2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Name: 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Brand: BMW

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

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2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview

For 2012, BMW offers the R 1200GS Adventure as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is built around a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. Out on the road, the R 1200GS Adventure delivers 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 193 km/h. In everyday use, the 2012 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. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below.

2012 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200GS Adventure is 81 kW @ 7750 rpm and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Large fuel range: With a 33 L tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 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.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on DOHC-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, Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS 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 steel frame, load-bearing power unit 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure 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 1200GS Adventure settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1200GS Adventure's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A R 1200GS Adventure that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a 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.

2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 256 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure make?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses 2 x ∅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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Comments Blata is from the Czech Republic.

Year 2012

Colours Magma red

Make Model BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) 765 mm

Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.) 30.1 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 0.2152 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

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

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

Starter Electric

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

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 Two section dual seat with variable height riders seat

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

Lighting system 12V 55W headlight

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, 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.