+ Add a photo

Sport Tourers

2003BMW R 1150 RS

Rate this bike

39 fields on record

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.

Capacity: 1130.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 239.0 kg
Seat height: 780 mm
Power: 94.0 HP (69.1 kW) @ 7250 RPM

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

What’s new for the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Power	95.9 HP (70.5 kW)	94.0 HP (69.1 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Torque	100.0 Nm (10.2 kgf-m or 73.8 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM	100.3 Nm (10.2 kgf-m or 74.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Top speed	215.0 km/h (133.6 mph)	not listed
Dry weight	—	239.0 kg (526.9 pounds)
Seat height	830 mm (32.7 inches)	780 mm (30.7 inches)

Other years 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering65%

City riding50%

Daily riding70%

Touring88%

Two-up75%

Track30%

Best for: Designed for long-distance sport touring, blending comfortable ergonomics with confident, stable handling for extended road trips.
Built for: A refined, torque-rich boxer twin with shaft final drive and Telelever/Paralever suspension, prioritizing smooth, planted stability over razor-sharp agility.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking lightweight flickability, off-road capability, or track-focused performance.

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 780mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 BMW R 1150 RS, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and a slightly forward 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: 94.0 HP (69.1 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Torque: 100.3 Nm (10.2 kgf-m) @ 5500 RPM
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.3933 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 70.5 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1473 mm
Overall length: 2170 mm
Overall width: 920 mm
Overall height: 1286 mm
Seat height: 780 mm
Dry weight: 239.0 kg
Wet weight: 246.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 23.00 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
Rear suspension: Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front wheel travel: 120 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.5°
Trail: 111 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 276 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 170/60-ZR17

Other

Color options: Pacific Blue, Gray/Ivory, Blue/Frost, Titanium

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	2002	2003	2004	2005
Capacity	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc	1130 cc
Dry weight	—	239 kg	239 kg	224 kg
Seat height	830 mm	780 mm	780 mm	790 mm
Fuel capacity	23 L	23 L	23 L	22 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 →