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2008 BMW K 1200S Overview
BMW K 1200S is a sport motorcycle, displacing 1157 cc. Power comes from an In-line four engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 13.0:1. Bore and stroke come in at 79 x 59 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 124.5 kW @ 10250 rpm of peak power and 129 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 286 km/h. On the road, the 2008 K 1200S tips the scales at 248 kg, carries a 19-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,571 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 45.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. The full 2008 BMW K 1200S spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 K 1200S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 124.5 kW @ 10250 rpm and 129 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque on tap, the K 1200S is no slouch for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Large fuel range: A 19-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: At 820 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
K 1200S's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection on the K 1200S needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With DOHC valve gear, the K 1200S needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from Double disc - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The K 1200S's suspension runs BMW Motorrad Duolever at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The K 1200S uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine, the K 1200S's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
248 kg puts the K 1200S toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
K 1200S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2008 BMW K 1200S, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy K 1200S should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects a K 1200S's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the K 1200S needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used K 1200S since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2008 BMW K 1200S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 BMW K 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S uses an In-line four engine with 1157 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2008 BMW K 1200S?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S has a factory-quoted top speed of 286 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 BMW K 1200S weigh?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S weighs 248 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2008 BMW K 1200S make?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S produces 124.5 kW @ 10250 rpm of power and 129 Nm @ 8250 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 BMW K 1200S?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S has a 19-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.
Is the 2008 BMW K 1200S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2008 BMW K 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S uses Double disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 BMW K 1200S use?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S runs 120/70-17 front and 190/50-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2008 BMW K 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW K 1200S is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
BMW K 1200S Spec Evolution
The BMW K 1200S was produced across 2 model years (2006-2008). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2006 |
2008 |
| Dry Weight |
226.5 kg / 499.3 lbs |
227 kg / 500.4 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity |
19 L / 5.0 US gal |
19 L / 5.0 US gal |
| Frame Type |
Bridging frame, die-cast aluminium, load bearing engine |
Bridging frame, die-cast aluminium, load bearing engine |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc |
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc |
Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Suspension - Front |
BMW Motorrad Duolever |
BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut |
| Suspension - Rear |
BMW Paralever with progressive damping single shock absorber, remotely adjustable for preload and rebound |
BMW Paralever with progressive damping single shock absorber, remotely adjustable for preload and rebound |
| Fuel System |
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K) |
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K) |
Key Specifications
Power
124.5 kW / 167 hp @ 10250 rpm
Torque
129 Nm / 13.2 kgf-m / 95.4 lb-ft @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
286 km/h / 178 mph
Weight
248.0 kg / 546.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
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Full 2008 BMW K 1200S Specifications
Year
2007 - 08
Make Model
BMW K 1200S
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in.
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,571 mm / 61.9 in.
Wheelbase
1,571 mm / 61.9 in.
Length
2,182 mm / 85.9 in.
Length
2,182 mm / 85.9 in.
Width
905 mm / 35.6 in.
Dry Weight
227.5 kg / 501.6 lbs
Dry Weight
227 kg / 500.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Fuel Capacity
19 L / 5.0 US gal
Wet Weight
248.0 kg / 546.7 lbs
Stroke
4
Engine Type
In-line four
Displacement (ci)
70.60 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1157.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
79.0 x 59.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.1 x 2.3 inches
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
DOHC
Engine Type
In-line four
Displacement
1157 cc / 70.6 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic fuel injection
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K)
Bore x Stroke
79 X 59 mm
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption
6.7 L/100 km / 15 km/l / 35.3 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Injection
Fuel Reserve
2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
Ignition
Electronic
Starter
Electric
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Hydraulic, wet, multi-disc
Clutch
Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, load-bearing engine
Frame Type
Bridging frame, die-cast aluminium, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Duolever
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Suspension - Rear
BMW Paralever with progressive damping single shock absorber, remotely adjustable for preload and rebound
Rake
29.0°
Trail
119 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
265 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
265 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front
Double disc
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
190/50-17
Tyres - Rear
190/50-17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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