🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R 1200 GS

Model Code:

K25 (for early models, later generations have different internal codes)

Engine Code:

M54/2 (air/oil-cooled boxer twin)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Dual-sport/Adventure motorcycle

Reputation:

Iconic, best-selling adventure touring motorcycle, renowned for its versatility, reliability, and long-distance capabilities.

Competitors:

KTM 1190 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Super Ténéré, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Ducati Multistrada

Design Philosophy:

Engineered for both on-road touring and off-road exploration, balancing performance, comfort, and ruggedness.

Powertrain Layout:

Shaft-driven, boxer twin engine with a longitudinally mounted crankshaft.

Suspension Innovation:

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

Versatility:

Capable of commuting, touring, light off-roading, and handling various weather conditions.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

500+

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Software-based (Windows Only)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head, valves, camshafts, piston, connecting rods, crankshaft, oil pump, lubrication system, timing chain, engine removal/installation

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel tank, fuel lines

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch assembly, gearbox, shaft drive, final drive, universal joint, bevel gear

Suspension Steering:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, steering head bearings, fork seals, shock absorbers, linkage systems

Brakes:

Brake system components (calipers, master cylinders, lines), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, brake pad replacement, brake fluid flush, hydraulic system bleeding

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, sensors, ECU, starter interrupt system, horn

Cooling System:

Oil cooling system (radiator, oil cooler), oil circulation

Exhaust System:

Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter (if applicable), lambda sensors

Bodywork Frame:

Frame components, fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank removal/installation, luggage system mounting

Maintenance Scheduled:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, valve clearance adjustment, brake fluid replacement, final drive oil change, clutch fluid replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, fault code interpretation, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues

Repair Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specific BMW special tools required for various procedures

Torques Specifications:

Accurate torque values for all fasteners and critical components

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary software executable, likely requiring a specific runtime environment.

Compatibility:

Windows Operating Systems only (specific versions not detailed, but generally XP through recent versions).

Printability:

Likely printable, but the output quality depends on the software's rendering and user's printer.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital software format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

1170 cc (for most R1200GS variants)

Bore X Stroke:

101 mm x 73 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1 (typical for later air/oil-cooled models)

Valve Train:

DOHC (Dual OverHead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven

Horsepower:

~125 hp @ 7750 rpm (for later air/oil-cooled models)

Torque:

~92.5 lb-ft (125 Nm) @ 6500 rpm (for later air/oil-cooled models)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), sequential multipoint injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 liters (approximately 5.3 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with universal joint

Gearbox Design:

Constant mesh, sequential shifting

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2210 mm (87.0 in)

Width Over Handlebars:

Approx. 950 mm (37.4 in)

Height Seat Unladen:

Adjustable: 850 mm (33.5 in) standard, 870 mm (34.3 in) high seat, 830 mm (32.7 in) low seat (typical options)

Kerb Weight:

Approx. 238 kg (525 lbs) with EU standard configuration (fully fuelled)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

480 kg (1058 lbs) (typical)

Load Capacity:

Approx. 242 kg (533 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Standard BMW Motorrad ABS (switchable)

Traction Control:

Optional/Standard depending on year and model variant (e.g., ASC - Automatic Stability Control)

Braking System:

Dual 305 mm disc brakes with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 276 mm disc brake with 2-piston caliper (rear)

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED daytime running light (DRL) (on some variants), LED taillight

Tires:

Tubeless, spoke wheels (standard), common sizes: Front 110/80 R19, Rear 150/70 R17

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer with a multi-function LCD display. Later models feature TFT color displays with connectivity.

Connectivity:

Optional: Bluetooth connectivity for audio and phone calls, GPS integration (BMW Navigator system).

ABS:

Standard BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, often with a linked braking system where applying the rear brake also activates a portion of the front brake. Switchable for off-road use.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) available on many models, regulating engine torque to prevent rear-wheel spin. Multiple riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro) adjusting ABS and ASC settings.

Suspension Control:

Optional: Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) or Dynamic ESA, allowing riders to adjust damping and spring preload electronically via the instrument panel.

Headlight Type:

Halogen or LED depending on model year. Some later models feature adaptive headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Valve Check Interval:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 40,000 km (24,000 miles), depending on the model year and specific engine variant.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years

Final Drive Oil Change:

Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Engine Oil Type:

BMW recommends specific synthetic oils meeting API SJ/K2 or higher and JASO MA/MA2 standards. Common viscosity grades include 15W-50 or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature. Refer to manual for precise BMW approval codes.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change (for air/oil-cooled models)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 hypoid gear oil, API GL-5 (BMW offers specific oils, e.g., BMW Gear Oil 75W-140)

Transmission Oil Type:

Typically shared with final drive oil or specific transmission oil meeting BMW specifications.

Typical Wear Items:

Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, fork seals, driveshaft splines (require greasing), wheel bearings.

Common Failures:

Fuel pump issues (on some older models), ABS sensor failures, stator failure, rear shock absorber wear (depending on usage).

Recalls Bulletins:

Refer to official BMW Motorrad service bulletins and national recall databases for specific model years.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

BMW Motorrad, a division of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG.

Motorcycle Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing robust, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly in the touring and adventure segments.

Origins Of Gs:

The 'GS' (Gelände/Straße) designation signifies 'Terrain/Street', introduced with the R80G/S in 1980, which pioneered the dual-sport category.

R1200Gs Introduction:

The R1200GS replaced the R1150GS in 2004, initially featuring an air-cooled engine and significant weight reduction.

Generations Key Changes:

Evolved through various iterations, including air/oil-cooled engines, liquid-cooled engines (from 2013 onwards), updated electronics, and chassis refinements.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Berlin, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Leadership:

Consistently recognized as a segment leader and a benchmark for adventure touring motorcycles.

Industry Awards:

Frequently awarded 'Motorcycle of the Year' or 'Best Adventure Bike' by major motorcycle publications worldwide.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally high reliability, though specific components may require diligent maintenance as outlined in the service manual.