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 (mm)-845 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.3 inches
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase-1,478 mm / 58.2 in.
Height-1,160 mm / 45.7 in.
Length2,025 mm / 79.7 in.2,180 mm / 85.8 in.
Width725 mm / 28.5 in.895 mm / 35.2 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 Torque102.0097.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7010 HP/kg0.4279 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 drive (cardan)
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 and rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front-BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central spring 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 - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - FrontDouble discDouble disc
Brakes - RearSingle discDouble disc
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 - Rear190/50-17180/55-ZR17
Wheel Ratio - Rear-1:2.81
Wheels-Die cast aluminium wheels

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2

The 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 edges out the 2004 BMW R 1100S thanks to its lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 - Advantages

  • Lighter: 194 kg vs 236 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2004 BMW R 1100S - Advantages

  • 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 2003 Honda VTR 1000 SP-2 has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1100S sits higher at 860 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 and lower seat height, while the 2004 BMW R 1100S stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.