🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1200 GS

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 BMW R 1200 GS Owners Manual

Chassis Code:

K25

Engine Code:

M09

👋 Introduction

Category:

Adventure Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Riders seeking versatility for long-distance touring, off-road exploration, and daily commuting.

Key Competitors:

KTM 990 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin (earlier models), Triumph Tiger, Yamaha Super Tenere.

Versatility:

Renowned for its capability across diverse terrains and riding conditions.

Powertrain:

Torquey boxer-twin engine, shaft drive for low maintenance.

Chassis Design:

Lightweight yet robust chassis with advanced suspension for comfort and control.

Technology:

ABS, optional ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), onboard computer.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Technical Specifications

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Routine Adjustments

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 200-250 pages (typical for this model year's owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, clutch, gearbox.

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, wheels, tires, braking system (ABS, linked braking), exhaust system.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting, ignition system, starter, fuses, instrument cluster, on-board computer (optional), warnings and indicators.

Bodywork And Accessories:

Fairing, seat, luggage systems, fuel tank, body panels, mirrors, levers, controls, rider ergonomics.

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, braking techniques, operating lighting and signals, using the instrument panel, adjusting controls, riding in various conditions.

Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid), tire pressure checks, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable to specific variants, though shaft drive is standard), cleaning, basic checks before riding.

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights and messages, identifying common operational issues, basic fault diagnosis.

Adjustments:

Clutch lever adjustment, brake lever adjustment, headlight aim (if user-adjustable), seat height adjustment (if applicable).

Depth:

Comprehensive for owner operation and basic maintenance. Does not typically include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes found in a workshop manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

Digital scan of original manual, quality depends on source but generally high for official documentation.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Completeness:

Full Owner's Manual for the specified model and year.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer-twin engine with two camshafts per cylinder, operated by a camshaft chain.

Displacement:

1170 cc (71.4 cu. in.)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in. x 2.87 in.)

Compression Ratio:

12.0 : 1

Power Output:

105 hp (77 kW) at 7,500 rpm

Peak Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm

Top Speed:

Over 200 km/h (124 mph) (rider and load dependent)

Induction:

Electronic intake manifold injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies.

Fuel Type:

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

Fuel Capacity:

20 liters (5.3 US gal); 3 liters (0.8 US gal) reserve

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox.

Clutch:

Single-plate dry clutch (actuated by hydraulic system).

Final Drive:

Shaft drive.

Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.375, 2nd: 1.714, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.056, 5th: 0.871, 6th: 0.735

Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends a high-quality synthetic gear oil for the final drive. Manual specifies SAE 80W-90 API GL-5.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2,230 mm (87.8 in.)

Width:

905 mm (35.6 in.) (over mirrors)

Height:

1,430 mm (56.3 in.) (without mirrors)

Wheelbase:

1,507 mm (59.3 in.)

Seat Height:

Adjustable: 850 mm (33.5 in.) standard, 830 mm (32.7 in.) low seat (optional/factory setting)

Dry Weight:

193 kg (425 lbs)

Curb Weight:

220 kg (485 lbs) (fully fuelled, with battery)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

450 kg (992 lbs)

Luggage Capacity:

Integrated luggage mounts for optional BMW aluminum cases (sold separately).

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (disengageable for off-road use).

Braking System:

Dual disc front brake (305 mm diameter) with four-piston calipers. Single disc rear brake (265 mm diameter) with dual-piston caliper. Linked braking operation.

Suspension:

Telelever front suspension with 170 mm travel. Paralever rear suspension with 170 mm travel. Optional ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) for adjustable damping and preload.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED taillight, turn signals.

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display with onboard computer, warning lamps.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Panel:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD multi-function display, onboard computer, gear indicator, clock, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, ABS indicator, warning lights.

ABS:

Integral ABS system that can be switched off by the rider.

Esa:

Optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment allows riders to electronically adjust rear spring preload and damping settings via handlebar controls, adapting to different loads and riding conditions.

Accessories:

Provisions for optional heated grips, accessory power socket, GPS navigation systems (BMW Navigator). Pre-wiring often included for these accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Recommended every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Check oil level more frequently.

Major Service:

Typically scheduled every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) for valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement, and comprehensive inspection.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Final Drive Oil:

Check level and condition periodically, change as per manual recommendations (often every 20,000 km).

Engine Oil:

BMW recommends a synthetic engine oil conforming to API SJ/SL or higher, with viscosity grade SAE 15W-40 or 10W-40 (depending on ambient temperature). Capacity approx. 4 liters (1.05 US gal) with oil filter change.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (for final drive).

Coolant:

BMW Motorrad Coolant (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitor. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters.

Typical Concerns:

While generally reliable, common points for owners to be aware of include potential for clutch slave cylinder leaks (can be addressed with upgraded aftermarket parts), potential for early wear on the driveshaft splines if not properly lubricated, and the complexity of the electrical system for diagnosing issues. ESA system can sometimes require recalibration.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular cleaning and lubrication of the driveshaft splines are highly recommended. Ensure proper torque on wheel fasteners. Keep battery terminals clean and connections secure.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engine configurations since the 1920s.

R Series Lineage:

The R 1200 GS is the latest evolution in BMW's successful R series GS (Gelande/Strasse - Off-road/Street) adventure bike line, succeeding models like the R 80 GS and R 1100/1150 GS.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 model features the DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine, a significant upgrade over previous SOHC versions, offering more power and torque.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad factory).

Production Years:

The R 1200 GS (K25) platform was produced from 2004 to 2012, with the DOHC engine introduced for the 2007 model year.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

The R 1200 GS line has consistently received accolades from motorcycle publications and riders worldwide for its performance, versatility, and durability.

Rider Satisfaction:

Consistently ranks high in owner satisfaction surveys for adventure touring motorcycles.