The 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago from Japan was powered by a 920cc OHV V-twin producing 70hp at 7500rpm. Weighing 223.0kg (492 lbs) and with a seat height of 750mm, it was aimed at cruiser riders.
The 1992 BMW R100R, hailing from Germany, by contrast offered 980cc of OHV flat-twin power, delivering 60hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 190.0kg (419 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago | 1992 BMW R100R | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 920 cc | 980 cc |
| Power | 70 hp | 60 hp |
| Torque | 72.0 Nm | 56.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 223.0 kg | 190.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 242.0 kg | 206.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 750 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1520 mm | 1467 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 22.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago is built for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort, while the 1992 BMW R100R targets versatile street riding and daily commuting. On paper, the 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago's 70hp trumps the 1992 BMW R100R's 60hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago if you value relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort; pick the 1992 BMW R100R for versatile street riding and daily commuting. Parts availability is moderate for the 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago and good for the 1992 BMW R100R — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago
Born in 1982, the 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago is a 920cc twin-cylinder cruiser producing 70hp from Yamaha.
Full 1982 Yamaha XV920 Virago Profile →About the 1992 BMW R100R
Introduced in 1992, the 1992 BMW R100R features a 980cc OHV flat-twin engine producing 60hp, establishing itself as a notable naked bike.
Full 1992 BMW R100R Profile →