2004BMW R 1200 GS

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40 fields on record

The 2004 BMW R 1200 GS is a versatile adventure tourer that appeals to both experienced and novice riders seeking capability on and off-road. Its air and oil-cooled boxer engine delivers smooth, reliable power with excellent torque characteristics, making it ideal for long-distance touring and light trail exploration. Known for durability and balanced handling, this bike defines the modern adventure motorcycle category.

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 199.0 kg
Seat height: 840 mm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)

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Other years 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail80%

Cornering78%

City riding65%

Daily riding78%

Touring94%

Two-up85%

Track45%

Best for: Built as a do-it-all adventure tourer, equally capable of long highway hauls, backroad carving, and moderate off-road excursions.
Built for: A refined, torquey boxer-twin adventure icon that balances long-distance comfort with genuine off-road competence and premium engineering.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for shorter or less experienced riders seeking a light, nimble city commuter or a 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 840mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2004 BMW R 1200 GS, with a moderate knee angle of around 90 degrees and a slightly forward 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.

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Power: 98.0 HP (72.1 kW)
Torque: 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4925 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated

Performance

Top speed: 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1520 mm
Overall length: 2210 mm
Overall width: 915 mm
Overall height: 1430 mm
Seat height: 840 mm
Dry weight: 199.0 kg
Wet weight: 225.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres
Ground clearance: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever;stanchion diameter 41 mm, central spring strut, spring pre-load 9-times mechanically adjustable
Rear suspension: Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Front wheel travel: 190 mm
Rear wheel travel: 200 mm
Rake (fork angle): 27.1°
Trail: 110 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 305 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 265 mm
Front tyre: 110/80-ZR19
Rear tyre: 150/70-ZR17

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

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	2004	2008	2012	2015	2019
Capacity	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc
Dry weight	199 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg
Seat height	840 mm	845 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L