2012 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Name: 2012 BMW R 1200GS
Brand: BMW

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

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2012 BMW R 1200GS Overview

BMW R 1200GS is an enduro / off-road motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 206.8 km/h. On the road, the 2012 R 1200GS tips the scales at 238 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 850 mm - 870 mm and spans a 1507 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 39.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. The full 2012 BMW R 1200GS spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2012 R 1200GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: With 81 kW @ 7750 rpm and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque on tap, the R 1200GS is no slouch for its class.
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 850 mm - 870 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.

Valve clearance checks

With DOHC 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. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS - 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 diameter ∅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 steel frame, load-bearing power unit, 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

238 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 2012 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.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 1200GS - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

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.

2012 BMW R 1200GS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS uses a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil cooled.

What is the top speed of the 2012 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 206.8 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS weigh?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS weighs 238 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS make?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS produces 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 BMW R 1200GS?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS suitable for shorter riders?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS has a seat height of 850 mm - 870 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2012 BMW R 1200GS uses 2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston caliper. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS at the front and Single ∅265mm disc 2 piston caliper. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2012 BMW R 1200GS use?

The 2012 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 2012 BMW R 1200GS have?

The 2012 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, two-stroke

Power

81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm

Torque

120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Top Speed

206.8 km/h / 129 mph.

Weight

238 kg / 525 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

Full 2012 BMW R 1200GS Specifications

Comments Blata is from the Czech Republic.

Year 2012

Colours Titan silver, blue

Make Model BMW R 1200GS

Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) 765 mm

Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.) 30.1 inches

Seat Height 850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in

Wheelbase 1507 mm / 59.3 in

Height 1450 mm / 57.1 in

Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in

Width 953 mm / 37.5 in

Dry Weight 205 kg / 452 lbs

Fuel Capacity 20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

Wet Weight 238 kg / 525 lbs

Top Speed 206.8 km/h / 129 mph.

Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 4.4 sec

Max Power 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm

Max Torque 120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2365 HP/kg

Standing Start 0-1000 m 23.4 sec / 203.3 km/h / 126.3 mph

Standing Start 0-140 km/h 7.9 sec

Standing Start 0-200 km/h 19.6 sec

Standing Start ¼ Mile 12.3 sec / 186.5 km/h / 115.9 mph

Fuel Control DOHC

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke

CO2 99.8 CO

Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.

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

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

Bore x Stroke 101 x 73 mm

Compression Ratio 12.0:1

Cooling System Air/oil cooled

Emissions Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Exhaust Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter

Fuel Consumption 4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)

Fuel Induction BMS-K+, ∅50mm throttle butterfly

Fuel Reserve 4L / 1.1 US gal

Ignition BMS-K

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Single-plate dry clutch, ∅180mm

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848:1

Gearbox 6-speed

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Tubular steel frame, load-bearing power unit

Suspension - Front Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅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 25.7°

Trail 101 mm / 4.0 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 190 mm / 7.5 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 200 mm / 7.9 in

Lighting system 12V 55W headlight

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. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Brakes - Rear Single ∅265mm disc 2 piston caliper. Optional: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Rims Cast aluminium

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.