After the conclusion of the 1895 maneuvers, "Bayern" was taken into drydock at the Schichau-Werke in Danzig for reconstruction. The ship's old wrought iron and teak armor was replaced with new Krupp nickel-steel armor. The four funnels were trunked into a single large funnel and new engines were also installed, which increased the ship's speed to . The ship's 8.7 cm guns were replaced with quick-firing SK L/30 guns and four autocannons. Work was completed in 1898. "Bayern"s three sisters were similarly modified between 1896 and 1899. "Bayern" remained with the fleet until 19 February 1910, when the ship was stricken from the naval register. She was converted into a target ship for the fleet and served in this capacity off Stollergrund after 1911. On 5 May 1919, "Bayern" was sold for scrapping and was broken up in Kiel.