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2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview
BMW R 1200GS Adventure is an enduro / off-road motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 73 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 193 km/h. On the road, the 2008 R 1200GS Adventure tips the scales at 256 kg, carries a 33-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 - 910 mm and spans a 1507 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 57.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. The full 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 73 kW @ 7000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200GS Adventure 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 33-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 890 - 910 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Because the R 1200GS Adventure relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off on the R 1200GS Adventure 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 SOHC valve gear, the R 1200GS Adventure 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 2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The R 1200GS Adventure's suspension runs Telelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable at the front. The rear uses Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1200GS Adventure 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 Tubular space frame, engine load-bearing, the R 1200GS Adventure'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
256 kg puts the R 1200GS Adventure 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.
R 1200GS Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure, 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 R 1200GS Adventure should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects a R 1200GS Adventure'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 R 1200GS Adventure 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 R 1200GS Adventure 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 R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a factory-quoted top speed of 193 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 256 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure make?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces 73 kW @ 7000 rpm of power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a 33-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 550-660 km between stops.
Is the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a seat height of 890 - 910 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 R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses 2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper at the front and Single 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure runs 110/80 ZR19 front and 150/70 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1200GS Adventure Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200GS Adventure was produced across 13 model years (2006-2019). 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 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
| Max Power |
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm |
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm |
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm |
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Wet Weight |
256.0 kg / 564.4 lbs |
- |
256 kg / 564.4 lbs |
256 kg / 564.4 lbs |
256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled ) |
256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled ) |
256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled ) |
255.8 kg / 564.0 lbs |
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs |
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs |
263.0 kg / 579.8 lbs |
263.0 kg / 579.8 lbs |
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
223 kg / 492 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
Ducati 90 degree L-Twin |
- |
- |
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Balance shaft |
Balance shaft |
| Engine Type |
Twin |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Twin, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
193 km/h / 120 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
- |
- |
- |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
| Seat Height |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in |
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in. |
889 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
890 mm / 35.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal |
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal |
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal |
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal |
33 L / 8.7 US gal |
33 L / 8.7 US gal |
33 L / 8.7 US gal |
32.93 litres / 8.70 gallons |
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons |
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons |
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons |
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons |
30.00 litres / 7.93 US gallons |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
73 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque
115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
193 km/h / 120 mph
Weight
256 kg / 564.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal
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Full 2008 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications
Year
2008
Make Model
BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Seat Height
890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in
Wheelbase
1507 mm / 59.3 in
Height
1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length
2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width
915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)
Dry Weight
223 kg / 492 lbs
Fuel Capacity
33 Litres / 8.7 US gal
Wet Weight
256 kg / 564.4 lbs
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Bore x Stroke
101 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Cooling System
Air/oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignition
Fuel Reserve
4L / 1.1 US gal
Ignition
BMS-K
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch
Single plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:1
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular space frame, engine load-bearing
Suspension - Front
Telelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.
Suspension - Rear
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.
Rake
24.8°
Trail
101 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front
210 mm / 8.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
220 mm / 8.7 in
Alternator
Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
265 mm
Brakes - Front
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rims - Front
2.50 x 19
Rims - Rear
4.00 x 17
Tyres - Front
110/80 ZR19
Tyres - Rear
150/70 ZR17
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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