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2008 BMW R 1200S Overview
The 2008 BMW R 1200S is a sport motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. 2008 BMW R 1200S delivers 90 kW @ 8250 rpm of peak power and 112 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 241.3 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 R 1200S tips the scales at 212 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1487 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 9.7 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2008 BMW R 1200S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 R 1200S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2008 BMW R 1200S makes 90 kW @ 8250 rpm with 112 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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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
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Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R 1200S'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 fuel injection. 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 1200S 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, 2 piston caliper 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 1200S runs BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut and Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD spring strut 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 Main and front frame made of steel tubes, rear frame made of square aluminium tubes, engine with load-bearing function - 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.
R 1200S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 BMW R 1200S, 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 1200S 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 1200S. 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 1200S'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 1200S. 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.
2008 BMW R 1200S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 BMW R 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S 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 2008 BMW R 1200S?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S has a factory-quoted top speed of 241.3 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2008 BMW R 1200S weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S weighs 212 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2008 BMW R 1200S make?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S produces 90 kW @ 8250 rpm of power and 112 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 BMW R 1200S?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.
Is the 2008 BMW R 1200S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S has a seat height of 820 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 2008 BMW R 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S uses 2 x 320mm Discs, 2 piston caliper at the front and Single 265mm disc, 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 BMW R 1200S use?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S 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 2008 BMW R 1200S have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200S is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
BMW R 1200S Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200S was produced across 4 model years (2006-2009). 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 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
| Wet Weight |
212 kg / 467.3 lbs |
212 kg / 467.3 lbs |
212 kg / 467.3 lbs |
213.0 kg / 469.6 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
190 kg / 418.8 lbs |
190 kg / 418.8 lbs |
190 kg / 418.8 lbs |
190 kg / 418.9 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Twin |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
241.3 km/h / 149.9 mph |
241.3 km/h / 149.9 mph |
241.3 km/h / 149.9 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
| Seat Height |
820 mm / 32.2 in |
820 mm / 32.2 in |
820 mm / 32.2 in |
830 mm / 32.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
17 Litres / 4.2 US gal |
17 Litres / 4.2 US gal |
17 Litres / 4.2 US gal |
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons |
| Frame Type |
Main and front frame made of steel tubes, rear frame made of square aluminium tubes, engine with load-bearing function |
Main and front frame made of steel tubes, rear frame made of square aluminium tubes, engine with load-bearing function |
Main and front frame made of steel tubes, rear frame made of square aluminium tubes, engine with load-bearing function |
Three-section frame consisting of front, middle and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| Wheelbase |
1487 mm / 58.5 in |
1487 mm / 58.5 in |
1487 mm / 58.5 in |
1,487 mm / 58.5 in. |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Power
90 kW / 122 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque
112 Nm / 11.4 kgf-m / 83 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
241.3 km/h / 149.9 mph
Weight
212 kg / 467.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.2 US gal
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Full 2008 BMW R 1200S Specifications
Year
2008
Make Model
BMW R 1200S
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.2 in
Wheelbase
1487 mm / 58.5 in
Height
1177 mm / 46.3 in (without mirrors)
Length
2151 mm / 84.6 in
Width
870 mm / 34.2 in (with mirrors)
Dry Weight
190 kg / 418.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight
212 kg / 467.3 lbs
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
CO2
99.8 CO
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
12.5:1
Cooling System
Air/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption
7.4 L/100 km13.6 km/l / 32 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection, 52mm throttle butterfly
Fuel Reserve
2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
Ignition
Digital CDI
Lubrication
Wet sump
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Battery Capacity
12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance free
Clutch
Hydraulic, dry, single-disc
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.521 / 2nd 1.842 / 3rd 1.455 / 4th 1.287 / 5th 1.453 / 6th 1.015:1
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Main and front frame made of steel tubes, rear frame made of square aluminium tubes, engine with load-bearing function
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut
Suspension - Rear
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD spring strut (travel-dependent damping), adjustable spring preload continuously variable, rebound damping adjustable
Rake
24.0°
Steering Head Angle
66°
Trail
87 mm / 3.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
120 mm / 4.7 in
Alternator
600 W generator
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, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 265mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
180/55 ZR 17
Wheels
Die-cast aluminium
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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