🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1200 GS

Engine Code:

122E, 122EB (Variant dependent on year/market)

Chassis Code:

K25 (for water-cooled generations), R259 (for oil-cooled generations)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Brand Positioning:

Premium, globally recognized for its versatility, reliability, and off-road capability.

Key Competitors:

KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha Super Tenere, Ducati Multistrada.

Design Philosophy:

Engineered for long-distance touring on varied terrain, combining comfort, performance, and ruggedness.

Engine Layout:

Air-cooled (early generations) or liquid-cooled (later generations) flat-twin (boxer) engine with historically significant shaft drive.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance procedures for the BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle.

Specific Models Covered:

Likely covers multiple generations and variants of the R 1200 GS, including oil-cooled and water-cooled models, across various model years. Specific year range is crucial for accurate targeting but generally encompasses the 1200cc era prior to the 1250 designation.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 500-1000+ pages, depending on the depth and specific generations covered.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)

Language:

English (Standard for most international markets, but confirmation is key).

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable, printable, and easily accessible.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed breakdown of the boxer twin engine, including disassembly, reassembly, valve clearance adjustment, timing chain, oil pump, lubrication system, cooling system (for water-cooled variants), and fuel injection system.

Transmission:

Clutch system, gearbox (6-speed sequential), driveshaft, final drive (paralever), gearbox oil change, and potential repairs.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, and ECU troubleshooting.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front fork (telescopic or Telelever depending on generation), rear monoshock (or central spring strut), swingarm, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, and brake systems.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (typically dual disc front, single disc rear), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid change, caliper maintenance, and rotor inspection.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle bodies, and fuel filter replacement.

Bodywork And Fairings:

Removal and installation of fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank cover, and related components.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, drive shaft lubrication, final drive oil change, brake fluid flush, coolant flush (for water-cooled), valve clearance checks and adjustments.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable), and systematic fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical problems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly for major vehicle systems.

Technical Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, and component tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic routine maintenance and adjustments to complex engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and suspension rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content for quick access to specific information.

Printability:

Optimized for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Emulation:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Configuration:

Two-cylinder, four-stroke Boxer engine.

Displacement:

1170cc (1200cc class)

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 101 mm x 73 mm (Varies slightly by generation/cooling type)

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder.

Horsepower:

Approx. 110-125 hp (depending on generation and specific tuning).

Torque:

Approx. 115-125 Nm (depending on generation and specific tuning).

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 91-98 RON (Octane rating may vary, check manual).

Oil Type:

Synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle engine oil, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (Consult manual for specific BMW approval).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0-4.0 liters (without filter change) / 3.5-4.5 liters (with filter change) (Exact capacity varies).

Type:

Air-cooled (older) or Air/Oil-cooled (early water-cooled) or Liquid-cooled (later water-cooled Boxer).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed constant mesh sequential gearbox.

Quickshifter:

Optional (Pro Quickshifter on later models).

Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel via Paralever system.

Type:

Single dry plate clutch (manual operation) or Wet clutch (multi-plate in oil bath for some variants).

Type:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Consult manual for specific BMW approval).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2210 mm (Varies by generation/configuration).

Width:

Approx. 950 mm (Handlebar width, varies).

Height:

Approx. 1400-1450 mm (Varies with screen adjustment/configuration).

Dry Weight:

Approx. 190-210 kg (Varies significantly by generation and equipment).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 220-240 kg (Includes fluids, battery, ready to ride).

Max Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 440-460 kg (GVWR).

Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 liters.

Seat Height:

Adjustable, typically ranging from 850 mm to 870 mm in standard configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Standard on most R 1200 GS models (often switchable or with 'off-road' mode).

Traction Control:

Optional or standard depending on year and model variant (BMW Motorrad ASC - Automatic Stability Control).

Braking System:

High-performance dual disc front, single disc rear with ABS. Brembo calipers often fitted.

Suspension Features:

BMW Motorrad Telelever front suspension (on some generations), Monolever or Paralever rear suspension, often with electronically adjustable damping (ESA).

Lighting:

Halogen or LED headlights (depending on year), LED taillights and turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Digital/analog combination or full TFT display (on later models), displaying speed, RPM, fuel level, gear indicator, trip meters, and warning lights.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone calls, GPS integration (often via optional Navigator or smartphone mount).

ABS:

BMW Motorrad ABS, typically with an off-road mode for reduced intervention.

Traction Control:

BMW Motorrad ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on models equipped with it, featuring multiple modes.

Suspension Control:

Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) or ESA Dynamic on later models, allowing on-the-fly damping and preload adjustments.

Headlight Type:

Halogen or LED headlight with potential for adaptive or cornering light functions on newer models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km or 24 months.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km or 24 months.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 24 months.

Air Filter Check And Clean:

Every 10,000 km or as needed, replacement typically every 20,000 km or sooner in dusty conditions.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Motorrad Approved Synthetic 15W-50 or 20W-50.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Motorrad Coolant (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Fuel Pump Relay:

Early models could experience fuel pump relay failures.

Spline Lubrication:

Regular lubrication of driveshaft and final drive splines is crucial to prevent wear.

Water Cooled Cooling System:

Potential for leaks or issues with the cooling system on early water-cooled variants, requiring careful inspection.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Division:

BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century, with significant success in touring and off-road motorcycles.

Gs Lineage:

The 'GS' designation (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) represents BMW's pioneering adventure-touring platform, tracing its roots back to the R 80 G/S introduced in 1980. The 1200cc iteration is a direct descendant, progressively evolving in technology and performance.

Key Generations 1200:

First generation: Air/oil-cooled boxer (2004-2009), Second generation: Liquid-cooled boxer (2010-2013), Third generation: Liquid-cooled boxer with updated chassis and electronics (2013-2018, often referred to as the 'GSA' or 'Wethead').

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured at BMW Motorrad's plant in Berlin, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Of The Year:

The R 1200 GS has consistently won numerous 'Motorcycle of the Year' and 'Best Adventure Bike' awards from major motorcycle publications worldwide over its production run.

Longevity And Sales:

Renowned for its sales success and longevity in the adventure touring segment, making it a benchmark for the class.