Naked Motorcycles
2008BMW R 1200 R
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The 2008 BMW R 1200 R is a versatile sport-touring boxer twin designed for riders seeking upright ergonomics and nimble handling. Its 1170cc air-oil cooled engine delivers strong torque characteristics ideal for everyday riding and highway cruising. Known for its reliability and classic BMW boxer heritage, it appeals to adventure-minded motorcyclists valuing practicality over pure performance.
- Capacity
- 1170.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Dry weight
- 198.0 kg
- Seat height
- 800 mm
- Power
- 107.3 HP (78.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A versatile naked roadster designed for spirited everyday riding, commuting, and comfortable longer trips.
- Built for
- Delivers strong, linear boxer-twin power with agile handling and shaft-drive reliability, blending everyday practicality with genuine road-carving fun.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right choice for riders seeking a dedicated off-road machine or track-focused sportbike.
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
- 107.3 HP (78.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM
- EPA Certificate No.
- 8BMXC01.2K2X-001-R01
- EPA CO Emissions
- 1.5 CO g/km
- Torque
- 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.5419 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
- 1495 mm
- Overall length
- 2145 mm
- Overall width
- 872 mm
- Seat height
- 800 mm
- Dry weight
- 198.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 223.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 18.00 litres
- Reserve fuel capacity
- 2.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections with 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
- 140 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 27.1°
- Trail
- 119 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Double disc. Optional ABS
- Front brakes diameter
- 320 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Optional ABS
- Rear brakes diameter
- 265 mm
- ABS
- Optional
- 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 | 2008 | 2011 | 2014 | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1170 cc | 1170 cc | 1200 cc | 1170 cc | 1170 cc |
| Dry weight | 198 kg | 198 kg | 198 kg | 198 kg | 198 kg |
| Seat height | 800 mm | 800 mm | 800 mm | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L | 18 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 R?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 R has a Capacity of 1170.0 ccm (71.40 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 1200 R have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 R has a Power of 107.3 HP (78.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 1200 R have?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 R has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the BMW R 1200 R?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 R has a Torque of 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs).
How much does the BMW R 1200 R weigh?
The 2008 BMW R 1200 R has a Dry weight of 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds).
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