Segment:
Premier adventure touring motorcycle
Competitors:
KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha Super Tenere
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 1170cc, boxer-twin engine with ShiftCam variable intake timing (for later models K50)
Suspension:
Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, optional ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)
Technology:
Multiple riding modes (Rain, Road, Enduro, Enduro Pro), ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), optional DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), optional ESA
Design Philosophy:
Ultimate all-rounder for on-road touring and off-road capability
Electrical Systems:
Full coverage of all electrical systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all circuits
Component Locations:
Identification and location of all electrical components
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for electrical faults
Type:
Service Manual / Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
Ignition System:
Full schematic and troubleshooting for ignition system
Lighting System:
Headlight, tail light, turn signals, auxiliary lighting circuits
Instrumentation:
Dashboard, displays, sensors, warning lights
Power Management:
Battery, alternator, voltage regulator, starter motor circuits
Fuel Injection System:
ECU, injectors, fuel pump relay, sensors
ABS System:
Brake pressure sensors, hydraulic unit, control module
Traction Control System:
ASC/DTC sensors and control module
Suspension System:
ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) components and circuits
Comfort Systems:
Heated grips, heated seat, auxiliary power sockets
Audio System:
If applicable, radio and speaker wiring
Telematics:
If applicable, connectivity modules
Component Testing:
Resistance, voltage, continuity testing of components
Fuse And Relay Checks:
Identification, testing, and replacement procedures
Battery Maintenance:
Charging, testing, and replacement guidelines
Diagnosing Intermittent Faults:
Systematic approach to identifying intermittent electrical issues
Wiring Repair:
Proper methods for repairing damaged wiring and connectors
Connector Pinouts:
Detailed pinout diagrams for all major electrical connectors
ECU Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting ECU related faults (requires diagnostic tools)
Sensor Calibration:
Procedures for calibrating critical sensors
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Tools:
References to specific diagnostic tools and software (e.g., ISTA/D)
Engine Type:
Air/liquid-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (1170 cm³)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, BMW ShiftCam (on later K50 models)
Horsepower:
125 hp @ 7,750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
92 lb-ft @ 6,250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic injection (Digital Motor Electronics - DME)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline, 95 RON (91 AKI)
Fuel Consumption:
4.1 L/100 km (approx. at constant 90 km/h)
Oil Type Specification:
BMW recommends SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil, API SJ/SL or JASO MA/MA2
Oil Capacity With Filter Change:
Approx. 3.0 liters
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Optional Quickshifter:
Pro Quickshifter (for up and down shifts) available on select models
Gearbox Oil Specification:
BMW recommends SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.65 liters
Length:
Approx. 2,207 mm (86.9 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
Approx. 952.5 mm (37.5 in)
Height Over Seat:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in) (adjustable seat height)
Seat Height Unladen:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) (standard)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,507 mm (59.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 238 kg (525 lbs) (ready to ride, 90% fuel)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 470 kg (1036 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 4 liters
Frame Type:
Two-section, cast aluminum construction
Front Suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; central spring strut
Rear Suspension:
Central spring strut with continuously variable preload and rebound damping adjustment (optional ESA)
Suspension Travel Front:
190 mm (7.5 in)
Suspension Travel Rear:
200 mm (7.9 in)
Front Tire Size:
120/70 R 19
Rear Tire Size:
170/60 R 17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm (typical BMW pattern for wheels, but motorcycles use hub mounting)
Safety Certifications:
CE marking, ECE conformity
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (disengageable)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control), DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) optional
Ride Modes:
Rain, Road, Enduro, Enduro Pro (depending on options)
Lighting:
LED headlights, optional LED auxiliary lights
Frame Protection:
Engine protection bars (often standard or optional accessory)
Crash Protection:
Integrated crash structure design
Display Type:
TFT color display (on most K50 models)
Navigation Interface:
Optional BMW Navigator VI integration, smartphone connectivity
ABS:
Integral ABS (front and rear wheels operate independently or linked)
Traction Control:
ASC/DTC, Lean Angle Sensitive Traction Control (on some models)
Suspension Control:
ESA II (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for damping and spring preload
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone
Usb Port:
Standard or optional USB port for device charging/connectivity
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (may vary based on specific model year and engine variant)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-40,000 km
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Type:
BMW recommends Glysantin G48 or equivalent (blue/green color) antifreeze coolant concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Common Electrical Issues:
Intermittent dashboard errors, headlight relay issues, sensor failures (e.g., ABS sensor rings), CAN bus communication problems.
Common Mechanical Issues:
Clutch slave cylinder leaks, fuel pump issues, exhaust flap actuator failures, driveshaft spline lubrication.
Common Suspension Issues:
ESA system faults, leaking seals on Telelever or Paralever.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division History:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history in motorcycle production dating back to 1923
R Series Heritage:
The R1200GS is the latest iteration of BMW's legendary 'GS' (Gelände/Straße - off-road/road) lineage, which began with the R80G/S in 1980.
K50 Generation:
Introduced for the 2013 model year, the R1200GS (K50) marked a significant evolution with a new liquid-cooled boxer engine, a departure from previous air-cooled designs.
Shiftcam Introduction:
The introduction of BMW's ShiftCam technology on the R1250GS (successor to K50) refined power delivery and emissions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured at BMW's plant in Berlin, Germany.