BMW R 1150 RS - 2003 Specifications and Reviews

The 2003 BMW R 1150 RS is a sport-touring boxer twin designed for riders seeking comfortable long-distance travel with spirited handling. Its 1130cc air-cooled engine delivers 94 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque, while the 239 kg chassis and adjustable seat height accommodate various body types. Known for reliability, smooth power delivery, and versatility, it remains an accessible entry point to sport-touring riding.

Not Rated stars Average rating: Not Rated from 0 votes
.

General information

CategorySport touring
Year2003
ModelBMW R 1150 RS

Engine and Transmission Specifications

Torque100.30 Nm (10.2 kgf-m or 74.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500
Power94.00
Engine typeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Capacity:1130.00 ccm (68.95 cubic inches)
 
 

Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels

Reserve fuel capacity4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Fuel capacity23.00 litres (6.08 gallons)
Wheelbase1,473 mm (58.0 inches)
Alternate seat height820 mm (32.3 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Seat height780 mm (30.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Power/weight ratio0.3933 HP/kg
Dry weight239.0 kg (526.9 pounds)

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsPacific Blue, Gray/Ivory, Blue/Frost, Titanium

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

93.9 hp
Peak Power
3.8s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track30%
City50%
Cornering65%
Daily Riding70%
Touring88%
Passenger75%

Rider Profile

Best ForBest suited to intermediate and experienced riders who appreciate a torquey, shaft-driven boxer over outright sportbike thrills.
PurposeDesigned for long-distance sport touring, blending comfortable ergonomics with confident, stable handling for extended road trips.
Rider FitA substantial machine with a fairly tall seat and considerable wet weight, so shorter or less experienced riders may find low-speed maneuvering demanding.
CharacterA refined, torque-rich boxer twin with shaft final drive and Telelever/Paralever suspension, prioritizing smooth, planted stability over razor-sharp agility.
Not Ideal ForNot the right choice for riders seeking lightweight flickability, off-road capability, or track-focused performance.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2003 BMW R 1150 RS Rider Ergonomics Assessment

Calculated in your browser only - your height/inseam are never sent to our servers.

Feet:

At 780mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

Find bikes that fit your height →

⚠ Safety Recalls (1)

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Nov 2002 · 02V319000

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.

Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →

Rider Reviews

Add a Comment


Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.