What a motorcycle. For some people it’s a universal tool which practically never fails them - whether on a local run, the daily journey to work or weekend trips with or without gravel passages. For others it’s a way of life - just the right machine for every tour, whether a one-week trip for two into local motorcycling territory or fulfilling the dream of a lifetime thousands of miles away from home. The “GS” is not just able to handle everything, it is actually built to do so. And in this synthesis of easy handling, supreme touring suitability, off-road potential and comfort for rider and pillion passenger, there’s simply no other motorcycle which does it better. That’s not just what we think: it’s the result of independent tests worldwide.
Yet the current version goes one step further still - with a level of 2-cylinder power which is unsurpassed, and not just within its own segment. The reason is the new DOHC engine*, which first displayed its impressive performance in the legendary HP2 Sport. For the R 1200 GS, torque was given higher priority than output in line with practical considerations. And you can feel it. 120 Nm at the peak at 6000 rpm is one thing, but the consistently higher level of torque in the relevant range up to 5000 rpm can be fully experienced. The output has been increased to 81 kW (110 bhp) at 7750 rpm.
The supreme riding pleasure is underscored by a powerful sound from the new exhaust system with exhaust flap which will everyone will love. Together with the new paint finishes, a wide range of special equipment features such as the unique off-road ESA and ASC and extensive motorcycle fittings, there is virtually no situation in which the R 1200 GS doesn’t fit perfectly. And that applies to all riders - so take a test ride now!Engine
Type Air/oil-cooled flat twin ('Boxer') 4-stroke engine, two camshafts and four radially aligned valves per cylinder, central balancer shaft
Bore x stroke 101 mm x 73 mm
Capacity 1,170 cc
Rated output 110 hp (81 kW) at 7,750 rpm
Max. torque 88 ft-lb (120 Nm) at 6,000 rpm
Compression ratio 12.0 : 1
Mixture control / engine management Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K+ digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Performance / fuel consumption
Maximum speed over 120 mph (200 km/h)
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h City: 43.4 mpg (4.3 l Euro)
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h Highway: 57.4 mpg (5.5 l Euro)
Fuel type Unleaded super and premium, octane number 91-93
Electrical system
Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W
Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Power transmission
Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth
Drive Shaft drive
Chassis / brakes
Frame Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Front wheel location / suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut, spring preload with 5-position mechanical adjustment
Rear wheel location / suspension Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension travel front / rear 7.5/7.9 inches (190/200 mm)
Wheelbase 59.3 inches (1,507 mm)
Castor 101 mm
Steering head angle 64.3°
Wheels Cast aluminum wheels
Rim, front 2.50 x 19"
Rim, rear 4.00 x 17"
Tyres, front 110/80 R 19
Tyres, rear 150/70 R 17
Brake, front Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rear Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper
ABS Optional extra: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (part-integral), can be switched off
Dimensions / weights
Length 2,210 mm
Width (incl. mirrors) 915 mm
Height (excl. mirrors) 1,450 mm
Seat height, unladen weight 33.5/34.2 inches (850 / 870 mm), low seat 32.3" (820 mm), lowered suspension 31" (790 mm)
Inner leg curve, unladen weight 1,890 / 1,940 mm (low seat 1,820 mm, lowered suspension 1,760 mm)
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1) 504 lbs (229 kg)
Dry weight 2) 447 lbs (203 kg)
Permitted total weight 970 lbs (440 kg)
Payload (with standard equipment) 465 lbs (211 kg)
Usable tank volume 5.3 gallons (20 l)
Reserve approx 1 gallon (4.0 l)
