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Naked Motorcycles

2003BMW R 1150 R

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The 2003 BMW R 1150 R is a versatile naked bike that appeals to riders seeking a refined, practical machine with classic styling. Its air-cooled boxer engine delivers responsive mid-range torque ideal for everyday riding and gentle touring, while the comfortable ergonomics and manageable weight suit both experienced and intermediate riders looking for dependable performance.

Capacity: 1130.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 238.0 kg
Seat height: 760 mm
Power: 85.0 HP (62.5 kW) @ 6750 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2003 BMW R 1150 R

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Seat height	800 mm (31.5 inches)	760 mm (29.9 inches)
Fuel capacity	20.00 litres (5.28 US gallons)	20.40 litres (5.39 US gallons)
Front brakes	Dual disc	Double disc

Other years 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail20%

Cornering65%

City riding70%

Daily riding82%

Touring70%

Two-up65%

Track35%

Best for: A do-it-all naked roadster built for daily commuting, weekend backroad rides, and light touring rather than outright speed or racetrack ambitions.
Built for: Delivers the classic BMW boxer-twin experience: strong low-end torque, shaft-drive smoothness, and a relaxed, mechanical character with distinctive engine feel and sound.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders chasing track-day lap times, aggressive sportbike handling, or any serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 760mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 BMW R 1150 R, with a moderate knee angle of around 115 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1130.0 ccm
Power: 85.0 HP (62.5 kW) @ 6750 RPM
Torque: 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: Boxer
Power/weight ratio: 0.3571 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 70.5 mm
Compression: 10.3:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Performance

Top speed: 197.0 km/h (122.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1487 mm
Overall length: 2170 mm
Overall width: 920 mm
Overall height: 1097 mm
Seat height: 760 mm
Dry weight: 238.0 kg
Wet weight: 238.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.40 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable
Rear suspension: Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central strut, spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake (fork angle): 28.1°
Trail: 127 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 276 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17

Other

Color options: Red, Bronze, Gray

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Capacity	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc
Dry weight	—	238 kg	238 kg	219 kg	218 kg	218 kg
Seat height	770 mm	800 mm	760 mm	835 mm	800 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	20.4 L	20 L	20.4 L	20.5 L	20.5 L	20.5 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSIONNov 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.

These recalls cover some 2003 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →