2006 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Name: 2006 BMW R 1200GS
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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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. Internally, bore and stroke are 101 x 73 mm. 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 55.7 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 BMW R 1200GS 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 2006 BMW R 1200GS comes out as follows.

With 1170 cc, the R 1200GS has the joint 61st largest engine displacement of 1434 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 141% above the category average of 486 cc.
Top speed of 213 km/h is higher than that of 427 of the other 449 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Only 88 of the other 815 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a higher torque than the 115 Nm of the R 1200GS.
Narrowing the field to the 448 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 435 of the other 447.

Versus the 2005 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2005 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed all match.

2006 R 1200GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

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.
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 disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Tall seat height: An 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 Ø305 mm 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 Ø41mm, 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 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 20 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 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1200GS's 1170 cc twin - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.0:1 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'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 Ø305 mm discs, 4 piston caliper at the front and single Ø265 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	-	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, 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	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-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

Twin

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 2006 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Year 2006

Make BMW

Model R 1200GS

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 0.4986 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

Engine Type Twin

Stroke 73.0 mm

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.98 x 2.87 in

Bore x Stroke (mm) 101.0 x 73.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 1170 cc

Displacement (ci) 71.4 cu-in

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, Ø180 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 Ø41mm, 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.

Tachometer Standard

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 Ø305 mm discs, 4 piston caliper

Brakes - Rear Single Ø265 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.