🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1200 GS Adventure

Year:

2008

Product Type:

Owners Manual

Specific Variant:

Adventure

👋 Introduction

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

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Pages:

150-250 (typical for this model/year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

📖 Manual Coverage

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

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for keyword-based information retrieval

Quality:

Digital reproduction of original manual, quality dependent on source scan

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox

Type:

N/A

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)

📐 Dimensions

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)

🛡️ Safety Features

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

💡 Technology Features

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.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

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)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

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.