2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Name: 2012 BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 31 October 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, four-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 83 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 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 2012 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 707 of the other 773 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Only 76 of the other 815 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a higher torque than the 120 Nm of the R 1200GS Adventure.
Narrowing the field to the 476 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 433 of the other 475.

Versus the 2011 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2011 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.

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.
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
ABS fitted: With ABS on board, hard braking on a damp or gravelly surface is far less likely to end in a locked wheel.
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: 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.

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 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 14 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, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With a 12.0:1 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.

Carburetor upkeep

An 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 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.

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, four-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, 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, four-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

Year 2012

Make BMW

Model R 1200GS Adventure

Colours Magma red

Make Model BMW R 1200GS Adventure

Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.) 30.1 inches

Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) 765 mm

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

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke

Fuel Control DOHC

CO2 106.7 CO

Stroke 73.0 mm

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, Ø180mm

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.

Tachometer Standard

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.