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2008 BMW R 1200ST Overview
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST is a sport touring motorcycle built around 1170 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.0:1. The bore and stroke measures 101 x 73 mm. 2008 BMW R 1200ST delivers 115 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2008 R 1200ST tips the scales at 204 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1,495 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 43.9 kg lighter than the average sport touring motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2008 BMW R 1200ST spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 R 1200ST - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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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 drive (cardan) 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
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 1200ST 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 Double disc. 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 1200ST runs BMW Motorrad Telelever and Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever 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 Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit - 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 1200ST - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2008 BMW R 1200ST, 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 1200ST 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 1200ST. 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 1200ST'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 1200ST. 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 1200ST - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 BMW R 1200ST have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 1170 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2008 BMW R 1200ST weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST weighs 204 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2008 BMW R 1200ST make?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST produces 115 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.
Is the 2008 BMW R 1200ST suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST 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 1200ST have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST uses Double disc. ABS at the front and Single disc. ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 BMW R 1200ST use?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST runs 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
BMW R 1200ST Spec Evolution
The BMW R 1200ST was produced across 4 model years (2005-2008). 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 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
| Wet Weight |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs |
229 kg / 504.8 lbs |
204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
205 kg / 451.9 lbs |
205 kg / 451.9 lbs |
205 kg / 451.9 lbs |
182 kg / 401.2 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer |
Twin |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
| Seat Height |
826 mm - 806 mm / 32.5 in - 31.7 in780 mm / 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
826 mm - 806 mm / 32.5 in - 31.7 in780 mm / 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
826 mm - 806 mm / 32.5 in - 31.7 in780 mm / 800 mm / 30.7 - 31.4 in (special equipment low seat bench) |
820 mm / 32.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
21 Liters / 5.5 US gal |
21 Liters / 5.5 US gal |
21 Liters / 5.5 US gal |
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
| Stroke |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
| Frame Type |
Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit |
Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit |
Three-section frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine-gearbox unit |
Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| Wheelbase |
1495 mm / 59.1 in |
1495 mm / 59.1 in |
1495 mm / 59.1 in |
1,495 mm / 58.9 in. |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
Not published by manufacturer
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons
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Full 2008 BMW R 1200ST Specifications
Seat Height
820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,495 mm / 58.9 in.
Length
2,082 mm / 82.0 in.
Dry Weight
182 kg / 401.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons
Wet Weight
204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
4.0 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1170.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.39 cubic inches
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Fuel Control
SOHC
Stroke
2
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
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
Two-section frame consisting of front 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
25.7°
Trail
104 mm / 4.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
140 mm / 5.5 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. ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-17
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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