1. The new BMW R 1200 GS.
2. Power and torque for the BMW R 1200 GS.
3. Technical data for the BMW R 1200 GS.
4. The colours of the BMW R 1200 GS.

1. The new BMW R 1200 GS.
Improved. Updated. Technologically Advanced.

How BMW has improved the iconic R 1200 GS:

  • Even more dynamic drive with more top end zest.
  • Engine power increased by five percent to 77 kW.
  • Maximum engine speed increased to 8,000 rpm and wider usable speed range.
  • Different gear and secondary transmission ratios for clear improvement in traction and acceleration.
  • Redesigned six-gear transmission with enlarged bearing diameters and optimised switching kinematics for even more precise gear shifting.
  • Electronic chassis modification via optional Off-Road ESA, used for the first time in an adventure bike. More agility, even more suited to touring and off-road use through individual spring-suspension coordination.
  • Electrohydraulic spring adjustment of the spring struts at front and rear as part of the Off Road ESA.
  • Optimised ergonomics through new, double-butted, oversize alloy handlebar with new hand guards and newly designed seat.
  • More accurate fuel display with expanded measurement range and new sensor system.
  • Optimised battery charging with higher generator performance.
  • More dynamic design underlining its off road attributes.
  • Now available in: Titanium Silver Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic Matt, non-metallic Namibia Orange, non-metallic Tanzanite Blue
  • Special equipment and tailor-made accessories in accordance with the familiar BMW standards.


Stronger, livelier and more agile - for even more riding enjoyment on and off road.

With the new BMW R 1200 GS, BMW is writing another chapter in the success story that started in 1980 with the BMW R 80 G/S. Now, more than ever, the new, comprehensively reworked R 1200 GS is ideally suited to the needs of the off road traveller. It offers superb performance, maximum comfort and a wide range of uses on the longest trips and, with its even better acceleration and agility, guarantees maximum enjoyment on twisting country and mountain roads. The optimised chassis and suspension properties guarantee the best possible handling both on and off road.

The predecessor model - the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, of which more than 75,000 were produced - already represented unbeaten abilities in all conditions. And yet the new version outstrips its predecessor, still acknowledged as outstanding, in every major respect.

A torsionally stiff chassis, the front wheel suspension with the unique BMW Telelever and rear wheel suspension with the BMW Paralever still offer first-class, safe handling. Extremely efficient brakes combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS ensure maximum safety, even in critical riding situations, and excellent environmental compatibility is achieved through cutting-edge exhaust purification with a regulated three-way catalytic converter.

And let's not forget the maintenance-free shaft (Cardan) drive, which means that there is no need for maintenance work, which can be both unpleasant and time consuming on extended trips and long-distance tours in particular. As is traditional, BMW is once again also offering a reliable, ingenious luggage system for the new R 1200 GS, plus further made-to-measure accessories and special equipment.

The new engine - more powerful, higher revving and more dynamic.

In terms of its design principle, basic structure, power transmission and mixture preparation, the engine in the new R 1200 GS is based on that of the R 1200 R. However, improvements have been made in the area of engine management for use in the R 1200 GS as regards the special requirements that a large-capacity off roader has to meet.

While the 1,170cc boxer engine in the predecessor model offered superb power development in all conditions and situations, the new R 1200 GS can give a fair amount more in this respect. With 77 kW of power (105 hp), and a red line now extended to 8,000 rpm, there are even more revs to enjoy. Add in completely revised transmission ratios, and the new R 1200 GS is even more dynamic than before, with improved top-end acceleration, and even better traction over the whole engine speed range. In combination with the reworked six-gear transmission, the new R 1200 GS thus offers the most dynamic performance of all adventure-oriented off roaders.

Like the models to date, the new, 12:1 compression ratio R 1200 GS can still be operated with 91-octane fuel. Normally designed for lead-free Super petrol (RON 95), the engine can also be operated with normal petrol (RON 91) without manual intervention, thanks to its knock control.

Redesigned transmission and new shift kinematics for even more dynamic riding and more precise gear shifting.

The redesigned six-gear transmission with increased bearing diameters and modified shaft distance take account of the increased engine power, expanded engine speed range and sometimes extreme conditions of use of the R 1200 GS on long-distance trips in particular.

Gear ratios have been revised to take full benefit of the increased output from the engine, and coupled with the shortening of the secondary transmission from 1:2.82 to 1:2.91, deliver quicker medium and top end acceleration.

The R 1200 GS also gains an optimised shift mechanism with improved force-displacement for even more precise gear shifting and transparent feedback.

Chassis modification through the optional Off Road ESA - further increasing agility, suitability for touring and off road use.

Around three years after the successful launch of ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) as offered on the K 1200 S, this technology now moves to the off road segment for the first time with the new R 1200 GS. With its incredibly broad range of uses and the resultant very varied demands made on it, the R 1200 GS is the ideal machine to benefit from this unique chassis technology. Designed to meet the special needs of a serious off road rider, the Off Road ESA, which can be provided as special equipment ex-factory, allows the chassis to be easily modified for various operating conditions and load situations simply by pressing a button.

The ESA used in the K 1200 S provided both for the electronically controlled suspension modification of the two spring struts of the Telelever at the front and the Paralever at the rear and for the adjustment of the rear spring base; however, the Off Road ESA, with the additional electrohydraulic adjustment of the spring base at the front spring strut, takes account of the specific requirements of this type of machine. This gives much better impact resistance in off road use without any of the associated disadvantages in on-road use, such as reduced negative spring travel or increased seat height. In this way, the successful concept of the R 1200 GS has been improved still further in terms of agility, suitability for touring and off road quality.

Off Road ESA with on road and off road settings - the ideal match.

The electronic suspension adjustment Off Road ESA distinguishes between on road and off road modes, within which, the rider can make further adjustments to the specific requirements by selecting particular modes for the spring basis and suspension.

A long press of the ESA button switches from one springing mode to other, and pressing the button for just a short time makes changes within the suspension modes.

On road modes: By pressing a button shown in the display by corresponding symbols, the rider can choose between three different load states: "rider only", "rider with luggage", and "pillion use", which produces a corresponding lifting of the spring base of the rear spring strut. Each of the three load states can also be combined with three different suspension modes: "Sport", "Normal" and "Comfort". In all on road modes, the spring base adjustment of the spring strut at the Telelever at the front is in the "Minimum" setting.

Off Road modes: For off road use, the Off Road ESA offers two modes for springing, which can each be combined with one of three suspension modes. The spring base mode "Medium reserves", shown by the "round hill" display symbol, increases the spring base of the suspension strut at the Telelever at the front to 50%, and the rear spring strut is adjusted to the same value.

This setting is suitable for both slow and fast off road travelling where large shelves, holes and impacts are likely.

"Maximum reserves", shown by the "pointed hills" display symbol, increases the spring base at both the front and rear spring strut to 100 % and is suitable when maximum impact safety is required. In this setting, the ground clearance is also increased by 20 mm in comparison with the on road setting.

The two modes for the spring base can be combined with the three suspension modes "Soft", "Norm" or "Hard". While "Soft" is suitable, for example, for trial sections to be driven slowly, "Norm" is a practical suspension setting for most off road use. The suspension mode "Hard" is particularly suitable for level surfaces which can be traversed quickly, and also for deep sand.

Ergonomic optimisation of handlebars, hand guards and seat.

Because of the two clamping elements, which can be rotated through 180-degrees and are mounted asymmetrically as in the HP2 sports model, the high-quality double-butted alloy tubing handlebars can be mounted in two ergonomically different positions. While the rear handlebar position offers the best ergonomic conditions for riding on roads and on moderate off road surfaces, the front handlebar position is particularly advantageous for riding in a standing position off road. The newly developed hand guards are standard on both the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure, are now fixed directly to the handlebars. The thickness of the seat foam has been increased in the front area.

Fuel display with new sensor system.

A newly developed sensor system with an expanded measurement range and improved resolution is used for the fuel display. This allows a differentiated fuel level display starting from maximum.

Optimised battery charging with higher generator output.

The AC generator output has been increased from 600 to 720 W and the battery charging has been optimised.

Dynamic design with the emphasis on off road attributes.

In line with its more dynamic performance, the new R 1200 GS has a new dynamic look. Following the extensive technical revision of the R 1200 GS, new stainless steel deflectors are used in the front fuel tank area, and the upper part of the front mudguard has also been redesigned to embody the masculine design language typical of such machines. The new appearance of the R 1200 GS is rounded off by the two-coloured optional hand guards and a newly designed fin for optimised cool air flows. The newly designed LED rear light and white indicators also reflect the R 1200 GS's dynamic image.

Surfaces and colours.

The new R 1200 GS also shows its increased sportiness through its new colours and the way they are combined. Technical surfaces, as in the silver fin, the magnesium-coloured anodised forks or, following the lead of the sporty HP2, the magnesium-coloured coated cylinder head covers and tyre rims, create a dynamic visual interplay with the traditional painted surfaces of the tank and mudguards.

The Titanium Silver Metallic gives a very technical look to the R 1200 GS.

Dark Slate Metallic Matt, on the other hand, is in the tradition of the particularly sporty BMW models, and gives the new R 1200 GS a very masculine character.

The sporty off road character of the new R 1200 GS is underscored by the two solid paintwork colours: strong Tanzanite Blue and glowing Namibia Orange.

Special equipment and made-to-measure special accessories.

As a traditional system supplier, BMW Motorrad has also developed a wide range of special equipment for the new R 1200 GS and an extensive selection of made-to-measure special accessories. There is thus plenty of opportunity for personalisation. Special equipment is supplied directly ex factory, and forms an integral part of the manufacturing process in the Berlin plant. Special accessories are fitted by BMW motorcycle dealers.

Optional equipment.

  • Off Road ESA.
  • BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integral, can be switched off).
  • RDC tyre pressure monitor.
  • ASC Automatic Stability Control.
  • Additional headlights.
  • Optimised Navigator holders.
  • Case holder.
  • Spoked wheels.
  • Theft alarm with remote control

Special accessories.

Storage space programme.

  • Vario case.
  • Case holder.\*\*
  • Vario topcase.
  • Fixing elements for topcase instead of pillion seat.
  • Topcase carrier installation kit.
  • Inside pocket for Vario case/topcase.
  • Waterproof tank rucksack.
  • Waterproof tank rucksack, small.
  • Softbag Sport, large, 51 l.\*
  • Softbag Sport, small, 19 l.\*
  • Luggage roll 53 l, waterproof.\*

Design.

  • Carbon front mudguard.\*
  • Carbon splash protection at rear.\*
  • Cover for Telelever and fork brace.\*
  • BMW badge for fork brace.\*
  • LED indicators.\*/\*\*

Sound.

  • Sport silencer by Akrapovi?.\*

Ergonomics and comfort.

  • Wide off road foot pegs (Adventure series).
  • Adjustable footbrake lever (Adventure series).
  • Handlebar cross strut.\*
  • Padding for handlebar cross strut.\*
  • Tinted windscreen.\*
  • Low rider seat (820 mm) black.
  • High rider seat, adjustable (880/ 900 mm) black.
  • LED light for onboard socket 410 mm.\*
  • Additional socket.\*
  • Heated grips.\*/\*\*

Navigation and communication.

  • BMW Motorrad Navigator.\*
  • Cradle for BMW Motorrad Navigator.
  • Function Navigator Bag.\*

Safety.

  • Hand protection (Adventure series).
  • Top spoiler, large, for hand protection.\*
  • Aluminium valve cover protection (Adventure series).
  • Engine protection bar (Adventure series).\*
  • Cylinder protection, small.\*
  • Off road aluminium underbody bash plate.\*
  • Extra headlight (from 03/08).\*
  • Holder for extra headlight.
  • Theft alarm with remote control.\*/\*\*
  • RDC.\*

Maintenance and technology.

  • Paddock stand.\*
  • Set of on-board service tools.\*
  • Add-on on-board tools.\*
  • Safety screw, oil filler nozzle.\*
  • Emergency kit, cylinder head.
\*As for R 1200 GS.
\*\* Also available ex factory as special equipment.

2. Power and torque for the BMW R 1200 GS.

Engine output (to 95/1/CE)

4

Torque (to 95/1/CE)

6
Engine Speed (rpm)

3. Technical data for the BMW R 1200 GS.

BMW R 1200 GS (77 kW)
Engine
Capacity cm3 1170
Bore/lift mm 101/73
Power kW/HP 77/105
at engine speed min-1 7500
Torque Nm 115
at engine speed min-1 5 750
Design Boxer
No. of cylinders 2
Compression/fuel 12,0/S
Valve/gas control HC (high camshaft)
Valves per cylinder 4
Diameter inlet/outlet mm 36/31
Throttle valve diameter mm 47
Mixture preparation BMS-KP
Exhaust purification Regulated three-way catalytic converter
Electrical systems
Generator W 720
Battery V/Ah 12/14 maintenance-free
Headlights W H7
Starter kW 1,1
Power transmission/gears
Clutch Single-disc dry clutch Ø 180 mm
Gears dog-coupled six-gear transmission
Primary transmission 1,737
Transmission, gear stages I 2,375
II 1,646
III 1,296
IV 1,065
V 0,439
VI 0,848
Rear wheel drive Cardan shaft
Transmission ratio 2,91 2,91
Frame
Frame design Steel tubular frame, carrying engine
Front wheel suspension BMW Telelever
Rear wheel suspension BMW Paralever
Spring travel front/rear mm 190/200
Castor mm 101
Wheel spacing mm 1507
Headset angle ° 64,3
Brakes front Double-disc brake, Ø 305 mm
rear Single-disc brake, Ø 265 mm
if required: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partly integral, can be switched off)
Wheels Cast wheel, or spoked wheel on request
front 2.5 x 19
rear 4.0 x 17
Tyres front 110/80 R 19
rear 150/70 R 17
Dimensions and weights
Total length mm 2 210
Total width with mirrors mm 940
Handlebar width without mirrors mm 930
Seat height mm 850/870
Empty weight, filled with petrol kg 229
Perm. total weight kg 440
Tank capacity l 20
Travel data
Fuel consumption 90 km/h l/100 km 4,3
120 km/h l/100 km 5,5
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s 3,3
Maximum speed km/h >200

4. The colours of the BMW R 1200 GS.


Model

Colour

Seat

BMW R 1200 GS

Titanium Silver Metallic

black

Dark Slate
Metallic Matt

black

Tanzanite Blue

black

Namibia Orange

black