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2009 BMW R 1200S Overview
BMW R 1200S is a sport motorcycle, displacing 1170 cc. Power comes from a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Bore and stroke come in at 101 x 73 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 112 Nm @ 6800 of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 200 km/h. On the road, the 2009 R 1200S tips the scales at 213 kg, carries a 17-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 830 mm and spans a 1,487 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 18.4 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. The full 2009 BMW R 1200S spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2009 BMW R 1200S compared with other bikes in the Sport category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2009 BMW R 1200S against up to 2003 bikes in the Sport category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 173 of the other 2002 bikes in the Sport category have a larger engine displacement than the 1170 cc of the R 1200S.
- With 830 mm, the R 1200S has the joint 210th tallest seat height of 1607 bikes in the Sport category, 3% above the category average of 803 mm.
- Torque of 112 Nm is higher than that of 1207 of the other 1572 bikes in the Sport category.
- Narrowing the field to the 680 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1170 cc is larger than that of 555 of the other 679.
Versus the 2008 model
Compared with the 2008 model, wet weight rose from 212 kg to 213 kg (+1 kg), seat height was raised from 820 mm to 830 mm (+10 mm) and top speed fell from 241 km/h to 200 km/h (-41 km/h). Peak torque and displacement are unchanged.
2009 R 1200S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the double disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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🛡️
ABS fitted: ABS comes fitted from the factory - one less thing to worry about in a sudden stop on a slippery surface.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: At 830 mm, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel injection on the R 1200S needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With SOHC valve gear, the R 1200S 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 double disc with Optional 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 1200S's suspension runs BMW Motorrad Telelever at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The R 1200S 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 Three-section frame consisting of front, middle and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit, the R 1200S's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
R 1200S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2009 BMW R 1200S with its 1170 cc sport, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping 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 17 years old, this sport is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 1200S should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the R 1200S's 1170 cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 12.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the R 1200S needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used R 1200S 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.
2009 BMW R 1200S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2009 BMW R 1200S have?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S uses a Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2009 BMW R 1200S?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S has a factory-quoted top speed of 200 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2009 BMW R 1200S weigh?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S weighs 213 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2009 BMW R 1200S produce?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S produces 112 Nm @ 6800 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 BMW R 1200S?
The 2009 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 2009 BMW R 1200S suitable for shorter riders?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S has a seat height of 830 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 2009 BMW R 1200S have?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S uses double disc with Optional ABS at the front and single disc with Optional ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2009 BMW R 1200S use?
The 2009 BMW R 1200S runs 120/70-ZX17 front and 180/55-ZX17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
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, four-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 |
| Stroke |
73.0 mm |
4 |
73.0 mm |
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| Mods from previous model |
Performance-tuned high compression sports boxer layout |
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Final production lifecycle run parameters |
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Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Torque
112.00 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs) @ 6800
Top Speed
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph
Weight
213.0 kg / 469.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
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Full 2009 BMW R 1200S Specifications
Colours
Shine yellow, Titan silver/magma red, Night black, White aluminium
Seat Height
830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase
1,487 mm / 58.5 in.
Height
1,177 mm / 46.3 in.
Length
2,151 mm / 84.7 in.
Width
870 mm / 34.3 in.
Dry Weight
190 kg / 418.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity
17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Wet Weight
213.0 kg / 469.6 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
CO2
99.8 CO
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Exhaust
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Fuel Consumption
4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)
Fuel Reserve
2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
6-speed
Frame Type
Three-section frame consisting of front, middle and rear sections, load bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake
24.0°
Trail
87 mm / 3.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
120 mm / 4.7 in.
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
Double disc. Optional ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Optional ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZX17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-ZX17
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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