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2003 BMW R 1150R Overview
The 2003 BMW R 1150R is a naked bike motorcycle built around 1130 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine, a compression ratio of 10.3:1. 2003 BMW R 1150R delivers 70 kW @ 7250 rpm of peak power and 98 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 203.3 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2003 R 1150R tips the scales at 238 kg, carries a 20.4-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800 mm and spans a 1487 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 29.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2003 BMW R 1150R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2003 R 1150R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2003 BMW R 1150R makes 70 kW @ 7250 rpm with 98 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Large fuel range: The 20.4-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used R 1150R, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R 1150R's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Brake disc and pad wear
The 2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R 1150R runs Telelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shock and Patented BMW Paralever swingarm & shaft drive, single tube gas filled shock, variable rebound setting at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 238 kg, the R 1150R is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
R 1150R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2003 BMW R 1150R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1150R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 1150R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R 1150R's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2003 BMW R 1150R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2003 BMW R 1150R have?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1130 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2003 BMW R 1150R?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R has a factory-quoted top speed of 203.3 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2003 BMW R 1150R weigh?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R weighs 238 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2003 BMW R 1150R make?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R produces 70 kW @ 7250 rpm of power and 98 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2003 BMW R 1150R?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R has a 20.4-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 340-407 km between stops.
Is the 2003 BMW R 1150R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R has a seat height of 800 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2003 BMW R 1150R have?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R uses 2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 276 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2003 BMW R 1150R use?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 170/60 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2003 BMW R 1150R have?
The 2003 BMW R 1150R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1150R Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1150R was produced across 4 model years (2000-2006). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2000 |
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
238 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238 kg / 524.7 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
238 kg / 524.7 lbs |
218 kg / 480 lbs |
218 kg / 480.6 lbs |
218 kg / 480.6 lbs |
| Engine Type |
- |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
| Top Speed |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
197.0 km/h / 122.4 mph |
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph |
197.0 km/h / 122.4 mph |
| Seat Height |
800 mm / 31.5 in (Low seat 770 mm / 30.3 in) |
800 mm / 31.5 in (Low seat 770 mm / 30.3 in) |
835 mm / 32.9 in. |
800 mm / 31.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
20.4 Liters / 5.3 gal |
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons |
20.50 litres / 5.42 gallons |
20.4 Liters / 5.3 gal |
| Fuel Control |
- |
- |
OHC |
SOHC |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) |
- |
70.0 x 101.0 mm |
101.0 x 70.5 mm |
101.0 x 70.5 mm |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
70 kW / 95 hp @ 7250 rpm
Torque
98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.3 ft-lb / @ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph
Weight
238 kg / 524.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.4 Liters / 5.3 gal
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Full 2003 BMW R 1150R Specifications
Year
2003 -04
Colours
Red, Bronze, Gray
Make Model
BMW R 1150R
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
800 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
31.5 inches
Seat Height
800 mm / 31.5 in (Low seat 770 mm / 30.3 in)
Wheelbase
1487 mm / 59.4 in
Height
1220 mm / 48.0 in
Length
2170 mm / 85.4 in
Width
940 mm / 37.0 in
Dry Weight
218 kg / 480.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.4 Liters / 5.3 gal
Wet Weight
238 kg / 524.7 lbs
Stroke
4
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement
1130 cc / 69 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
101 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio
10.3:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.56 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.3 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition
Electronic ignition MA 2.2 Bosch Motronic
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Dry, single plate, hydraulic operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Three section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front
Telelever with central spring strut & linear-rate coil spring. Twin-tube gas-filled shock
Suspension - Rear
Patented BMW Paralever swingarm & shaft drive, single tube gas filled shock, variable rebound setting
Wheel Travel - Front
120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 320 mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
170/60 ZR17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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