Naked Motorcycles

2008BMW K 1200 R

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The 2008 BMW K 1200 R is a sport-oriented naked bike that appeals to experienced riders seeking a blend of performance and practicality. Powered by a 1157cc inline-four engine producing 161 horsepower, it delivers strong acceleration and responsive handling characteristic of BMW's K-series platform. Best known for its reliable shaft drive, advanced fuel injection system, and versatile nature as a capable all-rounder for both road and spirited riding.

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 160.9 HP (118.3 kW) @ 10250 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

What’s new for the 2008 BMW K 1200 R

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
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
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Optional ABS

Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering85%

City riding60%

Daily riding55%

Touring50%

Two-up45%

Track75%

Best for: It's built as a muscular, streetfighter-style naked sportbike for riders who want brutal acceleration and sharp handling without a fairing.
Built for: It has an aggressive, torque-heavy, in-your-face personality that rewards confident throttle inputs and delivers thrilling straight-line and cornering performance.
Not ideal for: It's not a good fit for new riders, off-road enthusiasts, or those seeking a plush, long-distance touring companion.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2008 BMW K 1200 R, with a relaxed knee angle of around 135 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Power: 160.9 HP (118.3 kW) @ 10250 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 109 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: 8BMXC01.2K4X-002-R01
EPA CO Emissions: 0.4 CO g/km
Torque: 127.0 Nm (13.0 kgf-m) @ 8250 RPM
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.70 litres/100 km (21.3 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.7626 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 59.0 mm
Compression: 13.0:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operated

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1580 mm
Overall length: 2228 mm
Overall width: 872 mm
Seat height: 820 mm
Dry weight: 211.0 kg
Wet weight: 237.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 2.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Bridge-type, cast aluminium, load bearing engine
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Duolever
Rear suspension: Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front wheel travel: 115 mm
Rear wheel travel: 135 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.0°
Trail: 108 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	2005	2006	2007	2008
Capacity	1157 cc	1157 cc	1157 cc	1157 cc
Dry weight	211 kg	211 kg	211 kg	211 kg
Seat height	820 mm	820 mm	820 mm	820 mm
Fuel capacity	19 L	19 L	19 L	19 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

WHEELS: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].

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 →