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Adventure Motorcycles

2008BMW R 1200 GS

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The 2008 BMW R 1200 GS is a versatile adventure bike that excels for riders seeking a capable all-rounder for both on-road and light off-road exploration. Its punchy 1170cc boxer twin delivers smooth power and impressive torque, while the advanced fuel injection and electronic management ensure reliability across varied terrain. Built for adventure touring enthusiasts, it's renowned for its balanced handling, durability and genuine go-anywhere capability.

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Seat height: 845 mm
Power: 103.3 HP (76.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (3)

What’s new for the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Power	99.2 HP (73.0 kW)	103.3 HP (76.0 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Dry weight	199.0 kg (438.7 pounds)	203.0 kg (447.5 pounds)
Wet weight	225.0 kg (496.0 pounds)	229.0 kg (504.9 pounds)
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
Compression	11.0:1	12.0:1

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 845mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2008 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.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Power: 103.3 HP (76.0 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: 0.5089 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

Performance

Top speed: 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1507 mm
Overall length: 2210 mm
Overall width: 935 mm
Overall height: 1440 mm
Seat height: 845 mm
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Wet weight: 229.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 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: 190 mm
Rear wheel travel: 200 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.7°
Trail: 101 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
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: 110/80-19
Rear tyre: 150/70-17

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	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

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 3 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].

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 →