In 1976, the BMW R 100 S was presented at the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (IFMA) in Cologne as the successor to the legendary BMW R 90 S. However, it was partly sidelined by the media frenzy surrounding the R 100 RS, which was being presented in parallel and featured the world's first full fairing installed as standard for a series motorcycle. In order not to crowd in on the profile of this flagship model, BMW had reduced the engine output of the R 100 S by 2 hp and did not offer the exclusive liveries of Silver Smoke and Daytona Orange. Ultimately, the R 100 S was unable to compete with the sales figures of the R 90 S.