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Adventure Motorcycles

2016BMW R 1200 GS

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The 2016 BMW R 1200 GS is a versatile adventure touring motorcycle that excels for riders seeking long-distance capability with genuine off-road competence. Its 1170cc boxer engine delivers reliable torque across varied terrain, while the switchable ABS, long-travel suspension, and commanding 850mm seat height make it equally at home on highways or unpaved tracks. Best known as an industry benchmark for adventure bikes, it suits experienced riders who demand a capable all-rounder for exploration and extended touring.

Capacity: 1170.0 ccm
Engine: Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Seat height: 850 mm
Power: 123.4 HP (92.0 kW) @ 7750 RPM

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What’s new for the 2016 BMW R 1200 GS

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Top speed	—	200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

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 850mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with tip-toe one foot on the 2016 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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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: 1170.0 ccm
Power: 123.4 HP (92.0 kW) @ 7750 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 135 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: GBMXC01.2K5X-001-R01
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.73 L/100km (41.0 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 2.2 CO g/km
Torque: 125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m) @ 6500 RPM
Engine type: Boxer, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.70 litres/100 km (17.5 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.6079 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0 mm
Compression: 12.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
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: Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated

Performance

Top speed: 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1507 mm
Overall length: 2210 mm
Overall width: 953 mm
Overall height: 1450 mm
Seat height: 850 mm
Dry weight: 203.0 kg
Wet weight: 238.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 4.00 litres
Ground clearance: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Twin-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame,load-bearing engine
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut
Rear suspension: Cast aluminium single swingarm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front wheel travel: 190 mm
Rear wheel travel: 200 mm
Rake (fork angle): 25.5°
Trail: 100 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers.
Front brakes diameter: 305 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.
Rear brakes diameter: 276 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 120/70-R19
Rear tyre: 170/60-R17

Other

Color options: Racing Red, Frozen Dark Blue Metallic, Light White, Black Storm Metallic/Grey
Comments: Windscreen. Switchable ABS.
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

Specs last verified against published sources: October 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	2016	2019
Capacity	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc	1170 cc
Dry weight	199 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg	203 kg
Seat height	840 mm	845 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm	850 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L