![]()
No images available
Tap to enlarge
![]()
1999 BMW R 1100RT Overview
For 1999, BMW offers the R 1100RT as a touring motorcycle with 1085 cc on tap. The 1999 BMW R 1100RT is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine, a compression ratio of 10.7:1. Out on the road, the R 1100RT delivers 67.1 kW @ 7250 rpm of peak power and 95 Nm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 203.3 km/h. In everyday use, the 1999 R 1100RT tips the scales at 282 kg, carries a 23-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800 mm and spans a 1485 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 48 kg lighter than the average touring motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1999 BMW R 1100RT spec sheet below.
1999 R 1100RT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1100RT is 67.1 kW @ 7250 rpm and 95 Nm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
-
🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
-
⛽
Large fuel range: With a 23-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
-
⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
-
ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 1100RT - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1100RT keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1100RT comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Telelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shock up front and Paralever swingarm & shaft drive, single-tube gas-filled shock, variable rebound setting at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 1100RT removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Steel, backbone frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 1100RT's 282 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 1100RT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 1999 BMW R 1100RT should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1100RT settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1100RT's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 1100RT's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
1999 BMW R 1100RT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT have?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1085 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1999 BMW R 1100RT?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT has a factory-quoted top speed of 203.3 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT weigh?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT weighs 282 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT make?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT produces 67.1 kW @ 7250 rpm of power and 95 Nm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1999 BMW R 1100RT?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT has a 23-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 383-460 km between stops.
Is the 1999 BMW R 1100RT suitable for shorter riders?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT has a seat height of 800 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT have?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT uses 2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT use?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1999 BMW R 1100RT have?
The 1999 BMW R 1100RT is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1100RT Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1100RT was produced across 5 model years (1996-2001). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
2000 |
2001 |
| Wet Weight |
282 kg / 622 lbs |
282 kg / 622 lbs |
282 kg / 622 lbs |
282 kg / 622 lbs |
282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
256 kg / 571 lbs |
256 kg / 571 lbs |
256 kg / 571 lbs |
256 kg / 571 lbs |
- |
| Top Speed |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
196.0 km/h / 121.8 mph |
| Seat Height |
800 mm / 31.5 in. |
800 mm / 31.4 in. Optional adjustable: 780 mm / 30.7 in / 820 mm / 32.3 in |
800 mm / 31.4 in. Optional adjustable: 780 mm / 30.7 in / 820 mm / 32.3 in |
800 mm / 31.4 in. Optional adjustable: 780 mm / 30.7 in / 820 mm / 32.3 in |
780 mm / 30.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal |
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal |
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal |
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal |
25.00 litres / 6.61 gallons |
| Wheelbase |
1485 mm / 58.5 in |
1485 mm / 58.5 in |
1485 mm / 58.5 in |
1485 mm / 58.5 in |
1,485 mm / 58.5 in. |
| Brakes - Front |
Dual disc |
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
Dual disc |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc |
Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
Single disc |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
67.1 kW / 90 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque
95 Nm / 9.7 kgf-m / 69 lb-ft.@ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal
Advertisement
Full 1999 BMW R 1100RT Specifications
Year
1999 - 2000
Make Model
BMW R 1100RT
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
820 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
32.3 inches
Seat Height
800 mm / 31.4 in. Optional adjustable: 780 mm / 30.7 in / 820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase
1485 mm / 58.5 in
Ground Clearance
153 mm / 6.2 in
Height
1380 mm / 54.3 in
Length
2205 mm / 86.8 in
Width
900 mm / 35.4 in
Weight balance - Front
50.6
Dry Weight
256 kg / 571 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23 Litres / US 6.1 gal
Wet Weight
282 kg / 622 lbs
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Stroke
4
Displacement
1085 cc / 66.2 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection
Bore x Stroke
99 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
6.1 L/100 km / 16.3 km/l / 38.3 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection
Ignition
Electronic ignition MA 2.2 Bosch Motronic
Lubrication
Wet sump
Spark Plug
Bosch, FR6 DDC
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Dry, single plate
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 4.16 / 2nd 2.91 / 3rd 2.13 / 4th 1.74 / 5th 1.45:1
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Steel, backbone frame
Suspension - Front
Telelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shock
Suspension - Rear
Paralever swingarm & shaft drive, single-tube gas-filled shock, variable rebound setting
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
276 mm
Brakes - Front
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/60-ZR18
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:2.81
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
Advertisement