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2008BMW R 1200 S

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The 2008 BMW R 1200 S is a sport-oriented boxer twin designed for riders seeking agile handling and classic BMW character with modern performance. Its 1170cc air-oil cooled engine delivers 121 horsepower with responsive mid-range torque, ideal for spirited road riding. Known for its nimble chassis, shaft drive reliability, and the distinctive horizontal cylinder design that defines the R-series.

Capacity
1170.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox
6-speed
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Seat height
830 mm
Power
120.7 HP (88.8 kW) @ 8250 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2008 BMW R 1200 S

vs the 2007
Spec20072008
Power 120.7 HP (88.8 kW) 120.7 HP (88.8 kW) @ 8250 RPM
Torque 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs) 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM
Rear suspension Die-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear brakes Double disc Single disc
Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 84Agility 87Comfort 55Off-road 20Touring 45Road manners 92
Off-road & trail20%
Cornering92%
City riding50%
Daily riding50%
Touring45%
Two-up35%
Track85%
Best for
It's built primarily for spirited road riding and canyon carving, blending boxer-twin character with genuine sport handling.
Built for
It has a distinctive, torquey boxer engine feel wrapped in a sharp-handling chassis, making it an unconventional but engaging sportbike.
Not ideal for
It's not a good fit for beginners, off-road adventurers, or riders prioritizing plush comfort on long-distance tours.

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 us
At 830mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 2008 BMW R 1200 S, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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.

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Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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
120.7 HP (88.8 kW) @ 8250 RPM
CO2 Emissions
100 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.
8BMXC01.2K2X-001-R01
EPA CO Emissions
1.5 CO g/km
Torque
112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m) @ 6800 RPM
Engine type
Boxer, four-stroke
Fuel consumption
4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l)
Power/weight ratio
0.6353 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke
101.0 x 73.0 mm
Compression
12.5:1
Cooling system
Oil & air
Fuel system
Injection
Starting
Electric
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder
4
Transmission
Gearbox
6-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Dimensions & weight
Wheelbase
1487 mm
Overall length
2151 mm
Overall width
870 mm
Overall height
1177 mm
Seat height
830 mm
Dry weight
190.0 kg
Wet weight
213.0 kg
Fuel capacity
17.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity
2.00 litres
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Three-section frame consisting of front, middle 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
110 mm
Rear wheel travel
120 mm
Rake (fork angle)
24.0°
Trail
87 mm
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Double disc
Front brakes diameter
320 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes diameter
265 mm
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 2006200720082009
Capacity 1170 cc 1170 cc 1170 cc 1170 cc
Dry weight 190 kg 190 kg 190 kg 190 kg
Seat height 830 mm 830 mm 830 mm 830 mm
Fuel capacity 17 L 17 L 17 L 17 L

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

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the BMW R 1200 S?

The 2008 BMW R 1200 S has a Capacity of 1170.0 ccm (71.40 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R 1200 S have?

The 2008 BMW R 1200 S has a Power of 120.7 HP (88.8 kW) @ 8250 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R 1200 S have?

The 2008 BMW R 1200 S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the BMW R 1200 S?

The 2008 BMW R 1200 S has a Torque of 112.0 Nm (11.4 kgf-m or 82.6 ft.lbs) @ 6800 RPM.

How much does the BMW R 1200 S weigh?

The 2008 BMW R 1200 S has a Dry weight of 190.0 kg (418.9 pounds).

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