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2006 BMW R 1200GS Overview
For 2006, BMW offers the R 1200GS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2006 BMW R 1200GS is built around a Twin engine, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. Out on the road, the R 1200GS delivers 72 kW @ 7000 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 213 km/h. In everyday use, the 2006 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 26.2 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS spec sheet below.
2006 R 1200GS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200GS is 72 kW @ 7000 rpm and 115 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 895 - 915 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 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.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the R 1200GS comes from Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper 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 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 space frame, engine load-bearing 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's 225 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 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2006 BMW R 1200GS 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 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 1200GS'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's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2006 BMW R 1200GS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2006 BMW R 1200GS have?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS uses a Twin engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2006 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS weigh?
The 2006 BMW R 1200GS weighs 225 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2006 BMW R 1200GS make?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS have?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS use?
The 2006 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS have?
The 2006 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 |
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77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm |
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- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| 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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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
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
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
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Full 2006 BMW R 1200GS Specifications
Year
2006
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
Stroke
4
Engine Type
Twin
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.
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