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2011 BMW R 1200R Overview
For 2011, BMW offers the R 1200R as a naked bike motorcycle with 1170 cc on tap. The 2011 BMW R 1200R is built around a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. Out on the road, the R 1200R delivers 81 kW @ 7750 rpm of peak power and 120 Nm @ 6000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 220 km/h. In everyday use, the 2011 R 1200R tips the scales at 223 kg, carries an 18-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 800mm and spans a 1495 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 22.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2011 BMW R 1200R spec sheet below.
2011 BMW R 1200R compared with other bikes in the Naked bike category
Measured against other bikes in the Naked bike category in our database (up to 1666 models, one entry per model), the 2011 BMW R 1200R comes out as follows.
- With 120 Nm, the R 1200R has the joint 60th highest torque of 1318 bikes in the Naked bike category, 78% above the category average of 67.5 Nm.
- Engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 1513 of the other 1665 bikes in the Naked bike category.
- Only 100 of the other 613 bikes in the Naked bike category have a higher top speed than the 220 km/h of the R 1200R.
- Narrowing the field to the 454 models within five model years of it, the torque of 120 Nm is higher than that of 416 of the other 453.
Versus the 2010 model
Compared with the 2010 model, peak power climbed from 80 kW to 81 kW (+1 kW) and peak torque rose from 115 Nm to 120 Nm (+5 Nm). Wet weight, displacement, seat height and top speed are unchanged.
2011 R 1200R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the R 1200R is 81 kW @ 7750 rpm and 120 Nm @ 6000 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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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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🛡️
ABS fitted: With ABS on board, hard braking on a damp or gravelly surface is far less likely to end in a locked wheel.
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⛽
Large fuel range: With an 18-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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ℹ️
Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 1200R - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 1200R 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 1200R comes from Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Valve clearance checks
Valve clearances on SOHC-equipped engines like the R 1200R's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 320mm Discs, ABS 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 BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut up front and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable 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 1200R 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 steel spaceframe, load-bearing engine 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 1200R's 223 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 1200R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2011 BMW R 1200R with its 1170 cc naked bike 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 15 years old, this naked bike 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 1200R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 1200R's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 4 l, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 12.0:1 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 1200R's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
Valve clearance service
There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if an R 1200R's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.
2011 BMW R 1200R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement. It is air/oil-cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2011 BMW R 1200R?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R has a factory-quoted top speed of 220 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2011 BMW R 1200R weigh?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R weighs 223 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2011 BMW R 1200R make?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R 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 2011 BMW R 1200R?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R has an 18-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 300-360 km between stops.
Is the 2011 BMW R 1200R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R has a seat height of 800mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2011 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2011 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 2011 BMW R 1200R use?
The 2011 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 2011 BMW R 1200R have?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
How much oil does the 2011 BMW R 1200R take?
The 2011 BMW R 1200R takes 4 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
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, 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 |
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" (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7" (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9" (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5" (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, four-stroke
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 7750 rpm
Torque
120 Nm / 12.2 kgf-m / 88 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h / 137 mph
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 gal
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Full 2011 BMW R 1200R Specifications
Comments
Power Steering
Year
2011
Make
BMW
Model
R 1200R
Colours
Blue, black, white, grey
Make Model
BMW R 1200R
Ground Clearance (in.)
50.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
1,278 mm
Seat Height
800mm / 31.5" (Standard, OE, OA, sport seat) 830mm / 32.7" (OE, OA, comfort seat, high) / 760mm / 29.9" (OE, OA, seat, low) / 750mm / 29.5" (OE, low slung)
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)
Oil Capacity (l)
4.0 l
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
4.2 quarts
Dry Weight
198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 gal
Wet Weight
223 kg / 492 lbs
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
CO2
95.1 CO
Stroke
73.0 mm
Displacement
1170 cc / 71.4 cu 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
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Consumption
5.2 L/100 km / 19.2 km/l / 45.2 mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake manifold injection BMS-K
Fuel Reserve
3.00 litres / 0.79 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
Primary Drive
Helical gear pairs primary transmission
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Fork Tube Size (mm)
41 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.)
1.61 in
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°
Seat
One-piece seat bench
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
Cast aluminium
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
Wheels - Front
3.50 x 17''
Wheels - Rear
5.50 x 17''
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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