2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Name: 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2011 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, two-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 193 km/h. On the road, the 2011 R 1200GS Adventure tips the scales at 256 kg, carries a 33 L 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 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2011 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 81 kW @ 7750 rpm and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200GS Adventure is no slouch for its class.
Large fuel range: A 33 L tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

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.

Valve clearance checks

With DOHC 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 2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS - 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 steel frame, load-bearing power unit, 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 2011 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.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 1200GS Adventure - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

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.

2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2011 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 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?

The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 256 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure make?

The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a 33 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 550-660 km between stops.

Is the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?

The 2011 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 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses 2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS at the front and Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?

The 2011 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 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2011 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, 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, two-stroke

Power

81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm

Torque

120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Top Speed

193 km/h / 120 mph

Weight

256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )

Fuel Capacity

33 L / 8.7 US gal

Full 2011 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Comments Power Steering

Year 2011

Colours Yellow, grey

Make Model BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Storage Front Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg

Ground Clearance (mm) 1,278 mm

Ground Clearance (in.) 50.3 inches

Seat Height 890 - 910 mm / 35.0 - 35.8 in

Wheelbase 1507 mm / 59.3 in

Height 1450 mm / 57.1 in

Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in

Width 915 mm / 36.0 in

Dry Weight 223 kg / 492 lbs

Fuel Capacity 33 L / 8.7 US gal

Wet Weight 256 kg / 564 lbs (road ready, fully fueled )

Top Speed 193 km/h / 120 mph

Max Power 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm

Max Torque 120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.4871 HP/kg

Standing Start ¼ Mile 12.6 sec

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke

CO2 106.7 CO

Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, DOHC, 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 12.0:1

Cooling System Air/oil cooled

Emissions Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Exhaust Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Exhaust management Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter

Fuel Consumption 6.3 L/100 km / 15.7 km/l / 36.9 US mpg

Fuel Induction BMS-K+, 50mm Throttle butterfly dia

Fuel Reserve 4L / 1.1 US gal

Ignition BMS-K / electric

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Single-plate dry clutch, ∅180mm

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo Range and Reverse. 2/4 WD + Diff Lock

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Tubular steel frame, load-bearing power unit

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 25.7°

Seat Removable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility

Trail 101 mm / 3.97 in

Wheel Travel - Front 210 mm / 8.3 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 220 mm / 8.7 in

Electrical System Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

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 2x ∅305mm Discs, 4 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Brakes - Rear Single ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Rims Cross-spoke wheels

Tyres - Front 110/80 ZR19

Tyres - Rear 150/70 ZR17

Wheels - Front 2.50 x 19"

Wheels - Rear 4.00 x 17"

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.