Motorcycle Segment:
Adventure Touring (ADV)
Brand Reputation:
BMW Motorrad is renowned for its engineering excellence, durability, and rider comfort, particularly in the ADV segment.
Primary Competitors:
KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Yamaha Super Tenere, Ducati Multistrada
Motorcycle Appeal:
The R1200GS is celebrated for its versatility, capable of handling long-distance touring, off-road excursions, and daily commuting.
Manual Value Proposition:
This manual empowers owners and technicians with the precise knowledge required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the R1200GS effectively, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting
Transmission:
Gearbox inspection, repair, clutch service, and final drive maintenance
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension adjustment, steering head bearing service, and wheel balancing
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics, fluid replacement, and pad/disc servicing
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, ignition system, lighting, charging system, and ECU diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnosis, injector service, fuel pump testing, and throttle body adjustment
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant circulation, and thermostat testing
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter, and sensor inspection and replacement
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel removal, fairing repair, seat adjustment, and luggage system installation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication and adjustment, spark plug replacement, air filter service
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation for all major systems
Adjustments And Calibration:
Valve clearance adjustment, throttle body synchronization, suspension settings, ABS bleeding procedures
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Component testing using multimeters, diagnostic tool usage, wiring harness repair
Safety Inspections:
Brake system checks, tire condition assessment, steering and suspension integrity
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds)
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, motorcycle enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (71.4 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in. x 2.87 in.)
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1 (varies slightly by model year)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm (varies by model year and emissions standards)
Torque:
Approx. 92 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (varies by model year and emissions standards)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), BMS-K/BMS-X control unit
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gal) or 30 liters (7.9 US gal) for Adventure models
Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad recommends SAE 5W-40, API SJ/SL/SM/SN, JASO MA/MA2 certified synthetic motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity With Filter Change:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition with dual ignition (two spark plugs per cylinder)
Transmission Type:
Constant-mesh 6-speed sequential gearbox
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive via single-sided swingarm with Paralever
Gearshift Assist Pro:
Optional on some models, allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts
Gearbox Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad recommends SAE 75W-140 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil for the transmission and final drive (check specific year for confirmation)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.0 liter (1.05 US qt) for transmission, 0.24 liter (0.25 US qt) for final drive
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1507 mm (59.3 in.) (varies slightly by model year)
Seat Height:
Adjustable, typically ranging from 850 mm (33.5 in.) to 870 mm (34.3 in.)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 238 kg (525 lbs) (fully fueled, varies by model and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult specific model year documentation for GVWR
ABS:
Standard BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), often cornering ABS on later models
Traction Control:
Standard BMW Motorrad ASC (Automatic Stability Control) or DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) on later models
Riding Modes:
Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro (depending on model year and options) which adjust engine characteristics and ABS/Traction Control settings
Suspension Control:
Optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for automatic or manual damping adjustment
Lighting:
Halogen or LED headlights, integrated turn signals, LED taillight
Crash Protection:
Engine crash bars, optional protection for radiator, oil cooler, and fuel tank
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function TFT display (on later models) or LCD display with analogue tachometer, showing speed, RPM, gear, fuel level, trip meters, and various warning indicators.
Connectivity:
Optional BMW Motorrad Connectivity package featuring Bluetooth integration for navigation, music, and phone calls via handlebar controls and the TFT display.
ABS Pro:
Cornering ABS, which modulates braking pressure based on lean angle.
DTC:
Dynamic Traction Control, offering finer control over rear wheel slip.
Esa:
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (Dynamic ESA), allowing electronic adjustment of damping settings and spring preload.
Cruise Control:
Optional electronic cruise control system for relaxed highway riding.
Headlight Type:
Standard on many models: LED headlight with integrated Daytime Riding Lights (DRL). Earlier models may feature halogen headlights.
Keyless Ride:
Optional keyless ignition system, allowing the rider to start the motorcycle without a traditional key.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Service:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 40,000 km (24,000 miles) depending on plug type and model year.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, phosphate-free)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, driveshaft universal joint wear (especially on older models), rear shock absorber seal leaks, exhaust flapper mechanism issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional CAN-bus communication errors, heated grip failures, and instrument cluster issues can occur, often requiring diagnostic scanning.
Fuel System Concerns:
Early models might experience throttle position sensor (TPS) issues or fuel pump relay problems.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing dating back to the early 20th century, with a strong focus on boxer engines and shaft drive.
R Series Lineage:
The R1200GS is a descendant of the legendary R80G/S, which pioneered the dual-sport adventure touring category.
Key Generations:
The R1200GS has seen significant evolution, including air-oil cooled models (pre-2013) and liquid-cooled models (post-2013 'Wasserboxer'), with continuous refinement in electronics and performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Berlin, Germany.
Motorcycle Of The Year:
The R1200GS has consistently received numerous awards and accolades from major motorcycle publications and organizations worldwide for its performance, versatility, and innovation.
Adventure Bike Segment Leader:
Widely recognized as a benchmark and category leader in the adventure touring segment for over a decade.
Rider Satisfaction:
Consistently high rider satisfaction ratings due to its comfort, capability, and reliability.