2009 BMW R 1200R Specifications

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available
Tap to enlarge

2009 BMW R 1200R Overview

The 2009 BMW R 1200R is a sport motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.0:1. 2009 BMW R 1200R delivers 80 kW @ 7500 rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 219.6 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2009 R 1200R tips the scales at 223 kg, carries a 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800 mm and spans a 1495 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 20.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2009 BMW R 1200R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2009 R 1200R - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: 2009 BMW R 1200R makes 80 kW @ 7500 rpm with 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
  • Fuel injection: The Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
  • Large fuel range: The 18-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

  • Age-related wear: As with any used R 1200R, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

R 1200R's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

SOHC valve actuation on the R 1200R means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The 2 x 320mm discs, ABS front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the R 1200R runs BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Tubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 223 kg, the R 1200R is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

R 1200R - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2009 BMW R 1200R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 1200R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 1200R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The R 1200R's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used R 1200R. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2009 BMW R 1200R - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2009 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil-cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2009 BMW R 1200R?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R has a factory-quoted top speed of 219.6 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2009 BMW R 1200R weigh?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R weighs 223 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2009 BMW R 1200R make?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R produces 80 kW @ 7500 rpm of power and 115 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 BMW R 1200R?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R has a 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2009 BMW R 1200R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R has a seat height of 800 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2009 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R uses 2 x 320mm discs, ABS at the front and Single 265mm disc, ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2009 BMW R 1200R use?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R runs 120/70-ZR 17 front and 180/55-ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2009 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2009 BMW R 1200R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

BMW R 1200R Spec Evolution

The BMW R 1200R was produced across 13 model years (2007-2019). 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 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Max Power 80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm 80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm 80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm 80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm - 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm 81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm - - - - -
Wet Weight - 223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs 223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs 223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs 223 kg / 492 lbs 223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs 223 kg / 492 lbs 223 kg / 492 lbs 231.0 kg / 509.3 lbs 231.0 kg / 509.3 lbs 232.0 kg / 511.5 lbs 232.0 kg / 511.5 lbs 232.0 kg / 511.5 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 - - - - -
Engine Type 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, four-stroke Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke Twin, four-stroke Twin, four-stroke Twin, four-stroke
Top Speed 219.6 km/h / 136 mph 219.6 km/h / 136 mph 219.6 km/h / 136 mph 219.6 km/h / 136 mph 220 km/h / 137 mph - 220 km/h / 137 mph 220 km/h / 137 mph - - - 200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph 200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Seat Height 800 mm / 31.4 in 800 mm / 31.4 in 800 mm / 31.4 in 800 mm / 31.4 in 800mm / 31.5 in (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7 in (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9 in (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5 in (OE, low slung) 800 mm / 31.5 in. 800mm / 31.5 in (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7 in (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9 in (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5 in (OE, low slung) 800mm / 31.5 in (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7 in (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9 in (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5 in (OE, low slung) 790 mm / 31.1 in. 790 mm / 31.1 in. 790 mm / 31.1 in. 790 mm / 31.1 in. 790 mm / 31.1 in.
Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18 Litres / 4.7 gal 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons 18.00 litres / 4.76 gallons 18.00 litres / 4.76 US gallons
CO2 - - - 95.1 CO 95.1 CO 95.1 CO 95.1 CO 95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) 90.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) 90.5 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) - 115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) 115.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm

Torque

115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

Top Speed

219.6 km/h / 136 mph

Weight

223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

18 Litres / 4.7 US gal

Advertisement

Full 2009 BMW R 1200R Specifications

Year 2009
Colours Night black, Night black with stripes, Granite grey, Crystal grey
Make Model BMW R 1200R
Seat Height 800 mm / 31.4 in
Wheelbase 1495 mm / 59.1 in
Height 1273 mm / 50.1 in (excl. mirrors)
Length 2145 mm / 84.4 in
Width 906 mm / 35.6 in (incl. mirrors)
Dry Weight 198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity 18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Wet Weight 223.0 kg / 491.6 lbs
Top Speed 219.6 km/h / 136 mph
Max Power 80 kW / 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque 115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 85 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.5418 HP/kg
Standing Start 0-1000 m 22.6 sec / 213 km/h / 132 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile 11.9 sec / 187.2 km/h / 116.3 mph
Stroke 4
Fuel Control SOHC
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer
Displacement 1170 cc / 71.4 cu in
Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 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 11.0:1
Cooling System Air/Oil-cooled
Exhaust Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Consumption 7.2 L/100 km / 13.8 km/l / 32.4 US mpg
Fuel Induction Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K
Fuel Reserve 2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
Ignition Digital engine management
Starter Electric
Valve System 4
Battery Capacity 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free
Clutch Single disc dry clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive Shaft
Gear Ratios 1st 2.375 / 2nd 1.696 / 3rd 1.296 / 4th 0.065 / 5th 0.939 / 6th 0.848
Gearbox 6-speed
Transmission / Drive 6 Speed
Frame Type Tubular steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake 27.1°
Steering Head Angle 62.9°
Trail 119.1 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 140 mm / 5.5 in
Alternator Three-phase alternator 720 W
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 10.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 265 mm
Brakes - Front 2 x 320mm discs, ABS
Brakes - Rear Single 265mm disc, ABS
Rims - Front 3.50 x 17'
Rims - Rear 5.50 x 17
Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR 17
Tyres - Rear 180/55-ZR 17
Wheels Cast aluminium wheels

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

Advertisement