The BMW R 1150 RT spans 1981–2005 with 2 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2003, 2002, 2005 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 24 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The BMW R 1150 RT is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2005 across multiple generations.
How to read a BMW R 1150 RT VIN — every digit explained
Every BMW R 1150 RT carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a BMW and the country it was built in (real BMW codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this R 1150 RT.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Germany3MF · 3MW · 5UM · WAP · WB1 · WB3
- USA4US · 5UX · 5YM
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your R 1150 RT, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the BMW R 1150 RT have?
The BMW R 1150 RT has 2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2003 BMW R 1150 RT recalls 1
Power Train:manual Transmission
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE 3RD AND 4TH TRANSMISSION GEAR (SHIFT) WHEELS MAY NOT BE SECURELY SEATED ON THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. CONSEQUENTLY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR, ENGAGEMENT OF THE TWO GEARS MAY OCCUR SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE GEAR WHEELS COULD CRACK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY, OR, A LOCK OF TRANSMISSION COULD OCCUR. THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK WHICH, DEPENDING UPON TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTION, COULD AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLES AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR BOX IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.
Best and worst years for the BMW R 1150 RT
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 25 tracked years, the worst years are 2003, 2002, 2005 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 R 1150 RT | — | Best | |
| 1982 R 1150 RT | — | Best | |
| 1983 R 1150 RT | — | Best | |
| 1984 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1985 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1986 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1987 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1988 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1989 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1990 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1991 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1992 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1993 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1994 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1995 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1996 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1997 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1998 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 1999 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 2000 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 2001 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 2002 R 1150 RT | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2003 R 1150 RT | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2004 R 1150 RT | — | Average | |
| 2005 R 1150 RT | — | Avoid |
What are the most common BMW R 1150 RT problems?
The most-reported BMW R 1150 RT problems are Gasoline (2 reports), Suspension (1 reports) and Fuel System (2 reports) — out of 7 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
BMW R 1150 RT specifications & dimensions
The 2005 BMW R 1150 RT. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the BMW R 1150 RT window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
BMW R 1150 RT cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the R 1150 RT holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 87 cu ft of passenger volume and 15 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
BMW R 1150 RT tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the BMW R 1150 RT get?
The BMW R 1150 RT returns up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,600/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2005 BMW R 1150 RT (2.5L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 423 g/mi CO₂ (smog 6/10) — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 R 1150 RT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | 6/10 | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 R 1150 RT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | 2/10 | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 R 1150 RT | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 R 1150 RT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 R 1150 RT | 18 | 27 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 R 1150 RT | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 R 1150 RT | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 R 1150 RT | 16 | 21 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 R 1150 RT | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 R 1150 RT | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 R 1150 RT | 19 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 R 1150 RT | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 R 1150 RT | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl |
The 1999 BMW R 1150 RT (1.9L 4-cyl) gets 24 mpg combined and costs about $2,600/yr to fuel, emitting 370 g/mi CO₂ — about $2,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 R 1150 RT | 20 | 30 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 R 1150 RT | 20 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 R 1150 RT | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 386 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 R 1150 RT | 20 | 29 | $3,350 | 386 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 R 1150 RT | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 R 1150 RT | 19 | 29 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 R 1150 RT | 19 | 28 | $3,500 | 404 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 R 1150 RT | 18 | 24 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 R 1150 RT | 17 | 23 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 R 1150 RT | 15 | 26 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 R 1150 RT | 21 | 26 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 R 1150 RT | 21 | 27 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the R 1150 RT stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this R 1150 RT's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the BMW R 1150 RT have? Power & range
The BMW R 1150 RT is offered with 2 powertrains — 2.5L 6-cyl, 1.9L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.5L · 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Premium |
| 4-cyl | 1.9L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a BMW R 1150 RT cost to own?
A BMW R 1150 RT tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used R 1150 RT is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this R 1150 RT loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the R 1150 RT ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the BMW R 1150 RT safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the R 1150 RT yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a BMW R 1150 RT last?
A well-maintained BMW R 1150 RT typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your BMW R 1150 RT’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this R 1150 RT’s VIN free →All BMW R 1150 RT model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the BMW R 1150 RT — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 2004 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 2003 R 1150 RT | 1 recall | — | |
| 2002 R 1150 RT | 1 recall | — | |
| 2001 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 2000 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1999 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1998 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1997 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1996 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1995 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1994 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1993 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1992 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1991 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1990 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1989 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1988 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1987 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1986 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1985 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1984 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1983 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1982 R 1150 RT | 0 | — | |
| 1981 R 1150 RT | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the R 1150 RT?
By owner-complaint volume, 2003, 2002, 2005 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the R 1150 RT have?
2 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2005. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all BMW recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the R 1150 RT get?
Up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a R 1150 RT last?
A well-maintained R 1150 RT typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the R 1150 RT reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the R 1150 RT is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the BMW R 1150 RT warranty?
New BMW models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a BMW dealer.
Where is the BMW R 1150 RT made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your R 1150 RT's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; BMW may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the R 1150 RT have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.