The R259 1,085 cc flat-twin engine has a maximum output of 90 horsepower (67 kW).

[4] The engine was named "Oilhead" as it had air-cooled cylinders but oil-cooled heads.

Instead of having conventional telescopic forks, the R1100RS used BMW's own Telelever suspension which bolted directly to the engine.

[3][7] In 1999, a more powerful six-speed version of the R259 engine was fitted in the BMW R1100S.

The R1100RS was marketed in the United States from 1994, when it was chosen as Cycle World's best standard motorcycle of 1994.