Segment:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Reputation:
Iconic and highly capable all-arounder, renowned for its versatility on and off-road.
Key Competitors:
KTM 990 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050, Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer, Yamaha Super Ténéré.
Engine Layout:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin-cylinder engine.
Suspension Front:
BMW's proprietary Telelever system for enhanced stability and feedback.
Suspension Rear:
Monolever single-sided swingarm with Paralever shaft drive and adjustable shock absorber.
Braking System:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with optional electronic brake force distribution.
Durability:
Known for robust build quality and long-term reliability.
Engine:
All aspects of the Boxer Twin engine, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing, valve clearance, lubrication, cooling.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (EFI) system, throttle bodies, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, emissions control.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch operation (single dry plate and hydraulic actuation), final drive (shaft drive).
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, fork assembly (Telelever front suspension), rear suspension (Monolever swingarm, shock absorber, Paralever), steering head bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, master cylinders, discs, lines), ABS (Integral ABS), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, horn, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), instrument cluster.
Bodywork And Plastics:
Fairing components, seat, fuel tank, panels, mounting and removal procedures.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel removal and installation, tire pressure, tire types, rim specifications.
Controls:
Handlebars, levers, footpegs, throttle control, clutch lever, brake lever adjustments.
Comfort Features:
Heated grips, rider ergonomics, seat adjustment (where applicable).
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant checks, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, fault codes, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Identification of diagnostic connectors, use of diagnostic tools (if specified), interpretation of fault codes.
Adjustment:
Valve clearance adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, clutch adjustment, suspension adjustments.
Calibration:
Throttle position sensor (TPS) calibration, idle speed adjustment.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and suspension overhauls.
Detail Level:
Expert Level: Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and specific procedures for a professional workshop.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke boxer twin
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Air/Oil Cooled
Horsepower Peak:
105 hp (77 kW) at 7,500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Peak:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in)
Height Over Windscreen:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 197 kg (434 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 227 kg (500 lbs) (fully fueled)
Payload Capacity:
Detailed payload capacity specified in the manual, considering rider, passenger, and luggage.
Travel:
170 mm (6.7 in) (Telelever)
Travel:
180 mm (7.1 in) (Monolever)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1507 mm (59.3 in)
Seat Height Unladen:
Adjustable, typically around 850 mm (33.5 in) to 870 mm (34.3 in)
ABS Standard:
Integral ABS (standard on most models in this range)
ABS Features:
Rider-selectable (on/off) for off-road use, blended front/rear actuation.
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) available as an option on later models (2010+).
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight. Adaptive Xenon headlight available on some models.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame for rigidity and impact absorption.
Crash Protection:
Engine protection bars (often standard or a popular accessory), handguards.
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function LCD display, analog tachometer, speedometer. Features include trip computer, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, service reminders.
Audio System:
N/A (Factory audio system not standard, but provisions for aftermarket units exist).
ABS:
Integral ABS (standard on most).
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) optional on 2010+ models.
Suspension Control:
ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) optional on 2010+ models, allowing adjustment of damping and preload via handlebar controls.
Lighting Tech:
Optional Xenon headlight for improved night visibility (on select models).
Diagnostic Port:
OBD-II compatible diagnostic port for connecting scanning tools.
Accessory Power:
12V power outlet for charging accessories.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Clearance:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as recommended by BMW.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), replace/clean as needed.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Brake Fluid:
Replace every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
BMW recommends BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate 15W-50 or equivalent API SN, JASO MA-2 certified synthetic motorcycle oil. Capacity: Approx. 4 liters with filter change.
Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Castrol SAF-XO).
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Castrol SAF-XO). Capacity: Approx. 0.25 liters.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (BMW part number 83 19 2 451 257 or equivalent). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Final Drive Splines:
Wear on final drive splines is a known potential issue, requiring regular inspection and lubrication with specific spline grease.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Leaking clutch slave cylinder seals can occur.
Telelever Pivot Bearings:
Wear in the Telelever pivot bearings can lead to steering looseness.
Fuel Pump Strainer:
Clogging of the fuel pump strainer can impact fuel delivery.
Heated Grips:
Intermittent failure of heated grips on some models.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, particularly in the adventure touring segment with the R series.
R Series Legacy:
The R 1200 GS builds upon the legacy of the R 80 GS and R 1100 GS, evolving the concept of a versatile, long-distance adventure motorcycle.
Generation Change:
This generation (K25/K255) represented a significant update over the R1150GS, with increased power, improved chassis, and modern electronics.
Update 2010:
The 2010 model (K255) introduced significant updates including a revised engine with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), increased power, a new gearbox, and the option of ASC and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment).
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad's primary motorcycle production facility).
