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2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview
For 2009, BMW offers the R 1200GS Adventure as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Out on the road, the R 1200GS Adventure delivers 73 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 193 km/h. In everyday use, the 2009 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 86.6 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below.
2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category
Measured against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database (up to 1434 models, one entry per model), the 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure comes out as follows.
- With 1170 cc, the R 1200GS Adventure has the joint 61st largest engine displacement of 1434 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 141% above the category average of 486 cc.
- Wet weight of 256 kg is heavier than that of 722 of the other 773 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
- Only 88 of the other 815 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a higher torque than the 115 Nm of the R 1200GS Adventure.
- Narrowing the field to the 492 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 466 of the other 491.
Versus the 2008 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2008 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.
2009 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200GS Adventure is 73 kW @ 7000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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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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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With a 33-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 final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: An 890 - 910 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1200GS Adventure keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1200GS Adventure comes from Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off. 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 SOHC-equipped engines like the R 1200GS Adventure's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 305mm discs, 4 piston caliper 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 Telelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable up front and Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut 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 1200GS Adventure removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
Frame & chassis check
The Tubular space frame, engine load-bearing 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 1200GS Adventure's 256 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 1200GS Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure with its 1170 cc enduro / off-road should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 17 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 1200GS Adventure settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1200GS Adventure's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the R 1200GS Adventure'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 an R 1200GS Adventure'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.
2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?
The 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 256 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure make?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2009 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 |
- |
- |
- |
Balance shaft |
Balance shaft |
| Engine Type |
Twin |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-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 2009 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications
Year
2009
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200GS Adventure
Colours
Magma red, Magnesium metallic matt
Make Model
BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
35.0 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
890 mm
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
73.0 mm
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Fuel Control
SOHC
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
Exhaust
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
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, Ø180 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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