2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Name: 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure
Brand: BMW

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

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2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Overview

For 2018, BMW offers the R 1200GS Adventure as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure is built around a Two cylinder boxer, 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. Flat out, it's quoted at 200 km/h. In everyday use, the 2018 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 93.2 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 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure spec sheet below.

2018 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 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure comes out as follows.

With 263 kg, the R 1200GS Adventure has the joint 32nd heaviest wet weight of 774 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 55% above the category average of 169.8 kg.
Engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 1353 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Only 37 of the other 815 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a higher torque than the 125 Nm of the R 1200GS Adventure.
Narrowing the field to the 324 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 263 kg is heavier than that of 315 of the other 323.

Versus the 2017 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2017 model: peak torque, wet weight and seat height all match.

2018 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.
Strong front braking: The double 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 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 final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: An 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 with ABS and 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 2018 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 8 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 12.5:1 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.

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 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.

2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure has a factory-quoted top speed of 200 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weigh?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure weighs 263 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produce?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure produces 125 Nm @ 6500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 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 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure have?

The 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure uses double disc with ABS and four-piston calipers at the front and single disc with ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure use?

The 2018 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

Power

Not recorded

Torque

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

Top Speed

200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

Weight

263.0 kg / 579.8 lbs

Fuel Capacity

30.00 litres / 7.93 gallons

Full 2018 BMW R 1200GS Adventure Specifications

Comments Adjustable Windscreen. On-board Computer. Removable Rear foot rests.

Colours Racing Red Uni

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

Top Speed 200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph

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

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.5457 HP/kg

CO2 115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

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

Engine Detail Balance shaft

Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection

Compression Ratio 12.5:1

Emissions Three-way catalytic converter, compliant with EU4 emission standard

Fuel Consumption 4.96 litres/100 km (20.2 km/l or 47.42 mpg)

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.