"Bayern" participated in the ceremonial transfer of the island of Helgoland from British to German control in the summer of 1890. She was present during the fleet maneuvers in September, where the entire eight-ship armored squadron simulated a Russian fleet blockading Kiel. She remained with I Division in 1891; the year's maneuvers simulated a two-front war against Russia and either France of Denmark. "Bayern" participated in the 1892 fleet maneuvers as well. Three separate simulations were conducted, which included French blockades of the German North Sea coast and a Russian attack on Kiel. Vice Admiral Wilhelm Schröder commanded the fleet maneuvers of 1893, which simulated a protracted campaign against a superior French fleet. "Bayern" and her three sisters served as the Russian Baltic Fleet during the 1894 maneuvers.