Segment:
Sport Touring / Naked Sportbike segment.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile, premium motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding.
Key Competitors:
Triumph Speed Triple, Ducati Monster 1100, Yamaha FZ1, Kawasaki Z1000.
Engine Type:
BMW's signature Boxer-twin engine.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW's larger motorcycles.
Handling And Ergonomics:
Known for balanced chassis and comfortable, upright riding position.
Technology Integration:
Often featured advanced systems like ABS for its era.
Primary Coverage:
Operation, Maintenance, and Safety of the 2008 BMW R 1200 R motorcycle.
Secondary Coverage:
Basic troubleshooting and information on motorcycle systems.
Estimated Page Count:
150-250 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual of this era/type)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Engine Operation:
Understanding engine functions, break-in procedures, fuel requirements.
Chassis And Suspension:
Description of frame, forks, rear shock, and adjustments.
Braking System:
Operation of ABS, brake fluid types, and care.
Electrical System:
Battery, lighting, fuses, and general electrical operation.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Explanation of dashboard indicators, switches, and levers.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel tank capacity, recommended fuel, exhaust system overview.
Cooling System:
Engine cooling system description (likely oil-cooled with fan assist for 2008 R1200R).
Wheels And Tires:
Recommended tire pressures, sizes, and inspection.
Safety Features:
ABS operation, hazard warning lights, general riding safety.
Pre Ride Inspection:
Checklist for safe operation before each ride.
Fluid Level Checks:
Instructions for checking oil, brake fluid, and coolant (if applicable).
Tire Pressure Adjustment:
Guidance on maintaining correct tire pressures.
Basic Maintenance:
Information on chain lubrication/adjustment, minor adjustments.
Troubleshooting Minor Issues:
Guidance for common operational issues, dashboard warning lights.
Cleaning And Care:
Recommendations for washing and preserving the motorcycle.
Accessory Installation Guidelines:
General advice on fitting approved accessories.
Storage And Winterization:
Instructions for long-term storage.
Depth:
Owner-level: Focuses on understanding operation, safety, and routine maintenance tasks performable by the owner. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine.
Displacement:
1170 cc (1.17 Liters).
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (approximate, consult manual for exact).
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1 (typical for this generation).
Cooling System:
Air/Oil cooled (with fan assist for oil cooler).
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven.
Horsepower:
Approximately 105 hp (77 kW) at 7500 rpm.
Torque:
Approximately 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20.5 liters (5.4 US gallons).
Transmission Type:
6-speed, constant mesh gearbox.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive.
Optional Gearbox:
N/A (Standard 6-speed gearbox for R 1200 R).
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios, typically optimized for versatility.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5).
Length:
Approx. 2180 mm (85.8 in).
Width:
Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in) over mirrors.
Height:
Approx. 1220 mm (48.0 in) to handlebars.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1492 mm (58.7 in).
Seat Height:
Adjustable, typically 830 mm (32.7 in) standard.
Dry Weight:
Approx. 212 kg (467 lbs).
Wet Weight:
Approx. 231 kg (509 lbs) with all fluids.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult manual for specific GVWR.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific ratings are not standardized in the same way as automobiles).
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard or optional depending on market/package for 2008 model, likely standard on many).
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) may have been an optional feature or introduced later in the model run, refer to specific VIN/market.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital display for gear indicator, odometer, trip meters, clock, temperature, fuel level.
Audio System:
N/A (No factory-integrated audio system on standard R 1200 R).
ABS:
Integral ABS system, combining front and rear brake actuation with a linked system, often with a servo-assisted booster.
Handlebar Controls:
Ergonomically designed switches for lights, signals, horn, hazard lights, and menu navigation for the instrument cluster.
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostic (OBD) port for dealer-level diagnostics and potential future updates.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Major inspections every 20,000 km (12,400 miles), often including valve clearance checks and gearbox oil change.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic Motorcycle Oil SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, API SJ/SL/SM or JASO MA/MA2. Consult manual for exact specification and grade.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5.
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 80W-90.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake pads, tires, potentially driveshaft splines lubrication (requires periodic check).
Electrical Gremlins:
Some owners report occasional sensor issues or electrical connections, though generally robust.
Paralever Boot Wear:
The protective boot on the Paralever (rear drive shaft housing) can degrade, requiring replacement to protect internals.
ABS Sensor Issues:
Rare instances of ABS sensor failures, typically indicated by dashboard warning lights.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of innovation and performance since its inception, particularly known for its boxer engines and shaft drive.
R Series Lineage:
The R 1200 R is a direct descendant of the R 1100 R and R 1150 R, representing the naked or roadster variant of BMW's boxer-twin platform.
2008 Updates:
The 2008 model received subtle updates, often focusing on electronics, suspension tuning, and minor aesthetic enhancements over earlier versions.
Manufacturing Plant:
Berlin-Spandau, Germany.
Motorcycle Reviews:
The R 1200 R generally received positive reviews for its versatile performance, comfort, and quality engineering.
Long Term Reliability:
BMW boxer twins are known for their robustness and longevity when properly maintained.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with Euro 3 emission standards for its model year.