Adventure Motorcycles
2008BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
34 fields on record
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is a heavyweight adventure tourer designed for experienced riders seeking serious off-road capability paired with touring comfort. Its 1170cc boxer engine delivers smooth power and excellent torque, while the robust construction and long-travel suspension excel on varied terrain. This model is renowned for versatility, capable of handling everything from remote trails to highway miles.
- Capacity
- 1170.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 223.0 kg
- Seat height
- 910 mm
- Power
- 103.3 HP
What’s new for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) | 1170.0 ccm (71.40 cubic inches) |
| Power | 99.23 HP | 103.3 HP |
| Torque | 115.00 | 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) |
| Fuel capacity | 33.00 litres (8.72 gallons) | 33.00 litres (8.72 US gallons) |
| Rear suspension | Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Front brakes | Double disc | Double disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off |
| Rear brakes | Double disc | Single disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off |
| Wheelbase | 1,511 mm (59.5 inches) | 1510 mm (59.4 inches) |
| Cooling | Oil & air | Oil_air |
| Compression | 11.0:1 | not listed |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for long-distance, go-anywhere adventure touring across highways, gravel, and rugged backroads with heavy luggage.
- Built for
- A capable, torquey, and rugged globe-trotter that rewards patience with unmatched versatility and long-haul comfort.
- Not ideal for
- Not ideal for shorter or less experienced riders seeking a light, nimble machine for tight city streets or track days.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 1170.0 ccm
- Power
- 103.3 HP
- Torque
- 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Boxer twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.4632 HP/kg
- Bore x stroke
- 101.0 x 73.0 mm
- Cooling system
- Oil_air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1510 mm
- Overall length
- 2240 mm
- Seat height
- 910 mm
- Dry weight
- 223.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 33.00 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 4.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
- Front suspension
- BMW Motorrad Telelever
- Rear suspension
- Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
- Front wheel travel
- 210 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 220 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 24.8°
- Trail
- 89 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off
- Front brakes diameter
- 305 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off
- Rear brakes diameter
- 265 mm
- Front tyre
- 110/80-19
- Rear tyre
- 150/70-17
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2006 | 2008 | 2009 | 2013 | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) | — | 1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) |
| Dry weight | 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds) | 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds) | 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds) | 229.1 kg (505.0 pounds) | 229.1 kg (505.0 pounds) | 229.1 kg (505.0 pounds) |
| Seat height | 910 mm (35.8 inches) | 910 mm (35.8 inches) | 910 mm (35.8 inches) | 889 mm (35.0 inches) | 890 mm (35.0 inches) | 890 mm (35.0 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 33.00 litres (8.72 gallons) | 33.00 litres (8.72 gallons) | 33.00 litres (8.72 gallons) | 32.93 litres (8.70 gallons) | 30.00 litres (7.93 gallons) | 30.00 litres (7.93 US gallons) |
| Color options | — | — | Magma red, Magnesium metallic matt | Red, grey | Light White, Ocean Blue metallic Matte, Racing Red Matte | Racing Red, Light White/Cordoba Blue, Black Storm Metallic/Dark Slate Metallic Matte/Achat Grey |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 3 open recallsWHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDSMar 2015 · 15V141000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPDec 2013 · 13V617000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJun 2010 · 10V276000
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.
Risk: IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES, CONTAINING A "SLEEVE" ALONG A PORTION OF THE LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has a Capacity of 1170.0 ccm (71.40 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has a Power of 103.3 HP.
How many gears does the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has a Torque of 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs).
How much does the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has a Dry weight of 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds).
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