It was built from 1996 to 2001 in the BMW Berlin plant in Spandau, together with several sister models of similar design, including the R1100R, R1100GS and R1100RS, with almost identical engines but different engine tunes, trim levels and chassis details.

The bike comes standard with an anti-lock braking system and a regulated three-way catalytic converter.

The chassis is constructed in three parts and consists of front and rear frame and a co-supporting ligands motor-gear unit.

The suspension was formed on the front by a Telelever and the rear via a Paralever swingarm.

The manufacturer recommends the use of petrol with a knock resistance of at least 95 RON / 91 octane.