2005 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Name: 2005 BMW R 1200GS
Brand: BMW

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

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2005 BMW R 1200GS Overview

BMW R 1200GS is an enduro / off-road motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 72 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 213 km/h. On the road, the 2005 R 1200GS tips the scales at 225 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 895 - 915 mm and spans a 1507 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 27 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. The full 2005 BMW R 1200GS spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2005 R 1200GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 72 kW @ 7000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200GS is no slouch for its class.
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
Large fuel range: A 20-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 895 - 915 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Because the R 1200GS relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.

Fuelling & injector care

The Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off on the R 1200GS needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.

Valve clearance checks

With SOHC valve gear, the R 1200GS needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from 2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The R 1200GS's suspension runs Telelever, stanchion ∅41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable at the front. The rear uses Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The R 1200GS uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Tubular space frame, engine load-bearing, the R 1200GS's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Handling the weight at a standstill

225 kg puts the R 1200GS toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.

R 1200GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2005 BMW R 1200GS, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 1200GS should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a R 1200GS's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Fuel system care

Fuel injection on the R 1200GS needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R 1200GS since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.

2005 BMW R 1200GS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2005 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2005 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 213 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2005 BMW R 1200GS weigh?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS weighs 225 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2005 BMW R 1200GS make?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS produces 72 kW @ 7000 rpm of power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2005 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.

Is the 2005 BMW R 1200GS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS has a seat height of 895 - 915 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 2005 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS uses 2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper at the front and Single ∅265 mm disc, 2 piston caliper at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2005 BMW R 1200GS use?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS 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 2005 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2005 BMW R 1200GS is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

BMW R 1200GS Spec Evolution

The BMW R 1200GS was produced across 16 model years (2004-2019). 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	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019
Max Power	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm	77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm	-	77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm	81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Wet Weight	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	225 kg / 496 lbs	229 kg / 505 lbs	229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs	229 kg / 505 lbs	238 kg / 525 lbs	238 kg / 525 lbs	238.1 kg / 525.0 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	238.0 kg / 524.7 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs	244.0 kg / 537.9 lbs
Dry Weight	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	203 kg / 447.5 lbs	199 kg / 439 lbs	205 kg / 452 lbs	205 kg / 452 lbs	166 kg / 366.0 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, 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	Ducati 90 degree L-Twin	-	-	-	-	Balancer shaft	Balancer shaft
Engine Type	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Twin	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke	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
Top Speed	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	213 km/h / 132 mph	208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph	206.8 km/h / 129 mph.	206.8 km/h / 129 mph.	-	-	-	-	-	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph	200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Seat Height	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	-	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in	851 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal	20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque

115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm

Top Speed

213 km/h / 132 mph

Weight

225 kg / 496 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

Full 2005 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Year 2005

Make Model BMW R 1200GS

Seat Height 895 - 915 mm / 35.2 - 36.0 in

Wheelbase 1507 mm / 59.3 in

Height 1450 mm / 57.1 in (excl. mirrors)

Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in

Width 915 mm / 36.0 in (incl. mirrors)

Dry Weight 199 kg / 439 lbs

Fuel Capacity 20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

Wet Weight 225 kg / 496 lbs

Top Speed 213 km/h / 132 mph

Max Power 72 kW / 98 hp @ 7000 rpm

Max Torque 115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft-lbs @ 5500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.4852 HP/kg

Standing Start 0-1000 m 23.3 sec / 207 km/h / 129 mph

Standing Start ¼ Mile 12.3 sec / 181.5 km/h / 112.8 mph

Stroke 4

Fuel Control SOHC

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer

Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut-off, dual ignition

Bore x Stroke 101 x 73 mm

Compression Ratio 11.0:1

Cooling System Air/oil cooled

Fuel Consumption 5.5 L/100 km / 18.0 km/l / 42.4 US mpg

Fuel Induction Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignition

Fuel Reserve 4L / 1.1 US gal

Ignition BMS-K

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Battery Capacity Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Clutch Single plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operated

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 1.583 / 2nd 1.259 / 3rd 1.033 / 4th 0.903 / 5th 0.903 / 6th 0.805:1

Gearbox 6-speed

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Tubular space frame, engine load-bearing

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 27.1°

Trail 101 mm / 4.0 in

Wheel Travel - Front 190 mm / 7.5 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 200 mm / 7.9 in.

Alternator Alternator three-phase alternator 720 W

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

Brakes - Rear Single ∅265 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Tyres - Front 110/80 ZR19

Tyres - Rear 150/70 ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.