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2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack Overview
For 2016, BMW offers the R 1200 GS TripleBlack as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack is built around a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 101 x 73 mm. Out on the road, the R 1200 GS TripleBlack delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. In everyday use, the 2016 R 1200 GS TripleBlack tips the scales at 238 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm and spans a 1,507 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 39.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack spec sheet below.
2016 R 1200 GS TripleBlack - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 850 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1200 GS TripleBlack comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the R 1200 GS TripleBlack's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut up front and Cast aluminium single swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 1200 GS TripleBlack removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Twin-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame,load-bearing engine chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Handling the weight at a standstill
The R 1200 GS TripleBlack's 238 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.
R 1200 GS TripleBlack - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1200 GS TripleBlack settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1200 GS TripleBlack's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 1200 GS TripleBlack's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a R 1200 GS TripleBlack's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack have?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack uses a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack weigh?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack weighs 238 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack make?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack suitable for shorter riders?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack has a seat height of 850 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 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack have?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack uses Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers. at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack use?
The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack runs 120/70-R19 front and 170/60-R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack was produced across 2 model years (2012-2016). 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 |
2012 |
2016 |
| Wet Weight |
229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs |
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) |
10.4 inches |
10.9 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) |
265 mm |
276 mm |
| CO2 |
99.8 CO |
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Comments |
Blata is from the Czech Republic. |
Windscreen. Switchable ABS. Special edition model. |
| Fuel Control |
DOHC |
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Frame Type |
Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit |
Twin-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame,load-bearing engine |
| Brakes - Front |
Double disc. Optional integral ABS. Can be switched off. |
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Torque
125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
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Full 2016 BMW R 1200 GS TripleBlack Specifications
Comments
Windscreen. Switchable ABS. Special edition model.
Colours
Black
Seat Height
850 mm / 33.5 in.
Wheelbase
1,507 mm / 59.3 in.
Height
1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Length
2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Fuel Capacity
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight
238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
CO2
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with electromotive throttle actuator
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Frame Type
Twin-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame,load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake
25.5°
Trail
100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
276 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims
Cast aluminium, black
Tyres - Front
120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear
170/60-R17
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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