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Sport Tourers

2003BMW R 1100 S

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The 2003 BMW R 1100 S is a sport-touring motorcycle that delivers spirited performance with practical versatility, appealing to riders seeking agile handling and comfortable long-distance capability. Its air-cooled boxer engine provides responsive power and torque, while the compact wheelbase enables confident cornering. Best known for balancing sportiness with the legendary reliability of BMW's boxer platform, it suits experienced riders who prioritize nimble dynamics and everyday usability.

Capacity: 1085.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: Not on record
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Wet weight: 229.0 kg
Seat height: 800 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM

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

What’s new for the 2003 BMW R 1100 S

vs the 2002

Spec	2002	2003
Top speed	226.0 km/h (140.4 mph)	not listed
Fuel capacity	18.00 litres (4.76 US gallons)	19.00 litres (5.02 US gallons)

Other years 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail15%

Cornering72%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring72%

Two-up55%

Track55%

Best for: Designed as a sport tourer, blending brisk boxer-twin performance with long-distance comfort and shaft-drive practicality.
Built for: A quirky, characterful machine with torque-rich boxer power delivery, Telelever front suspension feel, and sporty yet composed road manners.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for off-road adventures or riders seeking a lightweight, flickable city commuter.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 800mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2003 BMW R 1100 S, 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: 1085.0 ccm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4279 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 99.0 x 70.5 mm
Compression: 11.3:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1487 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Wet weight: 229.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 110 mm
Rear wheel travel: 130 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front tyre: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre: 170/60-ZR17

Other

Color options: Gray, Red, Gray/Mandarin, Blue

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

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	1999	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
Capacity	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc	1085 cc
Dry weight	208 kg	—	—	—	208 kg	208 kg
Seat height	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm	800 mm	860 mm	800 mm
Fuel capacity	18 L	18 L	18 L	19 L	18 L	18 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 →