2008BMW K 1200 S

★ 5.0

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The 2008 BMW K 1200 S is a sophisticated sport-touring bike that blends sporty performance with practical comfort, ideal for riders seeking aggressive styling without sacrificing long-distance capability. Known for its potent 1157cc inline-four engine delivering 165 horsepower and advanced electronics, it excels at combining track-worthy handling with everyday usability. The bike's liquid-cooled engine and six-speed transmission provide responsive power delivery suitable for both spirited riding and highway touring.

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Engine: In-line four, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 227.5 kg
Seat height: 820 mm
Power: 164.9 HP (121.3 kW) @ 10250 RPM

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What’s new for the 2008 BMW K 1200 S

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

Other years 2005 2006 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering88%

City riding45%

Daily riding60%

Touring85%

Two-up75%

Track75%

Best for: It's built for riders who want to devour long distances at a rapid pace, blending sport-bike performance with genuine touring capability.
Built for: The K 1200 S is a muscular, high-tech sport tourer with a shaft drive, exotic Duolever front suspension, and an inline-four engine that delivers explosive top-end power.
Not ideal for: It's not the right choice for new riders, short-statured commuters seeking easy city maneuverability, or anyone wanting a lightweight or off-road-capable machine.

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 S, 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 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1157.0 ccm
Power: 164.9 HP (121.3 kW) @ 10250 RPM
EPA Certificate No.: 8BMXC01.2K4X-002-R01
EPA CO Emissions: 0.4 CO g/km
Torque: 130.0 Nm (13.3 kgf-m)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.7248 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: 1571 mm
Overall length: 2182 mm
Overall width: 905 mm
Overall height: 1211 mm
Seat height: 820 mm
Dry weight: 227.5 kg
Wet weight: 248.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 19.00 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 2.00 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Bridge-type frame, 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: 119 mm