2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

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

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2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview

For 2017, BMW offers the R 1200GS Adventure as an enduro / off-road motorcycle. The 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is built around a Twin, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 101 x 73 mm. Out on the road, the R 1200GS Adventure delivers 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque. In everyday use, the 2017 R 1200GS Adventure tips the scales at 263 kg, carries a 30-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 890 mm and spans a 1,510 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 64.2 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 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below.

2017 R 1200GS Adventure - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
  • Large fuel range: With a 30-litre 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 drive (cardan) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

  • Tall seat height: A 890 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling on the R 1200GS Adventure comes from fuel injection. 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 Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (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

Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. 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 BMW Motorrad Telelever, front, stanchion diameter 37 mm up front and BMW Motrrad EVO Paralever, rear 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 Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine 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 263 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 2017 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.

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 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.

2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is powered by a Twin, four-stroke engine.
How much does the 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 263 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure make?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?
The 2017 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 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 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 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?
The 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?
The 2017 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, 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

Twin, four-stroke

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

263.0 kg / 579.8 lbs

Fuel Capacity

30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons

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Full 2017 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Comments Windscreen. Switchable ABS.
Colours Light White, Racing Red Matt
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 263.0 kg / 579.8 lbs
Max Torque 125.00 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.5457 HP/kg
Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type Twin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm) 101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.0 x 2.9 inches
Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection
Compression Ratio 12.5:1
Emissions EU-4
Fuel Reserve 4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Starter Electric
Valve System 4
Clutch Wet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox 6-speed
Frame Type Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front BMW Motorrad Telelever, front, stanchion diameter 37 mm
Suspension - Rear BMW Motrrad EVO Paralever, rear
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.) 10.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 276 mm
Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS
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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