31/24) 5th 1.115 (29/26)1st 3.38 / 2nd 2.43 / 3rd 1.93 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive RatiosSpur Gear 1.750 (98/56)-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel, twin sparDouble sown tubs, dual cradle
Suspension - FrontTelescopic with 3-way preload and damping adjustmentTelescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber.
Suspension - RearMonocross monoshock 5-way preload and 5-way damping adjustmentLong 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 - Front2x 282mm discs 2 piston caliperDual disc
Brakes - RearSingle 282mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front120/80 V163.25-19
Tyres - Rear150/80 V164.00-18
Wheel Ratio - Rear-1:2.91 or 1:3.00
Wheels - Front-1.85 B 19
Wheels - Rear-2.75 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

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 - 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 vs 1983 BMW R 100RT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 and 1983 BMW R 100RT?
The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 1983 BMW R 100RT is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 or the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
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 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 or the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
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 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 or the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
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 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 or the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
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 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 or the 1983 BMW R 100RT?
Both are strong choices. The 1986 Yamaha FJ 1200 has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 1983 BMW R 100RT stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. 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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