Category:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Segment Leadership:
The R1200GS is a segment-defining benchmark for adventure touring motorcycles, known for its versatility, performance, and long-distance capabilities.
Key Competitors 2004:
KTM 950 Adventure, Triumph Tiger, Honda Varadero, Yamaha TDM.
Design Philosophy:
Designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, offering a blend of power, handling, and ruggedness.
Electrical Systems:
Full coverage of all electrical circuits including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, ABS, instrumentation, starting system, charging system, ancillary equipment, and control modules.
Component Locations:
Wiring harness routing and component location diagrams relevant to electrical connections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, including symptom identification and systematic testing of circuits and components.
Repair Techniques:
Guidance on electrical component repair, harness repair, and connector servicing.
Depth:
Detailed circuit diagrams, component pinouts, wire colors, and connector views, suitable for advanced diagnostics and repair.
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin ('Boxer') engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in x 2.87 in)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven
Horsepower:
100 hp (74 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Cooling Medium:
Air and oil cooling
Safety Certifications:
Meets relevant European and international motorcycle safety standards.
Braking System:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (optional on this model, but common)
Front Brake:
Dual 305 mm discs, four-piston calipers
Rear Brake:
Single 265 mm disc, double-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight
Chassis Design:
Tubular steel space frame for rigidity and rider protection.
Instrumentation:
Multi-function LCD display with analog speedometer and tachometer, ambient temperature, gear indicator, clock, trip odometer, fuel level, and warning lights.
ABS Availability:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS was available as an option on the 2004 model.
Standard Features:
N/A (No integrated infotainment or connectivity features in the modern sense; focus is on core motorcycle function).
ECU:
Digital Engine Management System (Motronic ME 2.4) controlling fuel injection and ignition timing.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Major Service Interval:
Every 40,000 km (24,800 miles) or as specified for detailed checks (e.g., final drive oil, spark plugs).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50, API SJ/SL or higher, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) without filter change, 3.3 liters (3.5 US qt) with filter change.
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.5 liters (0.53 US qt)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90, API GL-5 gear oil.
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.23 liters (0.24 US qt)
Common Issues Early Models:
Occasional clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator bearing noise, and early ABS sensor failures have been noted in some early production models.
Electrical System Notes:
Due to the complexity, electrical gremlins can manifest. Accurate wiring diagrams are crucial for effective diagnosis.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle production, dating back to 1923. Renowned for engineering excellence, quality, and innovation.
R Series Legacy:
The 'R' series, particularly the Boxer-engined models, has been a cornerstone of BMW's motorcycle lineup, evolving from touring bikes to the modern adventure GS.
R1150Gs Predecessor:
The R1200GS replaced the highly successful R1150GS, building upon its legacy with a lighter, more powerful, and more technologically advanced package.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Initial Production Year For Gs Line:
1980 (R80G/S)
