Segment:
Premium Adventure-Touring Motorcycle
Reputation:
Renowned for its versatility, durability, and off-road capability, making it a benchmark in the adventure touring segment.
Key Competitors:
KTM 990 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin (later models), Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha Super Tenere.
Engine Layout:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer) engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC).
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, providing low maintenance and clean operation.
Suspension Systems:
Iconic Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension for superior handling and ride comfort.
Electronics:
Availability of ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) on certain models/packages within this generation.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and workshop information for the BMW R 1200 GS
Model Years Covered:
2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Estimated Page Count:
500-1000+ (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine:
Detailed overhaul procedures for the Boxer engine, including cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, lubrication system, and cooling system.
Fuel System:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, throttle bodies, and fuel tank.
Transmission:
Service and repair of the gearbox, clutch (dry or wet depending on specific sub-model/year), final drive, and driveshaft.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for ECU, lighting, ignition system, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, ABS, and instrument cluster.
Suspension:
Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, fork seals, shock absorber servicing, and adjustments.
Brakes:
ABS system (BMW Motorrad Integral ABS), brake fluid replacement, caliper servicing, disc inspection, and pad replacement.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat maintenance, fairing repairs.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure, wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning (if applicable to certain sub-models), wheel removal and installation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, valve clearance checks/adjustments, drive shaft lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation, common problem identification and solutions.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for major component overhauls, component replacement, and system repairs.
Diagnostics:
Engine diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, ABS diagnostics, potentially using specialized BMW diagnostic tools (mention of ISID/ISTA is unlikely in a generic manual but the procedures are for these systems).
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and suspension overhauls.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin (Boxer)
Displacement:
1170 cc (cc)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven.
Horsepower:
Approx. 100 hp @ 7500 rpm (depending on specific year/market tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm (depending on specific year/market tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Intake Pipe Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 Liters (5.3 US gallons)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled with oil cooling for the cylinders and cylinder heads.
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in) at windshield
Seat Height:
Adjustable: Standard 850 mm (33.5 in), Low 820 mm (32.3 in), High 870 mm (34.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 203 kg (447.5 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs) with fluids and standard equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 460 kg (1014 lbs)
Frame Type:
Cast aluminum alloy, three-section frame
Front Wheel Size:
3.00 x 19 inch
Rear Wheel Size:
4.50 x 17 inch
Front Tire Size:
110/80 R 19
Rear Tire Size:
150/70 R 17
Safety Standards:
Compliant with relevant European and international motorcycle safety standards. No specific NCAP ratings apply to motorcycles.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard or optional depending on market/package). Standard on many models, particularly later ones.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available on some models/packages, adjustable by rider.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and indicators (depending on year/spec).
Crash Protection:
Robust frame, optional engine crash bars, handguards.
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function instrument cluster with analog tachometer, LCD display showing speed, gear, fuel level, clock, trip meters, and various warning lights.
Audio System:
No integrated audio system as standard on most models in this range; aftermarket audio or communication systems are common additions.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models within this generation.
Esa:
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) available on certain models, allowing electronic adjustment of damping and spring preload via handlebar controls.
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) system accessible via a specific diagnostic connector, requiring specialized BMW tools (e.g., GS-911 or dealership equipment) for full functionality. The manual provides diagnostic procedures that would typically use such tools.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or every 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 4 years.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA/MA2 rating. BMW recommends specific BMW Motorrad Advantec oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change.
Transmission Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90, API GL-5. BMW recommends specific BMW Motorrad gear oil.
Final Drive Oil:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90, API GL-5. BMW recommends specific BMW Motorrad gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (often a 50/50 mix with distilled water). BMW blue coolant (G48 or similar specification).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, driveshaft spline wear (requiring lubrication), fuel pump failures, alternator regulator issues, Telelever pivot bearings.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with sensors or wiring can occur due to vibration and environmental exposure, requiring diagnostic attention.
ABS Sensor Problems:
ABS wheel speed sensor rings can accumulate dirt or get damaged, leading to ABS warnings.
Manufacturer:
BMW Motorrad, a division of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG.
Heritage Focus:
Long history of producing durable and capable motorcycles, particularly the R series Boxer twins, with a strong legacy in adventure and touring.
Predecessors:
R 1150 GS, R 1100 GS, R 100 GS
Key Advancements Over Predecessors:
Increased displacement, improved power output, more advanced electronics (ABS, ASC, ESA), lighter weight, refined suspension.
Production Start Year:
2004
Production End Year For This Manual:
2013
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
Industry Awards:
The R 1200 GS across its various iterations has consistently won 'Motorcycle of the Year' and 'Best Adventure Bike' awards from numerous motorcycle publications and organizations globally, recognizing its all-around capability and enduring appeal.
User Reviews:
Consistently high ratings for reliability, performance, comfort, and versatility by owners and professional reviewers.
Manufacturing Standards:
Manufactured to rigorous BMW quality and safety standards, including ISO 9001.
