BMW R 1150 RT 2003 Rider's Manual

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R 1150 RT

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Victor Yost III

April 2, 2025

Where to find the paint codes

1 comments:

Mr. Anderson

April 2, 2025

The paint code for a 2003 BMW R 1150 RT can be found by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN). In the provided context, the color code "Sienna Red (Red 3)" was identified through a curiosity search linked to the VIN, which also confirmed the build date as May 2003.

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Summary of Contents for BMW R 1150 RT 2003

Page 1 Rider's Manual R 1150 RT R 850 RT BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad...
Page 2 Important notes Warning: This symbol stands for precau-tions and measures which are essential in order to protect the rider or other persons from possibly severe or fatal injury. Attention: Instructions and precautions specifically intended to prevent damage to the motorcycle. Disregarding them may render the warranty invalid.
Page 3 We congratulate you on choos- correct equipment for machine ing a new Boxer model from and rider, to ensure maximum BMW and welcome you to the reliability and safety, and advice worldwide community of BMW on how to maintain the value of riders.
Page 4: Table Of Contents
General view, right side ..5 Brake system Cockpit ......... 6 - general ......26-27 Telltale and warning lights ..7 - with BMW Integral Ignition switch and steering ABS ......28-31 lock ........8-9 Clutch ......... 32 Left handlebar fitting ... 10 Lights......
Page 5 Rider Information Display Arrive safely....72-73 (RID) ......58-59 Service worldwide ....74 Riding, gear shifts..60-61 Environmental protection ..75 Brake system BMW rider’s equipment..76 - general......62-63 BMW motorcycle - with BMW Integral accessories......77 ABS......64-70 Training means extra BMW Integral ABS fault safety ........
Page 6: General View, Left Side
General view, left side 7 Suspension strut, shock absorber adjustment 1 Storage compartment 2 Reservoir for clutch fluid 8 Primary spark plug, left 3 Engine oil filler ( 9 Secondary spark plug, 4 Power socket, 12V only R 1150 RT Provision for connecting 10 Oil level sight glass, engine additional equipment –...
Page 7: General View, Right Side
General view, right side 17 16 11 Storage compartment for toolkit (supplied) 12 Fuse box 13 Fuel filler cap ( 16 Primary spark plug, right 14 Brake fluid reservoir, 17 Secondary spark plug, front brake ( only R 1150 RT 15 Type plate/vehicle 18 Brake fluid reservoir, rear identification number...
Page 8: Cockpit
Cockpit 8 Headlight range control rotary button 9 Telltale and warning lights ( 1 Front fog lamp switch 10 Ignition switch and steering 2 Speedometer lock ( 3 Distance recorder 11 Radio display (odometer) (b Supplementary Rider’s 4 Trip distance recorder Manual) 5 Rotary reset knob for trip distance recorder...
Page 9: Telltale And Warning Lights
Telltale and warning lights 1 Left turn indicator repeater green 2 Warning light battery charge 6 Warning light, general 3 Warning light Tank capac- 56, 68) ity/when app. 4 litres 7 Warning light engine oil remain in tank orange pressure red 23, 56) 8 Telltale light Right turn indi- 4 Neutral indicator (gearbox)
Page 10: Ignition Switch And Steering Lock
Ignition switch and steering lock Note: Ignition switch and steering lock, tank filler cap lock and du- alseat lock are all operated with the same key. The key also fits the storage compartment and System cases. Keys Warning: Only RESIDUAL BRAKING You will receive two master FUNCTIONALITY is available keys and one spare key.
Page 11 Ignition switch and steering lock • Turn the handlebars to full left Key positions lock. Warning: Attention: Never turn the key to OFF or Engage the steering lock with while riding the the handlebars in this position motorcycle! only. ON Operating position, OFF* Ignition and lights off, ignition, lights and all steering locked...
Page 12: Left Handlebar Fitting
Left handlebar fitting Warning: 3 Hazard warning flasher To prevent air from entering switch the clutch system: 4 Rocker switch, electric • Do not turn the fitting on the windshield adjustment handlebar. 5 Audio system handlebar 1 Cold start lever remote control (increased engine speed) Supplementary Rider’s...
Page 13: Right Handlebar Fitting
Right handlebar fitting 9 10 9 Starter button 10 Emergency off (kill) switch for ignition ( 11 Flashing turn indicator Warning: switch, right To prevent air from entering • Press the brake system: – Turn indicators flash • Do not turn the fitting on the To switch off: handlebar.
Page 14 Dualseat Removing dualseat • Turn the key in the dualseat lock to position 1 and hold it there • Take off the rear section of the seat – Toolkit is then accessible • Take off the front section of the seat •...
Page 15: Seats
Dualseat Adjusting seat height Locking the seats Attention: When installing the dualseat, make sure that it is firmly located. Attention: When installing the dualseat, make sure that it is firmly located. • Take off the front section of the seat •...
Page 16: System Case
System case Warning: Closing the system case After an accident or if the motorcycle has fallen over, check that the system cases Attention: are correctly secured! Risk of breaking the locking Max. load per system case: tongue. 10 kg (22 lbs). Before closing handle 1 or lock- With System cases installed, ing system 2, turn the key in the...
Page 17 System case Installing system case Attention: Risk of breaking the locking tongue. Before closing handle 1 or lock- ing system 2, turn the key in the case lock to position A. Warning: Always make sure that the cases are secured. An incorrectly secured case could be lost and endanger other road users.
Page 18: Adjusting The Windshield
Adjusting the windshield Adjusting the windshield Warning: • Switching on the ignition Do not open the storage com- • Press rocker switch 2 partment 1 while riding the • Adjust windshield according motorcycle — risk of accident. to switch positions A or B...
Page 19: Hazard Warning Flashers
Hazard warning flashers Hazard warning lights Note: You cannot activate the hazard warning flashers if the ignition is switched off. Do not use the hazard warning flashers for longer than abso- lutely necessary. • Switch off the ignition Note state of battery charge. –...
Page 20: Checklist
Maintenance Instructions), or, for example have it carried out by your authorised BMW motorcycle dealer. This is to ensure that your motorcycle corresponds with road-vehicle use and safety laws.
Page 21 – shock absorber settings If you encounter any problems and spring preload or difficulties, it is always best to – condition of wheels and tyres, contact your authorised BMW tread depth and tyre pres- Motorrad dealer. sures He will provide the necessary –...
Page 22: Engine Oil
Engine oil Checking the oil level after the engine has only been used for a short time or is only just warm could lead to wrong interpretati- ons and thereby to an incorrect oil fill because the cold, more viscous oil takes longer to flow back into the sump.
Page 23 2 and top up the – the red engine oil pressure engine oil through the engine warning light should re- oil filler 1 main off while the engine is • Then retighten the oil filler running screw 2 BMW recommends Castrol...
Page 24: Fuel
Fuel Attention: Note that fuel containing lead Refuelling will destroy the catalytic con- verter. Do not run the fuel tank dry or Warning: you may damage the engine or Fuel is flammable and explo- catalytic converter. sive. Do not smoke. Never Wipe off plastic parts immedi- bring a naked flame near the ately if they are wetted with fuel.
Page 25 Fuel – Usable tank capacity 25.2 litres (5.5 Imp. gal) • Refuel – When the reserve fuel quan- – Refuel only with super (pre- tity is reached mium) grade fuel to DIN 51607 (approx. 4 litres/0.9 Imp. gal) standard or equivalent, mini- the orange warning light 1 mum octane number 95 (RON) comes on...
Page 26: Handlebar Levers
If you are doubtful about the re- liability of the hydraulic clutch • Turn knob A to set the most operating system, it is best to comfortable span: consult an authorised – Setting 1: minimum distance BMW Motorrad dealer. – Setting 3: maximum distance...
Page 27 Handlebar levers Adjusting handbrake lever Warning: To prevent air from entering the hydraulic circuit of the • Turn knob A to set the most brake system: comfortable span: • Do not turn the fitting on the – Setting 1: minimum distance handlebar.
Page 28: Brake System - General
To ensure reliability have all the safety of the work on the brake systems brake system. carried out by a specialist Immediately seek the advice workshop, preferably an au- of a specialist workshop, thorised preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer. BMW Motorrad dealer.
Page 29 To ensure reliable operation of have the work performed the brakes: do not allow lining by a specialist workshop, thickness to fall below minimum preferably an authorised value ( Maintenance Instruc- BMW Motorrad dealer. tions, Chapter 2).
Page 30: With Bmw Integral
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Checking brake fluid level Warning: On a motorcycle equipped with BMW Integral ABS, the Changing brake fluid brake fluid level in the reser- voir ( 30, 31) does NOT drop as the brake pads wear.
Page 31 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Residual braking function Warning: When the ignition is switched off, before and during self- diagnosis ( 68), or if the Warning: BMW Integral ABS fails, only a When the RESIDUAL BRAK- RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNC-...
Page 32 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS • Place the handlebars in full Checking front brake fluid left lock. level • Check brake fluid level in sight glass MIN Minimum level Warning: (top of Never permit the brake fluid marking ring)
Page 33 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Checking rear brake fluid level • Slacken off screw 1 Warning: • Take off cover 2 and check Never permit the brake fluid brake fluid level level to drop below the MIN Minimum level...
Page 34: Clutch
Have the clutch system rises as the clutch wears. checked immediately by a spe- cialist workshop, preferably an • Place motorcycle on centre authorised BMW Motorrad stand dealer. – Make sure the ground is level and firm • Handlebar in straight-ahead...
Page 35: Lights
Lights Checking lights Attention: Check that all lights are opera- tional at the start of each journey. Note: If turn indicator repeater flashes at twice the usual speed: defective flasher bulb. General warning light ON ( Check brake light or tail light. To change bulbs in parking If the tail light is defective the lights, headlight (dipped and...
Page 36 Lights Have the headlight basic set- ting adjusted by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer. Adjusting beam throw Note: Note: Adjust beam height so that When the basic setting is cor- oncoming traffic is not dazzled. rect, headlight beam throw is...
Page 37 Only with extremely high loads: dazzle oncoming traffic. • Perform minor adjustment Your BMW Motorrad dealer can using rotary knob 1 supply anti-dazzle masking Readjust the headlight to the sheets for the headlight. Please...
Page 38: Shock Absorbers
Shock-absorber adjustment Warning: Basic setting (solo): Before the journey starts, ad- • Turn adjusting screw 2 in just the rear shock absorber to direction indicated by arrow H suit the gross weight and load (clockwise) as far as it will go on the motorcycle.
Page 39: Suspension Spring Preload
Suspension spring preload Warning: Before the journey starts, ad- Basic setting, solo: just spring preload according • Turn knob 3 as far as it will go to the gross weight. If spring counter-clockwise as indi- preload is changed, the shock cated by the “LOW”...
Page 40: Wheels
• Measure tread depth at the Warning: centre of the tyre tread Have damaged wheel rims checked and, if necessary, BMW's minimum tread depth replaced by a specialist work- recommendation: shop, preferably an author- Front ....2 mm (0.08 in) ised BMW Motorrad dealer.
Page 41 Wheels Checking tyre pressures Warning: Incorrect tyre pressures have a considerable influence on handling and on tyre life. Adjust tyre pressures to suit total weight. Never exceed ei- ther the motorcycle’s gross weight or the individual wheel load limits ( 41).
Page 42: Loads
Accessories and loads Warning: BMW cannot examine or test every product of outside origin to ensure that it does not represent a safety risk if used on or in connection with your BMW motorcycle. Even approval by an official inspec-...
Page 43 Accessories and loads Correct loading Warning: Overloading can impair the handling of your motorcycle. • Make sure that weight is dis- tributed evenly between the left and right sides of the Attention: motorcycle Do not exceed the gross weight • Pack heavy items at the bot- limit of 490 kg (992 lb).
Page 44: Starting - Riding - Parking First Time Out
Your first journey Attention: BMW Integral ABS incorpo- rates a brake booster, so brak- ing efficiency is significantly higher than with conventional Handling your motorcycle brake systems. safely Each motorcycle has a charac- ter all its own. It is time now for...
Page 45 Your first journey Warning: Do not ride the motorcycle Safe motorcycling does not after drinking alcoholic bev- depend on the motorcycle erages. Even small amounts alone. of alcohol or drugs, particu- Your own skill and common- larly if taken in conjunction sense are needed too.
Page 46: Important Notes
Warning: Risk of fatal accident When the ignition is switched Your motorcycle is equipped off or if the BMW Integral ABS with Digital Motor Electronics fails, only a RESIDUAL BRAK- (Motronic) and high-power ING FUNCTION remains ignition system.
Page 47 BMW motorcycle dealer with the hot exhaust system. If misfiring or malfunction of the Do not allow the engine to fuel-air mixture preparation sys-...
Page 48: Side Stand
Side stand Placing motorcycle on • Switch off the ignition side stand • Keep both feet on the ground • Hold the left handlebar grip with your left hand Warning: • Keep your right hand on the For safety reasons, never sit right handlebar grip and the on the motorcycle with the handbrake lever...
Page 49 Warning: • Hold the left handlebar grip If the motorcycle is fitted with with your left hand BMW Integral ABS, only RESI- • Keep your right hand on the DUAL BRAKING FUNCTIONA- right handlebar grip and the LITY is available when the...
Page 50: Centre Stand
Main (centre) stand • Switch off the ignition • Hold the left handlebar grip with the left hand Placing motorcycle on • Hold the lifting handle with the centre stand right hand • Place the right foot on the extension pin and press it down Warning: until the curved shoes of the For safety reasons, never sit...
Page 51 Warning: • Ignition key in the “R” or “ON” If the motorcycle is fitted with position ( BMW Integral ABS, only RESI- – Handelbar lock disengaged DUAL BRAKING FUNCTIONA- • Hold the left handlebar grip LITY is available when the...
Page 52: Running In
1,000 km (600 miles) to increased engine wear. Make an appointment with your authorised BMW Motorrad dealer in good time, so that the Note: work can be performed punctu- While running in the motorcy- ally.
Page 53 Attention: This running in procedure is Comply with the notes on BMW essential if the tyres are to Integral ABS ( 64-71). achieve maximum grip.
Page 54: Before You Start
Switch on the ignition B position while the ignition is – Move the kill switch to the run on (switch in ON position), the position A BMW Integral ABS remains op- • Turn ignition key to ON erational ( 64-71).
Page 55 Before you start Fully retracting the side Note: stand Engine does not start: – Move the gear lever to position or disengage Note: the clutch If the side stand is extended Engine stops when first gear is and a gear engaged, you can- engaged: not start the motorcycle.
Page 56: Starting
Starting Warning: Do not warm up the engine with Starting the motorcycle at a standstill — risk of overheating or fire! Ride away immediately after Attention: starting the engine. If you attempt to start the engine To avoid overheating the air- when the battery is flat, you will cooled engine and possible hear the relay chattering.
Page 57 Starting Note: Do not turn the throttle twistgrip when starting the engine. Choke • Correct position of choke • Press starter pushbutton 2 lever 1: – The engine starts – Lever up, in position A: • Turn the throttle twistgrip Cold start carefully –...
Page 58: Telltale And Warning Lights
4 litres (0.9 gallon) of fuel remain in the tank. ABS warning light The ABS warning light 3 lights up if the BMW Integral ABS Battery charge current develops a fault ( 68). Telltale light 1 goes out above idle speed.
Page 59 • Operate the kill switch rect, you must consult a spe- • Bring the motorcycle safely to cialist workshop, preferably an a halt authorised • check engine oil level ( BMW motorcycle dealer.
Page 60: Rider Information Display (Rid)
20). If the oil level is correct, always consult a specialist workshop without delay, prefer- ably a BMW Motorrad dealer. Avoid high engine speeds until The Rider Information Display the problem has been dealt only operates when the ignition with.
Page 61 Rider Information Display (RID) Fuel gauge 2 Gear indicator 3 Note: 1 - 0 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - E If only two bars still appear, about 4 litres (0.9 Imp. gal) of Clock 4 reserve fuel quantity remain in •...
Page 62: Riding, Gear Shifts
Riding and changing gear Load changes Warning: Engine speed Try not to open or close the Limit engine speed in accord- throttle abruptly, particularly ance with engine temperature, on wet or slippery roads. using the highest engine speeds only when the engine Gear shifts has reached its regular operat- ing temperature.
Page 63 Riding and changing gear Moving off and upshifts • Pull the clutch lever in • Press down on the gearshift lever (to select first gear) and take your foot off the lever • Smoothly re-engage the clutch • Increase engine speed Downshifts slightly as necessary •...
Page 64: Brake System - General
Brake system - general Wet brakes Salt on brakes After the motorcycle has been The full breaking effect can be washed, ridden through water delayed if the motorcycle is rid- or ridden in the rain, the brake den on salt-covered roads and discs and pads may be wet the brakes are not applied for (or iced-over in winter), and may...
Page 65 The brakes must first be hydraulic fault. The brake sys- applied until the discs and tem is defective. pads are clean. Immediately consult a specialist Dirt on the brakes increases workshop, preferably an autho- the rate of pad wear. rised BMW Motorrad dealer.
Page 66 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS BMW Integral ABS is the latest- generation BMW ABS develop- ment: by preventing both Sensitive electronic wheels from locking and opti- control mising braking-force distribu- It takes skill and sensitive con- tion by means of the integral...
Page 67 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Safety margin But remember: the potentially shorter braking distances which BMW Integral ABS per- mits must not be used as an excuse for careless riding. ABS is primarily a means of ensuring a safety margin in genuine emergencies.
Page 68: Abs
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Fully integral brakes The integral brake function interlinks the front and rear Brake servo brakes, so both wheels are braked when you operate the The hydraulic pump in the BMW brake lever. Integral ABS actively boosts the...
Page 69 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION If the BMW Integral ABS develops a fault, a RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION only is available in the brake circuits in question. The RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNC- TION is the braking efficiency without the hydraulic servo assist- ance of the BMW Integral ABS.
Page 70 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Self-diagnosis with pull- • Release the brake levers, if away test necessary The BMW Integral ABS per- • Switching on the ignition forms self-diagnosis and a Initially: pull-away test to ensure – ABS warning light 1: its operability.
Page 71 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS • Start the engine. Note: • Move off Starting on gradients: – ABS warning light 1: Always switch on the ignition OFF (as of approx. 5 km/h with gear engaged, clutch lever (3 mph) road speed)
Page 72 Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Warning: If the BMW Integral ABS fails Warning: in both brake circuits, a RESI- If there is a fault in the ABS DUAL BRAKING FUNCTION system, the reserves of safety only is available! (...
Page 73: Bmw Integral Abs Fault Table
The brake system is defective if the test outcome is negative. Alternate Alternate flas- Fluid level in the BMW Integral ABS is too flashing at 4 hing at 4 Hz low, perform the checks listed above. Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION...
Page 74: Arrive Safely Arrive Safely
To be sure of achieving the nec- example the special tools essary standard, it is always developed by BMW such as the advisable to consult your BMW diagnosis authorised BMW Motorrad system or exhaust emissions dealer.
Page 75 But the most by an authorised BMW motor- gratifying feeling of all is that cycle dealer is essential. your BMW is in genuinely good Certain signs of wear may not shape when it leaves the otherwise be noticed until it is...
Page 76: Service Worldwide
Note: practical advice on what to do Call us if you have any questions next and can make arrange- about the BMW dealership net- ments on your behalf, for exam- work. You can contact us from ple notifying local emergency...
Page 77: Environmental Protection
Environmental protection Development… Motorcyclists have an intensive relationship with nature. BMW has made sure that they con- tinue to enjoy the best possible prospects for successful riding in the future. For instance, your new Boxer is available with exhaust emission control by closed-loop, three- way catalytic converter.
Page 78: Bmw Rider's Equipment
• Helmet clothing, you simply can't set • Suit your sights too high. It's good • Gloves to know that the BMW brand • Boots can be trusted to supply you with safe, high-quality rider's It is foolhardy to ride without clothing as well.
Page 79: Bmw Motorcycle Accessories
This is our motto – and it is one standards of design, function we live up to. For many years and quality as the motorcycle now, BMW has offered the itself. This calls for a great deal enthusiast everything capable of experience, but our engi-...
Page 80: Training Means Extra Safety
Work up to the wheel lock limit – Take bends smoothly and gradually. rhythmically, avoiding violent BMW has a worthwhile safety braking and acceleration contribution to make in this area – Approach bends slower than too – BMW Safety Training.
Page 81: Concluding Thoughts
We want you to reach your des- • Technical modification should tination safely – and for riding be performed by a trained your BMW Boxer to be the most mechanic at your BMW delightful leisure pastime in the Motorrad dealership...
Page 82 Rear brake, 31 Engine oil, 21 Brake pads, checking, 27 Filler, 21 Brake system Temperature display (RID), 58 With BMW Integral ABS, 28, Engine oil filler, 21 29, 30, 31 Engine oil pressure Brake system, checking, 26 Telltale light, 56...
Page 83 G – R Lights Gear indicator (RID), 59 Notes, 33 Gearshifts, 60, 61 Low (dipped) headlight switch, 10 General view Left side, 4 Right side, 5 Main (centre) stand, 48, 49 Motorcycle accessories, 77 Handlebar fitting Left, 10 Neutral (gearbox), 53 Right, 11 Handlebar levers Clutch lever, 24...
Page 84 R – T RID (Rider Information Display), 58, 59 Tank capacity, 23 Rider Information Display Telltale and warning light Clock, 59 Engine oil pressure, 57 Engine oil temperature display, Telltale lights ABS check, 7, 56 Fuel gauge, 59 Battery charge, 7 Gear indicator, 59 Battery charge current, 56 Rider’s equipment, 76...
Page 85 V – Z Valve caps, 39 Warning lights ABS check, 56 Battery charge current, 56 Fuel level, 56 General, 7, 56 Warnings Braking, 62 Wheel rims, 38 Windshield adjustment Rocker switch, 10...
Page 87 ©2003 BMW Motorrad discrepancies. Not to be reproduced either wholly Dimensions, weights, fuel con- or in part without written sumption and performance data permission from BMW Motorrad, are quoted to the customary After Sales. tolerances. Printed in Germany...
Page 88 BMW recommends Castrol BMW Motorrad Printed information Order No.: 01 41 7 683 791 04.2003 3rd edition GB / RF The Ultimate Driving Machine...

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BMW R 1150 RT 2003 Rider's Manual

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