Category:
Large-displacement adventure touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders, off-road enthusiasts, globetrotters, adventure seekers
Key Competitors:
KTM 990 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050/1200, Yamaha Super Tenere, Honda Africa Twin (later models), Ducati Multistrada
Engine Layout:
Boxer-twin (flat-twin) engine
Suspension:
Long-travel Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension, designed for varied terrain
Fuel Capacity:
Large fuel tank (approx. 33 liters / 8.7 gallons) for extended range
Protection:
Standard engine guards, handguards, and a larger windscreen for enhanced protection
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position, adjustable seat height (on some models), designed for comfort over long distances
Powertrain:
Engine, clutch, transmission, final drive
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, wheels, tires
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications
Electrical:
Battery, lighting, instrumentation, starting system, charging system, fuses, basic wiring diagrams (owner level)
Bodywork:
Fairings, luggage system (cases, racks), seat adjustment, fuel tank, storage compartments
Controls And Instruments:
Handlebar controls, dashboard layout, warning lights, indicators, onboard computer (if equipped)
Basic Maintenance:
Oil checks and changes, tire pressure, chain adjustment (if applicable), brake lever/pedal adjustment, fluid level checks
Operation:
Startup procedure, riding modes (if applicable), using ABS, operating onboard computer, luggage loading
Troubleshooting:
Basic fault identification, warning light explanations, common operational issues
Safety:
Safe riding practices, passenger safety, emergency procedures
Level:
Owner-focused, essential for everyday use and basic checks
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (71.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in x 2.87 in)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven camshafts
Horsepower:
105 hp @ 7,500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Oil Type:
Synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., BMW ADVANTEC or similar API SG/JASO MA certified)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change
System:
Air cooling for cylinders, oil cooling for cylinder heads
Type:
6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Final Drive Oil:
Synthetic gear oil, SAE 75W-140 (API GL-5, e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in) (over mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in) (at handlebars)
Seat Height:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (unladen, adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 256 kg (564.4 lbs) (ready to ride with full fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs)
Luggage Capacity:
Standard aluminum panniers and top case (optional/included depending on configuration)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is generally focused on rider aids and handling)
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (optional on some markets/configurations, switchable for off-road use)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) may have been an option or part of later software updates for this model year, but less common for 2008
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight, auxiliary lighting often available
Frame:
Steel tube frame providing robustness
Protection:
Engine guards, handguards, skid plate (standard on Adventure model)
Brakes:
Dual disc front, single disc rear with multi-piston calipers
Onboard Computer:
Standard on Adventure models, displays fuel consumption, range, average speed, ambient temperature, etc. Accessible via handlebar controls.
ABS:
Integral ABS, with off-road mode potentially available through a switch or mode selection.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW proprietary diagnostic connector (often requires specific adapter for advanced diagnostics).
Display Type:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display for onboard computer and system status.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as indicated by engine performance/noise
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, API SG/JASO MA certified (refer to manual for precise BMW ADVANTEC recommendation)
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-140, API GL-5 (e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW designation, e.g., BMW Brake Fluid DOT 4)
Coolant:
N/A (Air/oil cooled engine)
Common Problems:
Early models may experience issues with the front brake hoses (recall/service bulletin often available), servo-assisted brakes (if equipped) can sometimes be complex, clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator bearing wear, and occasional electrical gremlins. The fuel strip sensor for the fuel gauge can also be a failure point. Telelever dust seals can degrade.
Adventure Specific:
Rattle from the exhaust flap mechanism or side stand switch issues are sometimes reported.
Manufacturer:
BMW Motorrad, Germany
Legacy:
Long history of producing durable, innovative motorcycles, particularly known for boxer engines and touring capabilities
R Series Lineage:
Direct descendant of the legendary R 80 G/S and R 1100/1150 GS models, which pioneered the adventure touring segment
2008 Updates:
The 2008 model typically represents the 'late' generation of the R 1200 GS platform before a significant redesign. Key features like the boxer engine and Telelever/Paralever suspension were well-established.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Production Years R1200Gs Adv:
2006 - 2013 (for this generation)
Industry Acclaim:
The R 1200 GS platform consistently received accolades for its versatility, comfort, and capability in the adventure touring segment throughout its production run.
Adventure Touring Benchmark:
Often cited as a benchmark in its class for balancing on-road touring comfort with off-road capability.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with Euro 3 emissions standards for its model year.
