🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1200 R Sport

Year:

2008

Platform Code:

K27

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring / Roadster

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding, with a premium feel and technological sophistication.

Key Competitors:

Moto Guzzi Norge 1200, Triumph Sprint ST, Ducati ST3/ST4, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400.

Engine Layout:

Air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive.

Suspension System:

BMW's signature Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension for superior ride comfort and handling.

Braking System:

Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Ergonomics:

Comfortable rider triangle, adjustable handlebars, and a supportive seat for long-distance riding.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Controls, Instruments, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Riding Information, Safety Features, Storage, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 180-220 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Detailed explanation of the engine's operating principles, electronic control unit (ECU) functions, and sensor operations.

Suspension And Steering:

Information on the Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and steering system operation and adjustments.

Braking System:

Explanation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid types, and operation. Covers both front and rear braking components.

Electrical System:

Overview of the motorcycle's electrical system, including battery care, fuses, lighting, and common electrical components.

Fuel And Exhaust:

Details on the fuel injection system, fuel type recommendations, and exhaust system components and maintenance.

Routine Maintenance:

Step-by-step instructions for essential maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, and chain adjustment.

Troubleshooting Guide:

Guidance on identifying and addressing common operational issues, including diagnostic information for dashboard warning lights.

Riding Safety:

Essential information on safe riding practices, proper gear usage, and understanding vehicle dynamics.

Instrument Panel Explanation:

Detailed descriptions of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and control functions.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Provides basic diagnostic insights for common issues, enabling owners to understand potential problems before seeking professional service.

Repair Guidance:

Offers guidance on user-serviceable repairs and adjustments, but typically does not cover full mechanical rebuilds, which are reserved for service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Printable pages for offline reference.

Resolution:

High-resolution scanned document for clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

1170 cc (1.17 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 73 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder actuated by rocker arms.

Horsepower:

105 hp (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with BMS-K (Battery Management System - K) engine management.

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum octane rating of 95 (RON).

Oil Type:

SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA motorcycle oil.

Oil Capacity With Filter Change:

Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual transmission

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gear Ratios:

Typically: 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.57, 3rd: 2.00, 4th: 1.67, 5th: 1.39, 6th: 1.17 (Note: specific ratios can vary slightly).

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 GL 5 gear oil.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approximately 0.75 liters (0.79 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)

Width Over Handlebars:

Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in)

Height Seat Unladen:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) (standard seat)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 420 kg (925.9 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Information:

Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through rider aids and handling characteristics rather than traditional crash test ratings. BMW emphasizes active safety features.

ABS:

Standard BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced braking control and stability.

Traction Control System:

Not typically standard on the 2008 R 1200 R Sport; ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional extra on some R-series models from this era.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight for optimal illumination, LED taillight.

Chassis Design:

Robust frame construction and stable suspension geometry for predictable handling.

Ergonomic Controls:

Intuitive and well-placed controls to minimize rider distraction.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Digital LCD display for trip computer, gear indicator, fuel level, and more, alongside analog tachometer and speedometer.

Audio System:

Optional BMW audio system available on some models, though less common on the R Sport variant compared to touring models.

ABS:

Standard ABS as a key rider assistance feature.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system could be fitted.

Diagnostic Port:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for dealer-level diagnostic tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).

Air Filter Replacement:

As required, typically every 20,000 km (12,500 miles), or more frequently under dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA motorcycle oil.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 75W-90 GL 5 gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Coolant:

BMW approved ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., BMW antifreeze concentrate).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear main seal (oil leaks), brake pad wear, suspension wear over time, potential for ABS sensor issues if contaminated.

Electrical Gremlins:

While generally reliable, some owners have reported intermittent issues with electrical connectors or sensors on BMWs of this era.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Early R1200 models sometimes had fuel pump concerns, though often addressed by recalls or later production runs.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Principles:

BMW Motorrad, established in 1916, is renowned for its engineering excellence, innovation, and focus on rider comfort and safety, particularly with its iconic boxer engine platform.

R Series Legacy:

The R 1200 R is a descendant of BMW's long lineage of R-series boxer-engined motorcycles, evolving from models like the R100R and R1150R, offering increased power, improved handling, and modern technology.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 model year saw refinements to the R 1200 R, including potential updates to suspension, braking, and electronics compared to earlier iterations.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad's primary manufacturing facility).