BMW R 1150 RS 2001 — Specifications

Who still remembers the BMW R 1150 RS? Sandwiched between the hugely popular RT and the pure sportbikes of the era, this semi-faired sport tourer from the Munich catalog nonetheless deserves a closer look. Launched in 2001, it picked up where the R 1100 RS left off, with a flat-twin bored out to 1130 cc, producing 95 horsepower at 7250 rpm and 96 Nm of torque available from just 5500 rpm. On paper, nothing spectacular compared to a Honda VFR 800 or a Triumph Sprint ST from the same period. But the BMW R 1150 RS spec sheet only tells part of the story.

This four-valve-per-cylinder flat-twin with its 12:1 compression ratio delivers remarkably linear thrust. The engine pulls smoothly from low revs to the top of the tachometer, with a flexibility that makes long-distance stints almost meditative. The six-speed gearbox, absent on the previous generation, turns motorway stretches into a walk in the park, the engine purring quietly below 5000 rpm at legal speeds. On twisty back roads, however, it's best to stay one gear lower to enjoy strong acceleration on the exits. The shaft drive provides a maintenance-free transmission, true to BMW's philosophy of the time. One minor gripe raised in many BMW R 1150 RS reviews: the fueling map suffers from occasional hiccups, likely related to the lambda sensor, producing noticeable jerking at low revs. An annoying flaw, especially when riding two-up.

On the chassis side, the recipe is well-known and proven. The Telelever front end and Paralever rear, mounted on a tubular frame with the engine as a stressed member and an aluminum front subframe, deliver predictable and confidence-inspiring handling. The BMW R 1150 RS tips the scales at 246 kg wet, which you'll feel in the parking lot but forget as soon as the first bends arrive. The seat, adjustable across three heights around 780 mm, allows riders of various builds to find their ideal position. The windscreen, adjustable via a thumbwheel from the cockpit, provides decent upper-body protection, even if the shoulders remain somewhat exposed to the wind. The ABS braking system, featuring twin 320 mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers up front and a 276 mm disc at the rear, inspires confidence in both wet and dry conditions. The BMW R 1150 RS ABS remains a compelling selling point for those seeking a safe motorcycle to ride year-round.

The 23-liter tank allows comfortable stretches between fuel stops, and any BMW R 1150 RS road test confirms what the forums never tire of repeating: this is a machine built to devour miles without wearing out its rider. The pillion benefits from a wide seat and a well-designed grab handle, even if they'll be subjected to the aforementioned fueling jerks. At a launch price of 12,650 euros, it sat well below the RT, its fully-faired grand touring sibling. Today, a used BMW R 1150 RS, whether a 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 or 2005 model year, can be found at very reasonable prices on Le Parking or specialist classifieds. A bargain for the experienced touring rider seeking a reliable, comfortable mount capable of reaching 220 km/h when the road allows. It won't set collectors' hearts racing, it won't shine on a track, but it fulfills its long-distance touring brief with a thoroughly Bavarian mechanical honesty.