BMW R1200GS: review, history, specs

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BMW R1200GS
Manufacturer
BMW
Also called R1200GS Adventure Triple Black, R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black, R1200GS Triple Black, R 1200 GS Triple Black, R1200GS Adventure XE, R 1200 GS Adventure XE, R1200GS Enduro, R 1200 GS Enduro, R1200GS TripleBlack, R 1200 GS TripleBlack, R1200GS xDrive Hybrid, R 1200 GS xDrive Hybrid, R1200GS TE Exclusive, R 1200 GS TE Exclusive, R1200GS Rallye TE, R 1200 GS Rallye TE, R1200GS Rallye, R 1200 GS Rallye, R1200GS TE, R 1200 GS TE, R1200GS Adventure, R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure
Production 2004 - 2019
Class Adventure
Predecessor BMW R1150GS
Engine
two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 101.0mm x 73.0mm
Compression ratio 12:1
Top Speed 124 mph (200 km/h)
Horsepower 122.3 HP (91.2 KW) @ 7750RPM
Torque 92.2 ft/lbs (125.0 Nm) @ 6500RPM
Air Filter K&N BM-1113 `14-18[1]
Spark Plug NGK DCPR8EIX
Battery YUASA YTX14-BS
Transmission Gear box: 6-speed

Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan)

Clutch: oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Shaft
Suspension Front: bmw motorrad telelever
Rear: cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with bmw motorrad paralever
Brakes Front: double disc. abs. floating discs. four-piston calipers.
Rear: single disc. abs. floating disc. two-piston calipers.
Front Tire 120/70-r19
Rear Tire 170/60-r17
Wheelbase 59.33 inches (1507 mm)
Length 86.89 inches (2207 mm)
Width 37.52 inches (953 mm)
Height 57.09 inches (1450 mm)
Seat Height 33.46 inches (850 mm)
Weight 505.08 pounds (229.1 Kg) (dry), 244.0 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity 5.28 Gallon (20.00 Liters)
Fuel Consumption 4.96 liters/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)
Manuals Service Manual


The BMW R1200GS was a two cylinder boxer, four-stroke Adventure motorcycle produced by BMW between 2004 and 2019. It could reach a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). Max torque was 92.2 ft/lbs (125.0 Nm) @ 6500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 122.3 HP (91.2 KW) @ 7750 RPM.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a liquid cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. A 101.0mm bore x 73.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 1170.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 6-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 120/70-r19 front tire and a 170/60-r17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via double disc. abs. floating discs. four-piston calipers. in the front and a single disc. abs. floating disc. two-piston calipers. in the rear. The front suspension was a bmw motorrad telelever while the rear was equipped with a cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with bmw motorrad paralever. The R1200GS was fitted with a 5.28 Gallon (20.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 505.08 pounds (229.1 Kg). The wheelbase was 59.33 inches (1507 mm) long.

2005[edit | edit source]

2006 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

When it comes to versatility, it doesn't get much better than the 2006 MY BMW R1200GS, it being able to take the roles of a full-sized, two-up touring machine, a weekend leisure bike and an off-road two-wheeler. It comes standard with a big, 33 liter fuel tank, a large windshield, a longer rear suspension travel, for improved off-road capabilities, cross-spoked wheels, as well as a reduced dry weight, as opposed to its previous embodiments.

At its heart lies an air-cooled, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 100 horsepower and a whopping 156 Nm of torque.


2007 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2007 BMW R 1200 GS 2007 BMW R 1200 GS 2007 BMW R 1200 GS 2007 BMW R 1200 GS 2007 BMW R 1200 GS

The 2007 MY BMW R1200GS is one of the most powerful adventure bikes available on the market, sporting an air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and capable of producing 100 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. Premium features such as the magnesium cylinder head covers, the stainless steel exhaust system, as well as the high-end suspension, composed of a 9-setting adjustable front spring preload, and a hydraulic rear spring preaload adjuster, make it one of the preferred choices among Beemer fans.

And, to top it off, not only is it versatile in the type of road (or terrain) you can ride it on, it is also versatile when it comes to categories of riders, coming standard with an adjustable seat height and adjustable handbrake and clutch levers.


2007 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

The already versatile R1200GS has received an upgrade, in the embodiment of the 2007 MY BMW R1200GS Adventure, and comes standard with an adjustable windshield, heated hand grips, hand protection, cross-spoked wheels, off-road tires, as well as standard hard saddlebags. All there features combine to provide an adventure machine with increased long haul capabilities, addressed especially for those riders who want to spend as much time as possible behind the bars.

At its heart lies an air-cooled, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that produces 100 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. Also, it features the acclaimed Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension, as the base model.


2008 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2008 BMW R 1200 GS 2008 BMW R 1200 GS 2008 BMW R 1200 GS 2008 BMW R 1200 GS 2008 BMW R 1200 GS

For riders on the market for adventure machines, the 2008 MY BMW R 1200 GS is a serious option to take into consideration. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 105 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. It comes standard with a Telelever/Paralever suspension package, an Evo braking system, as well as an Electronic Immobilizer, a luggage rack and adjustable clutch and brake levers, as well as the handlebars, which increase it's versatility, both in terms of what type of roads it can tackle, as well as the range of riders it can accommodate.


2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The already versatile and acclaimed R 1200 GS from the House of Munich has been taken to the next level of adventure bikes, in the embodiment of the 2008 MY R 1200 GS Adventure. At its heart lies a powerful, air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin-cylinder poweplant mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that produces 105 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. It features the Telelever/Paralever front/rear suspension system, as well as a high-end Evo braking system. As opposed to the base model, the Adventure comes with standard cross-spoked wheels, a tank and engine protection bar, as well as adjustable handlebars and gear lever, so it can accommodate a wider variety of riders.


2009 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2009 BMW R 1200 GS 2009 BMW R 1200 GS 2009 BMW R 1200 GS 2009 BMW R 1200 GS

The 2009 MY BMW R 1200 GS may be the right choice for riders who want a machine capable of taking them across concrete jungles, as well as long hauls and the occasional, light off-road track. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder engine paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and produces 105 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. It features the Telelever/Paralever front/rear suspension package, as well as the high-end BMW Evo braking system.

Technologies such as the Electronic Suspension Adjustment, the Integral ABS II or the Automatic Stability Control are available for purchase with this two-wheeler, and help it reach unmatched performance and safety levels, as well as seriously increase the desirability of this adventure machine among Beemer fans.


2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2009 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

When it comes to adventure machines, it is unlikely you can find a better choice than the 2008 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that has been tweaked to offer 5% more horsepower than its previous embodiment, raising the power output to 105 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque.

The German engineers have increased the versatility of this two-wheeler, with the addition of a taller windscreen, for better protection against the elements, an adjustable seat, so it can accommodate a wider variety of rider inseams, as well as extra wide foot pegs, so one can stay in control, even on the most treacherous off-road courses. Also, optionals such as the ABS and the Enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment give it unparalleled performance, whether on or off the road.


2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The 2010 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a more off-road ready version of the R 1200 GS. It sports the same technologies and engine as the base model, and has received the same 5 horsepower and 5 Nm of torque increase. Features that differentiate it from the base GS are the bigger, 33 liters fuel tank, the stainless steel luggage rack, the hand protectors, and the bigger, adjustable windshield.

As the base model, it can be purchased with technologies such as Tire Pressure Control, Automatic Stability Control, ABS, as well as the Electronic Suspension Adjustment and the on-board computer.


2010 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2010 BMW R 1200 GS 2010 BMW R 1200 GS 2010 BMW R 1200 GS 2010 BMW R 1200 GS 2010 BMW R 1200 GS

For riders who want a machine capable of tackling every-day tasks, weekend longer strolls, as well as the occasional woodland track, the 2010 MY BMW R 1200 GS is a serious option to take into consideration. At its heart lies a powerful, air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder engine mated to a six-speed transmission, that can produce 110 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. This means that, unlike its predecessor, the engine has been tweaked for a 5 horsepower and 5 Nm of torque increase.

It comes standard with an adjustable windshield, heated grips, and a luggage rack, which increase its long haul capabilities, while the low seat height, the center stand and the cross-spoked wheels increase its off-road capabilities. Optionals such as ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Control and the Electronic Suspension Adjustment increase its overall usability, no matter the road or lack of one.


2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black[edit | edit source]

2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black

The 2011 MY BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black is a new model launched by the House of Munich, and it addresses those riders who want a dark, stealthy and aggressive look from their adventure machine. Features such as the Sapphire Black Metallic body color, the Black cross-spoked wheels, a black front fork and engine accents, a black seat with an embroidered "GS" logo, as well as the special, Asphalt Grey Metallic swing arm, rear frame and valve covers, set it apart from the base model, and help it achieve a modern and aggressive look.

In the tech/engine department, it features the same engine as the base model, the differences lying in the fact that it comes standard with the Premium Package Equipment, which includes Enduro ESA, heated grips, on-board computer, hand protection, integral ABS and saddle bag mounts.


2011 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2011 BMW R 1200 GS 2011 BMW R 1200 GS 2011 BMW R 1200 GS 2011 BMW R 1200 GS 2011 BMW R 1200 GS

The 2011 MY BMW R 1200 GS is an adventure bike that offers that authentic boxer sound and feel with even more power, as opposed to its predecessor, thanks to its redesigned air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that leads to 110 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. Also as all GS models from the House of Munich, it can take on city traffic, weekend long-hauls, and even the occasional off-road track, without putting a strain on the rider, or the machine itself. It comes standard with the Telelever/Paralever front/rear suspension package, as well as the high-end EVO braking system.


2011 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2011 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2011 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The engineers from the House of Munich have taken the already versatile R 1200 GS to the next level, in the embodiment of the 2011 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. As opposed to the base model, this adventure machine brings forth a larger windshield, for better protection against the elements, wire-spoked wheels, for improved off-road capabilities, as well as a luggage rack, which help the rider spend more time behind the bars, whether on or off the road. Also, it can be fitted with ABS, as well as Electronic Suspension Adjustment II, which increase its safety and comfort, no matter if the road is paved.


2012 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black[edit | edit source]

The 2012 MY BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black has been designed to fit the needs of those riders who want a dark and aggressive adventure machine. Unlike the base model it features a black rear sub frame, front forks and engine accents, an Asphalt Grey Metallic finish on the swing arm and valve cover, as well as a Black/Rallye Gray seat color.

In the tech/engine department, it sports the same-air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder as the base model. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 110 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque.


2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The 2012 MY R 1200 GS Adventure sports an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and produces 110 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. It comes standard with features that allow the rider to spend more time in the saddle, as well as tackle harsher terrains. Features such as the long, 210mm front and 220mm rear spring travel, the generous 33 liters fuel tank and the wide footrests were all designed to make it one of the most sought after adventure machines available on the market. Also, the cross-spoked wheels and the Telelever/Paralever front/rear suspension package seriously increase its off-road capabilities.


2012 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

2012 BMW R 1200 GS 2012 BMW R 1200 GS 2012 BMW R 1200 GS 2012 BMW R 1200 GS 2012 BMW R 1200 GS

A naked machine that offers the trademark sound and feel of a boxer engine, that is a small summary of the 2012 MY BMW R 1200 GS. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerplant mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that produces 110 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. Also, it comes with a high-end EVO Telelever/Paralever suspension package and an EVO braking system. Other features such as the hand guards, the dual pannier fastenings, the main center stand and the white indicators add to the desirability of this powerful adventure motorcycle from the House of Munich.


2012 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye[edit | edit source]

2012 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

The 2012 MY BMW R 1200 GS Rallye addresses the more adventurous among Beemer fans. It comes standard with technologies and features such as the Enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment, a chromed exhaust system, cross-spoked wheels, heated grips, hand protectors, a pannier holder as well as an on-board computer, all to make it one of the most off-road ready machines from the House of Munich. Also, the visuals have been radically altered, coming with Alpine White body parts and hand protectors, black-lined fork slider tubes and engine accents, Magma red rear frame, Granite grey metallic swingarm and cylinder head covers, as well as a black and white seat and graphics in the BMW Motorrad Motorsports colors.


2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

As the base model, the 2013 MY BMW R 1200 GS has been revised in almost every department, boasting improvements in its long haul capabilities, its power output, its agility, and, as its previous embodiments, in its off-road abilities. It comes with BMW Motorrad ABS as standard, a longer front/rear spring travel of 210mm/220mm, a bigger, 33 liters fuel tank, wide footrest, a bigger windshield and wire-spoked wheels, as opposed to the base R 1200 GS.

At its heart lies a powerful, air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.


2013 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black[edit | edit source]

The 2013 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black addresses those riders who want an adventure bike which will stand out in any crowd, due to its blacked-out appearance and aggressive styling. The designers form the House of Munich have used three different shades of black and grey on this machine to give it an unmistakable modern look, which fits perfectly with the nature of this two-wheeler.

In the tech/engine department it sports the same air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse found on the base model, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and it can produce 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.


2013 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

The 2013 MY BMW R 1200 GS has been upgraded in almost every department, bringing forth an almost new two-wheeler, which may be considered one of the best adventure machines on the market. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cyclinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and now produces 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque, 15 horsepower and 5 Nm of torque more than its previous embodiments.

And the good news doesn't stop here. It now comes standard with E-gas (ride-by-wire), which leads to five selectable riding modes, Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro. In addition, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS comes as standard, as well as an adjustable windshield and a 8 mm higher ground clearance.


2014 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

The 2014 MY BMW R 1200 GS addresses the more adventurous among Beemer fans, capable of taking on the rolls of a daily commuter, a weekend leisure bike, a long haul machine, as well as an off-road adventure bike. At its heart lies an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. In addition it comes with BMW Motorrad ABS as standard, as well as Automatic Stability Control, that features two selectable riding modes, Rain and Road. In addition, it comes with an EVO Telelever and Paralever suspension package, which makes for improved cornering and comfort.


2014 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

The 2014 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure addresses Beemer fans who want an adventure bike with superior off-road skills. As opposed to the base model, the Adventure comes standard with wire-spoked wheels, a bigger 33 liter fuel tank, a large, adjustable windshield and air flaps, as well as wide enduro footrests. Furthermore, it comes with ABS and Automatic Stability Control as standard, and features two selectable riding modes.

At its heart lies a powerful, air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed transmission, and can produce 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.


2015 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

When it comes to versatility, as well as the unmistakable boxer sound and feel, it doesn't get much better than the 2015 MY BMW R 1200 GS. It sports an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. It is one of the most versatile machines ever to be designed by the House of Munich, capable of taking head-on daily commutes, weekend leisure rides, solo or two-up, cross-country long-hauls, as well as off-road tracks.

It comes standard with a Telelever/Paralever suspension package, which makes for a plush ride, as well as improved maneuverability, and BMW Motorrad ABS. It can be fitted with a host of modern technologies, such as ESA, DTC, and three selectable riding modes, to ensure optimum power delivery and handling, no matter the road ahead.


2015 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

The engineers from the House of Munich have taken a R 1200 GS, and fitted it with a number of features that seriously increase its off-road abilities, as well as the desirability among more adventurous Beemer fans. At its heart lies the same, air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a six-speed manual transmission, that produces 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.

As opposed to the base model, the Adventure comes with cross-spoked wheels, two riding modes, Rain and Road, a larger, 7.9 gallon fuel tank and an on-board computer. In addition, it can be purchased with a host of accessories and technologies, and offers a choice between Olive Matte, Racing Blue Metallic Matte and Alpine White.


2016 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure[edit | edit source]

The 2016 MY BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has, at its heart, an air-cooled, four-stroke, fuel-injected, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerplant paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.

It also comes standard with wire-spoked wheels, a bigger 33 liter fuel tank, a large, adjustable windshield and air flaps, as well as wide enduro footrests. Technology-wise, it boasts ABS and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) as standard, and has two selectable riding modes.


2016 BMW R 1200 GS[edit | edit source]

The 2016 MY BMW R 1200 GS has, at its heart, an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1170cc, boxer twin cylinder powerplant paired to a six-speed manual transmission, and can reach a maximum power output of 125 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque.

Standard features for this machine include a Telelever front suspension coupled to a Paralever rear suspension, BMW Motorrad ABS, a dual seat, cast-aluminum wheels, an adjustable windshield and a rear luggage rack. In addition, a plethora of optional accessories and technologies are available to custom-fit this machine to any rider's needs and taste.

2017 BMW R 1200GS[edit | edit source]

BMW’s R 1200 GS has always sat at the pointy end of the adventure-touring category, but recently the competition has been closing the performance gap. For 2017, BMW looks to regain control of the segment with an updated 1200 GS that meets Euro 4 emissions standards and has some added electronic functions.

Videos[edit | edit source]

In Media[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.