Main Diff 2003 Vs 2004 R1150rt

[ghyber]

Searched this forum and could not find any quick info.

Would anyone care to help this undecided BMW rider with the what I should be concerned with when it comes to deciding between a 2003 and 2004 model.

Ghyber

[Seeker]

I don't know of any difference unless 04 is the year that it went from a single spark to a duel spark. it was 04 or 05.
then it went to a hex head shortly after that.

[Jeff488]

Yep, the '04 is twin spark. It also doesn't have the antenna or a radio mount.
Another of the side benefits of the twin spark is that it needs only 89 octane. Only about fifty cents a fill up, but for cheapskates, it's something.
Not sure if there are any other diffs.

[NavyDad]

My 04 RT is a dual spark.

[tdomek]

There are two significant differences between the '03 and '04 RT (all oilheads of that vintage really). Twin Spark, or two spark plugs per cylinder, was added in '04. Ostensibly to reduce emissions, Twin Spark had the added advantage of greatly reducing surging. Also, the ratios of the servo assisted (aka whizzy) brakes were revised to make them less sensitive. These changes were the deciding factors for me in purchasing an '04 over an '02 or '03 R1150RT. YMMV

[bradleypurple]

Actually '03 is the year it went to dual spark, just not available in the States.

[Jeff488]

Also, the ratios of the servo assisted (aka whizzy) brakes were revised to make them less sensitive. These changes were the deciding factors for me in purchasing an '04 over an '02 or '03 R1150RT. YMMV

Those earlier 1150's must have really taken some getting used to at low speeds in a gravel parking lot!

[jgmallis]

Look here for a fairly good explanation http://bmwmotorcycle.home.att.net/1150.htm
I went with an 04 RT for these reasons, wanted the dual spark and the other minor improvements. Go for a 05 or newer if you want the technically better and aren't adverse to the newer looks. I'm not that crazy about the newer looks, so...

The whizzy brakes are not what they should have been. This is one of those cases of the engineers getting carried away, way more complex than needed. Vacuum assist is one thing, but a servo (actually an electric motor driven boost pump) in a braking system will always introduce a lag in response. The ABS on my 88 K bike are better, at least from a predictability/usability basis. I still throw my passenger around on occasion. They are great if ya really gotta stop NOW, but every day use takes a lot of getting used to. Feathering the brakes is next to impossible and they "whine" at stop lights if you hold a brake while waiting. This is probably the single worst feature on these bikes. They aren't a deal breaker, just annoying. Wanna slap the guy around who thought this was a good idea :whistle

[r11rs94]

Look here for a fairly good explanation http://bmwmotorcycle.home.att.net/1150.htm
I went with an 04 RT for these reasons, wanted the dual spark and the other minor improvements. Go for a 05 or newer if you want the technically better and aren't adverse to the newer looks. I'm not that crazy about the newer looks, so...

The whizzy brakes are not what they should have been. This is one of those cases of the engineers getting carried away, way more complex than needed. Vacuum assist is one thing, but a servo (actually an electric motor driven boost pump) in a braking system will always introduce a lag in response. The ABS on my 88 K bike are better, at least from a predictability/usability basis. I still throw my passenger around on occasion. They are great if ya really gotta stop NOW, but every day use takes a lot of getting used to. Feathering the brakes is next to impossible and they "whine" at stop lights if you hold a brake while waiting. This is probably the single worst feature on these bikes. They aren't a deal breaker, just annoying. Wanna slap the guy around who thought this was a good idea :whistle

I know, I hated the whining at stop lights. I solved it by using better ear plugs. Can't hear it whine now. :laugh I agree with the rest of what you said. I though the ABS on my R1100RS was a better system. Hope to be back out on the road next week. just a soon as I finish up a few winter projects I have been working on. later

[ghyber]

WoW! I love this forum. True BMW afficionados; stalwarts of the wonderful German motorcycle.

I very much appreciated all those comments provided and especially the hyperlink to Jeff Dean's website(s). I am impressed by the number of bimmers this gentleman has in his personal inventory.

Keep the input coming but I think that all things being equal, the 2004 is probably a better choice even if the used model I have in sight harbors twice the mileage of the 2003 model.

Ghyslain

[PAGoldsby]

Yep, the '04 is twin spark. It also doesn't have the antenna or a radio mount.
Another of the side benefits of the twin spark is that it needs only 89 octane. Only about fifty cents a fill up, but for cheapskates, it's something.
Not sure if there are any other diffs.
My '04 has the antenna and radio bucket, but no radio or controls.

[Jeff488]

My '04 has the antenna and radio bucket, but no radio or controls.

Hmmmm. Mine was built in July '03 and has none of those.
But then this is just another item on the long list of things about BMW I don't understand.

[BMWRich58]

You need to remember that the "Radio Kit" which was "standard" on earlier models,became offered as an option on later bikes,and sometimes Dealers will order bikes with options.
Another example was heated grips. On some models,they came standard on the bikes but then later became options on that same model a year or two later.

[ghyber]

Actually '03 is the year it went to dual spark, just not available in the States.
By using the information from Jeff Dean's very informative website, I was able to ascertain that this Canadian 2003 has the valve cover of what appears to be a dual spark engine. Included is a link to a couple of pictures of some potential interesting bimmers in my area. The silver is a 2003 and the blue is the 2004 model.

http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw
(http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw)

I read somewhere (it may have been in one of the above posts) that one does not need to burn high octane or premium with the dual spark engine. What is the concensus on those riders who own the new dual spark engine on that issue?

[ghyber]

http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw

[bradleypurple]

The only reason I know dual sparks were made in 2003 is because my friend purchased his in Germany and that is what he has.

[NavyDad]

I use premium fuel in my 04. I tried a tank or two of the 89 (mid grade) and the bike just seems happier with premium. Might be the bike, might be me. Just give it a try and see what works for you.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I've never ridden a 2004 RT, but I wouldn't trade my 2002 RTP away for anything.

My personal belief about those who complain about the servo ABS braking system is that they don't have enough experience to properly modulate front and rear braking, thus creating the "jerky" stop. I ride 12,000 miles a year year-round on mine in stop and go commute traffic, so I'm likely more experienced with the RT's braking system than many occasional and seasonal riders.

FWIW, I've also never experienced anything I'd consider "engine surging" while accelerating or cruising. Sometimes she runs a bit rough, which simply means she needs to have her throttle bodies synced. I change the BMW synthetic oil every 6000 miles and top it off with synthetic Amsoil as needed. Just passed 40,000 miles on the odometer last week.

[sdpc2]

love my '04 twin spark! :hug


There are two significant differences between the '03 and '04 RT (all oilheads of that vintage really). Twin Spark, or two spark plugs per cylinder, was added in '04. Ostensibly to reduce emissions, Twin Spark had the added advantage of greatly reducing surging. Also, the ratios of the servo assisted (aka whizzy) brakes were revised to make them less sensitive. These changes were the deciding factors for me in purchasing an '04 over an '02 or '03 R1150RT. YMMV

[tkbaker4]

I love my '04 also, whizzy brakes and all! :heart

[Red100RT]

I love my '04 also, whizzy brakes and all! :heart

I'll go along with that. Don't have a problem with my whizzy brakes not one bit. I would maybe like a hexhead but can't get by the looks.

[kgadley01]

By using the information from Jeff Dean's very informative website, I was able to ascertain that this Canadian 2003 has the valve cover of what appears to be a dual spark engine. Included is a link to a couple of pictures of some potential interesting bimmers in my area. The silver is a 2003 and the blue is the 2004 model.

http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw
(http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw)

I read somewhere (it may have been in one of the above posts) that one does not need to burn high octane or premium with the dual spark engine. What is the concensus on those riders who own the new dual spark engine on that issue?

Just a small correction, not that it really matters. A BMW car is a Bimmer... A BMW motorcycle is a Beemer. nuf said...

[bikerfish1100]

The only reason I know dual sparks were made in 2003 is because my friend purchased his in Germany and that is what he has.

models released in Europe will show up as the year earlier designation than in the US- always. so a 1973 R90S is a reality- if European, but not US. Same with the R100 series- released in 1976 over the pond, but not until 1977 here.

[Brownie]

My " Inga" was produce as an "SE" (Special Edition) that had complete radio/tape/ sound system included, I bought it @ 1 year old, and promptly removed all onboard audio stuff.......WOW what a great addition of storage space!!!!

[ghyber]

Just a small correction, not that it really matters. A BMW car is a Bimmer... A BMW motorcycle is a Beemer. nuf said...


...and I stand corrected. :blush

While on the subject of trivia (in a non pejorative fashion) and facts, there is an owner around here (Canada) selling what he states is a 200? R1150RT "Special Edition" or SE. The owner states that his "beemer" is a SE model and came equipped with color coordinated glossy saddlebag lids, chrome oil caps (but I think he is actdually referring to the valve covers being chrome), chrome brake handle (no mention of the clutch handle being chrome) and is equipped with an AM/FM radio and cassette player.

I am not sure what year the beemer is because it's an old ad from an owner who has just written back to me lately. However, I think it is a 2005 model.

Here's a link to some pics he has sent me.

http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw (http://groups.msn.com/MyForSale/shoebox.msnw)

Can anyone shed some light and truth on the SE designation?
Can anyone confirm the model year just with those pictures in my link?

Many thanks,

Ghyber