Spring 1993 marked the beginning of a new era in the then 70 years of BMW motorcycle history. Introducing the R 1100 RS, BMW introduced the first model in the all-new Boxer generation with a two-cylinder four-valve engine and the BMW Telelever, an innovative, newly developed front-wheel guidance system.

In a production run of 8 years, the sports tourer came off the production line more than 26,000 times. So while the R 1100 RS remained far behind the R 1100 GS or R 1100 RT in terms of production volume, it was the connoisseur's choice even after the introduction of its more sporting and dynamic "brother", the R 1100 S.

Now, entering the 2002 model year, this "senior" model in BMW's current motorcycle range is being replaced by the new R 1150 RS.

Like the R 1150 GS, the R 1150 R and the R 1150 RT, the R 1150 RS now also comes with a larger and more powerful engine complete with a fully controlled catalytic converter and six-speed transmission. Reflecting the increase in power and performance, the brake system has also been upgraded, with BMW's new EVO brake on the front wheel and, as an option, with BMW's new Integral ABS, in this case the partly integrated version more appropriate for this sports-oriented machine. Other new features are the wheels and a larger windshield.

The engine and the silencer further down have been carried over directly from the R 1150 RT, with the same performance data.

Maximum output is up from 66 kW/90 bhp to 70 kW (95 bhp) at 7,250 rpm, maximum torque has increased from 95 Nm to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm. The torque curve is even "beefier" than before throughout the entire speed range, with more than 90 Nm (66 lb-ft) consistently available between 3,000 and 6,500 rpm, which means more thrust and even better acceleration at all speeds.

Power on the new R 1150 RS is also transmitted through a hydraulically operated clutch with a hand lever adjustable to three different positions.

As with the R 1150 RT the new six-speed gearbox is laid out more for comfortable touring: The sixth gear is "longer" than usual, serving as an overdrive function to reduce engine speed and, accordingly, noise, vibrations and fuel consumption.

The suspension and running gear, as well as the suspension geometry, are more or less unchanged.

Riding safety and riding comfort are ensured also on the R 1150 RS by the BMW Telelever, BMW's unique front-wheel guidance system, and the BMW Paralever, the proven double swinging arm on the shaft-driven rear wheel.

The telescopic tubes on the Telelever come straight from the R 1150 RT, the other components are from the R 1100 RS. Spring travel remains an unchanged 120 mm, the spring strut adjusting infinitely by means of an adjustment bolt in the tension stage.

Introduction of the six-speed gearbox and the modified Paralever bearing points in the larger transmission housing reduce the length of the swinging arm from 520 to 506 mm. The swinging arm itself is carried over from the R 1150 RT. The bearing points for the spring strut and rear frame have been modified accordingly, the footrests for the rider have been taken over from the R 1150 R.

The rear spring strut optimised in its tuning comes from the R 1150 RT, with spring travel remaining unchanged at 135 mm. As in the past, the spring strut is adjustable by a hand wheel for spring pretension and by an adjustment bolt for outward stroke damping.

The new wheels are the most important change to the suspension and running gear not only through their looks, but also in technical terms. Like the R 1150 RT, the R 1150 R and the R 1100 S, the R 1150 RS comes on almost delicate, light cast aluminium wheels with five double spokes reducing weight by 460 grams on each front wheel and 340 grams on each rear wheel. This reduction of unsprung masses serves to further enhance both handling and riding comfort.

While front-wheel size remains unchanged at 3.50 x 17, the rear wheel is now smaller and wider, measuring 5.00 x 17 (previously 4.50 x 18). This allows use of the latest tyres and helps to ensure an even higher level of riding stability, improved handling and, as a result, even more riding pleasure.

The R 1150 RS comes with BMW's newly developed EVO brake on the front wheel, increasing brake power by 20 per cent. A further advantage is that the force required to operate the handbrake lever is 15 per cent lower for the same brake power as before. The rear wheel brake comes from the R 1150 RT.

The R 1150 RS is also available as an option with BMW's new Integral ABS - in this case the partly integrated version with the handbrake lever acting on both wheels, the footbrake lever only on the rear wheel.

In visual terms the R 1150 RS is not very different from the R 1100 RS. The most important new feature is the windshield 8 cm higher and 6 cm wider than before. This increases the total windshield area by approximately 30 per cent, improving protection from wind and weather accordingly. As in the past, the windshield adjusts infinitely for inclination in one single operation.

The full fairing so far available as an option, with the fairing continuing beneath the cylinder and largely encompassing the engine housing, is now standard on the R 1150 RS.

A further point is that the R 1150 RS now comes with the new generation of controls and switches on the handlebar as well as white direction indicators at the front.

The R 1150 RS is available in three colours: dark blue metallic/frost blue metallic, titanium silver metallic or pacific blue metallic, with the seat always in black.

Options and special equipment - The optional extras available for the new machine are BMW Integral ABS in its partly integrated version, heated handlebars and case holders together with a luggage rack. Special equipment includes, inter alia, panniers, a top case, tankbag, cylinder protection hoops, chrome-plated cylinder protection covers, and an anti-theft warning system.