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2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 101 x 73 mm. 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2015 R 1200GS Adventure tips the scales at 260 kg, carries a 30-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 mm and spans a 1,510 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 90.4 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category
Here is how the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure stacks up against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1434 models.
- Engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 1353 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
- Only 34 of the other 773 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a heavier wet weight than the 260 kg of the R 1200GS Adventure.
- With 125 Nm, the R 1200GS Adventure has the joint 38th highest torque of 816 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 113% above the category average of 58.8 Nm.
- Narrowing the field to the 481 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 418 of the other 480.
Versus the 2013 model
Compared with the 2013 model, peak torque rose from 89 Nm to 125 Nm (+36 Nm) and wet weight went up from 255.8 kg to 260 kg (+4.2 kg). Displacement and seat height are unchanged.
2015 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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🛡️
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
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⛽
Large fuel range: The 30-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 890 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the R 1200GS Adventure means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R 1200GS Adventure runs BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 260 kg, the R 1200GS Adventure is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
R 1200GS Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure with its 1170 cc enduro / off-road, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 11 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200GS Adventure should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the R 1200GS Adventure's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The R 1200GS Adventure's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1200GS Adventure. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 260 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produce?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a 30-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 500-600 km between stops.
Is the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a seat height of 890 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 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses double disc with ABS, floating discs and four-piston calipers at the front and single disc with ABS, floating disc and two-piston calipers at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?
The 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure runs 120/70-R19 front and 170/60-R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
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
Torque
125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Weight
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
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Full 2015 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications
Comments
Windscreen.
Colours
White, blue, olive
Seat Height
890 mm / 35.0 in.
Wheelbase
1,510 mm / 59.4 in.
Height
1,450 mm / 57.1 in.
Length
2,255 mm / 88.8 in.
Width
980 mm / 38.6 in.
Dry Weight
229.1 kg / 505.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons
Wet Weight
260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
CO2
99.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Consumption
4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Constant mesh
Frame Type
Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel
Rake
24.5°
Trail
93 mm / 3.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
210 mm / 8.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
220 mm / 8.7 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
305 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
275 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rims
Cross-spoke wheels
Tyres - Front
120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear
170/60-R17
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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