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2003 BMW R 1100S Overview
The 2003 BMW R 1100S is a sport touring motorcycle built around 1085 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine, a compression ratio of 11.3:1. 2003 BMW R 1100S delivers 71.4 kW @ 7500 rpm of peak power and 97 Nm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 227 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2003 R 1100S tips the scales at 236 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800 mm and spans a 1478 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2003 BMW R 1100S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2003 R 1100S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2003 BMW R 1100S makes 71.4 kW @ 7500 rpm with 97 Nm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used R 1100S, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Low-speed confidence
At 236 kg, the R 1100S is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
R 1100S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2003 BMW R 1100S, 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 1100S 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 1100S. 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.
2003 BMW R 1100S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2003 BMW R 1100S have?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1085 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2003 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S has a factory-quoted top speed of 227 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2003 BMW R 1100S weigh?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S weighs 236 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2003 BMW R 1100S make?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S produces 71.4 kW @ 7500 rpm of power and 97 Nm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2003 BMW R 1100S?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2003 BMW R 1100S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S 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 1100S have?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S uses 2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers at the front and Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2003 BMW R 1100S use?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 160/60-ZR18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2003 BMW R 1100S have?
The 2003 BMW R 1100S is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1100S Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1100S 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 |
236 kg / 520 lbs |
236 kg / 520 lbs |
229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs |
236 kg / 520 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
237 kg / 522.5 lbs |
229 kg / 504.9 lbs |
229 kg / 505 lbs |
229 kg / 505 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
| Top Speed |
225.0 km/h / 139.8 mph |
218.7 km/h / 135.9 mph |
227 km/h / 141 mph |
227 km/h / 141 mph |
| Seat Height |
800 mm / 31.4 in |
800 mm / 31.5 in. |
800 mm / 31.4 in |
800 mm / 31.4 in |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons |
18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons |
18 Litres / US 4.76 gal |
18 Litres / US 4.76 gal |
| Fuel Control |
- |
- |
OHC |
SOHC |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) |
310 mm |
305 mm |
320 mm |
305 mm |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
71.4 kW / 98 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque
97 Nm / 9.9 kgf-m / 71.5 lb-ft.@ 5750 rpm
Top Speed
227 km/h / 141 mph
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / US 4.76 gal
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Full 2003 BMW R 1100S Specifications
Year
2003 - 04
Colours
Gray, Red, Gray/Mandarin, Blue
Make Model
BMW R 1100S
Seat Height
800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase
1478 mm / 58.2 in
Height
1160 mm / 45.6 in
Length
2180 mm / 85.8 in
Width
880 mm / 34.6 in
Dry Weight
229 kg / 505 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / US 4.76 gal
Wet Weight
236 kg / 520 lbs
Stroke
4
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement
1085 cc / 66.2 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
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 Litres / 1.05 US gal
Ignition
Bosch electronic
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V, 14 Ah (special equipment: 12V, 19 Ah)
Clutch
Dry, single plate
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 1.040 / 5th 0.900 / 6th 0.800
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
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
Paralever, central strut, spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by mean of a hydraulic handwheel, rebound adjustable damping.
Wheel Travel - Front
110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 276mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front
3.50 x 17"
Rims - Rear
5.00 x 17" (special equipment: 5.50 x 17")
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/60-ZR18
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:2.81
Wheels
Die cast aluminium wheels
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