Segment:
Luxury Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, off-road enthusiasts, general motorcycle owners seeking detailed technical information.
Key Competitors:
Honda Africa Twin, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1200, Yamaha Super Ténéré.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Versatility, durability, boxer engine character, advanced electronics, comfort for long-distance travel.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge to maintain and repair the R 1200 GS, saving time and money on dealership services.
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive service and repair for the BMW R 1200 GS (K50).
Engine Coverage:
Service, repair, troubleshooting, and specifications for the Boxer engine.
Transmission Coverage:
Clutch, gearbox, shaft drive, final drive maintenance and repair.
Electrical System Coverage:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostics for ECU, lighting, sensors, ABS, etc.
Chassis Suspension Coverage:
Front Telelever, rear Paralever, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, general chassis components.
Braking System Coverage:
Hydraulic systems, ABS components, brake pad replacement, fluid flush.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Disassembly, reassembly, and maintenance of body panels.
Type:
Factory-authorized Service and Repair Manual
Primary Language:
English
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, lambda, temperature), throttle control (ride-by-wire).
Powertrain:
Engine disassembly, assembly, timing, valve clearance adjustment, lubrication system, cooling system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and service, gearbox internal inspection and repair, driveshaft maintenance, final drive oil changes and seal replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, troubleshooting flowcharts, component testing procedures.
Suspension And Steering:
Telelever fork service, shock absorber replacement, Paralever linkage inspection, steering head bearing maintenance.
Braking And ABS:
Brake caliper overhaul, ABS modulator diagnostics, hydraulic fluid flush procedures, specific ABS fault codes.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump and filter replacement, injector diagnostics, fuel tank removal and installation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, chain/shaft drive lubrication and adjustment, brake fluid checks.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacements, full brake system servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common starting, running, and electrical issues.
Special Tools:
Listing and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.
Diagnostic Equipment Interface:
Procedures for connecting diagnostic tools (e.g., GS-911) and interpreting fault codes.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Air/liquid-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double OverHead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven.
Horsepower:
125 hp (92 kW) @ 7,750 rpm
Torque:
125 Nm (92 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with ride-by-wire throttle control
Fuel Type:
Unleaded, min. 95 RON (91 AKI)
Type:
Air/liquid cooling with integrated radiator.
Transmission Type:
6-speed constant mesh gearbox
Clutch Type:
Wet clutch, multi-disc, hydraulically operated
Optional Features Manual Covers:
Quick Shifter (optional on some models/packages)
Length:
Approx. 2,207 mm (86.9 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
Approx. 950 mm (37.4 in)
Height Over Windscreen:
Approx. 1,425 mm (56.1 in) at 'high' setting
Unladen Weight:
Approx. 238 kg (525 lbs) (DIN)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 465 kg (1,025 lbs)
ABS Standard:
BMW Motorrad ABS (standard)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - often standard or optional
Riding Modes:
Rain, Road, optional Dynamic, Enduro modes
Lighting:
Halogen or LED headlight, LED indicators (model dependent)
Frame Construction:
Two-part frame: front section with bolt-on headstock, rear section
Instrumentation:
Multi-function TFT display with integrated instrument cluster, optional GPS preparation.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad ABS, with ABS Pro option for cornering ABS.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control), optional DTC (Dynamic Traction Control).
Suspension Control:
Optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), allowing dynamic damping adjustments.
Connectivity Features:
Optional connectivity package for smartphone integration with the TFT display and audio system.
Oil Change Interval:
10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Shaft Drive Oil Change:
20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50 API SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA/MA2. Recommended: BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate SAE 15W-50.
Coolant:
Glysantin G48 or equivalent, mixed 1:1 with distilled water. Recommended: BMW Motorrad Coolant.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-140 API GL-5. Recommended: BMW Motorrad Final Drive Oil.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, brake pads.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with ABS sensors, CAN bus communication, or starter motor relays; often diagnosable with proper tools.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Regular coolant level checks and bleed procedures are important for consistent operating temperatures.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad is renowned for its engineering excellence, durability, and focus on rider comfort and innovation in touring and adventure segments.
Gs Lineage:
The R 1200 GS, a descendant of the legendary R 80 G/S, is BMW's flagship adventure touring motorcycle, evolving significantly with technology and performance over the decades.
K50 Introduction:
The K50 generation marked a significant redesign, introducing liquid cooling for enhanced performance and emissions compliance, along with an integrated electronics suite.
Production Period:
2013-2018 (K50 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany