Touring Motorcycles
2008BMW R 1200 RT
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The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT is a premium touring motorcycle designed for long-distance riders seeking comfort and reliability. Its 1170cc boxer engine delivers smooth, predictable power ideal for extended highway cruising. Known for its advanced technology, including fuel injection and electronic engine management, this bike excels at covering great distances with confidence and stability.
- Capacity
- 1170.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 182.0 kg
- Seat height
- 820 mm
- Power
- 108.6 HP (81.0 kW) @ 7000 RPM
What’s new for the 2008 BMW R 1200 RT
vs the 2007| Spec | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds) | 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds) |
| Wet weight | 259.0 kg (571.0 pounds) | 204.0 kg (449.7 pounds) |
| Fuel capacity | 27.00 litres (7.13 US gallons) | 16.00 litres (4.23 US gallons) |
| Rear suspension | Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD suspension element | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Rear brakes | Double disc | Single disc |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built primarily for long-distance sport touring, blending strong highway performance with all-day comfort.
- Built for
- A refined, confidence-inspiring boxer-twin tourer that feels planted, smooth, and effortlessly fast on open roads.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking a lightweight commuter or any kind of off-road capability.
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
- 108.6 HP (81.0 kW) @ 7000 RPM
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8BMXC01.2K2X-001-R01
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.5 CO g/km
- Torque
- 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m) @ 6000 RPM
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5967 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 101.0 x 73.0 mm
- Compression
- 12.0:1
- Cooling system
- Oil & air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Clutch
- Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1485 mm
- Overall length
- 2082 mm
- Overall width
- 905 mm
- Overall height
- 1430 mm
- Seat height
- 820 mm
- Dry weight
- 182.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 204.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 16.00 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 2.00 litres
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
- 120 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 135 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 26.2°
- Trail
- 116 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 265 mm
- Front tyre
- 120/70-17
- Rear tyre
- 180/55-17
Other
- Fuel Tank Material
- Plastic
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 cc | 1170 cc | 1170 cc | 1170 cc | 1170 cc | 1170 cc |
| Dry weight | 229 kg | 182 kg | 182 kg | 233 kg | 233 kg | — |
| Seat height | 820 mm | 820 mm | 780 mm | 818 mm | 805 mm | 805 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 27 L | 16 L | 16 L | 25 L | 25 L | 25 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 3 recalls may applyWHEELS: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.
These recalls cover some 2008 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 1200 RT?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT has a Capacity of 1170.0 ccm (71.40 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 1200 RT have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT has a Power of 108.6 HP (81.0 kW) @ 7000 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 1200 RT have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 1200 RT?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT has a Torque of 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM.
How much does the BMW R 1200 RT weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 RT has a Dry weight of 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds).
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