2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 vs 2004 BMW R 1100S vs 2004 BMW R 1100S

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2

Sport

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
427.7 pounds
2004 BMW R 1100S 2004 BMW R 1100S

Sport

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
504.9 pounds
2004 BMW R 1100S 2004 BMW R 1100S

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
71.4 kW / 98 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
227 km/h / 141 mph
Weight
236 kg / 520 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2003 - 04
Colours-Gray, Red, Gray/Mandarin, Blue
Make Model-BMW R 1100S
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-845 mm
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.860 mm / 33.9 in.
Wheelbase-1,478 mm / 58.2 in.
Height-1160 mm / 45.6 in
Length2,025 mm / 79.7 in.2180 mm / 85.8 in
Width725 mm / 28.5 in.880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight194 kg / 427.7 lbs208 kg / 458.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons
Wet Weight-229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-227 km/h / 141 mph
Braking (100 km/h - 0)-40.0 m / 131 ft
Braking (60 km/h - 0)-13.5 m / 44.3 ft
Max Power-71.4 kW / 98 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque102.0097 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 71.5 lb-ft.@ 5750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7010 HP/kg0.4642 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-12.1 sec / 177.5 km/h / 110.3 mph
Engine
Stroke44
Engine TypeV2Two cylinder boxer
Displacement (ci)60.96 cubic inches66.21 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)999.00 cc1085.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 63.6 mm99.0 x 70.5 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 2.5 inches3.9 x 2.8 inches
Fuel Control-OHC
Displacement-1085 cc / 66.2 cu in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke-99 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio-11.3:1
Cooling System-Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption-6.0 L/100 km / 16.6 km/l / 39.0 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Bosch fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition-Bosch electronic
Lubrication-Wet sump
Starter-Electric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 V, 14 Ah (special equipment: 12V, 19 Ah)
Drivetrain
Clutch-Dry, single plate
Final DriveChainShaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 1.040 / 5th 0.900 / 6th 0.800
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front-Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter 35mm, central strut, rebound damping adjustable.
Suspension - Rear-Die-cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Wheel Travel - Front-110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front-3.50 x 17"
Rims - Rear-5.00 x 17" (special equipment: 5.50 x 17")
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear190/50-17160/60-ZR18
Wheel Ratio - Rear-1:2.81
Wheels-Die cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 and the 2004 BMW R 1100S are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 194 kg vs 236 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.

2004 BMW R 1100S - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 800 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 vs 2004 BMW R 1100S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 and 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 uses V2, while the 2004 BMW R 1100S is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 is lighter at 194 kg compared to 236 kg for the 2004 BMW R 1100S - a difference of 42 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
The 2004 BMW R 1100S has the lower seat at 800 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 or the 2004 BMW R 1100S?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 has the edge in lighter kerb weight, while the 2004 BMW R 1100S stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.