🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R 1200 GS Adventure Year: 2008 Product Type: Owners Manual Specific Variant: Adventure 👋 Introduction Market Position Category: Large-displacement adventure touring motorcycle Target Audience: Touring riders, off-road enthusiasts, globetrotters, adventure seekers Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: KTM 990 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 1050/1200, Yamaha Super Tenere, Honda Africa Twin (later models), Ducati Multistrada Key Features Engine Layout: Boxer-twin (flat-twin) engine Suspension: Long-travel Telelever front suspension and Paralever rear suspension, designed for varied terrain Fuel Capacity: Large fuel tank (approx. 33 liters / 8.7 gallons) for extended range Protection: Standard engine guards, handguards, and a larger windscreen for enhanced protection Ergonomics: Upright riding position, adjustable seat height (on some models), designed for comfort over long distances 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Language: English Format: PDF Download Page Count Estimated Pages: 150-250 (typical for this model/year) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, clutch, transmission, final drive Chassis: Frame, suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), steering, wheels, tires Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications Electrical: Battery, lighting, instrumentation, starting system, charging system, fuses, basic wiring diagrams (owner level) Bodywork: Fairings, luggage system (cases, racks), seat adjustment, fuel tank, storage compartments Controls And Instruments: Handlebar controls, dashboard layout, warning lights, indicators, onboard computer (if equipped) Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Oil checks and changes, tire pressure, chain adjustment (if applicable), brake lever/pedal adjustment, fluid level checks Operation: Startup procedure, riding modes (if applicable), using ABS, operating onboard computer, luggage loading Troubleshooting: Basic fault identification, warning light explanations, common operational issues Safety: Safe riding practices, passenger safety, emergency procedures Technical Depth Level: Owner-focused, essential for everyday use and basic checks 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text, allowing for keyword-based information retrieval Print Quality Quality: Digital reproduction of original manual, quality dependent on source scan Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin engine Displacement: 1170 cc (71.5 cu in) Bore X Stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in x 2.87 in) Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven camshafts Performance Horsepower: 105 hp @ 7,500 rpm (approximate) Torque: 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended (95 RON / 91 AKI) Lubrication Oil Type: Synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., BMW ADVANTEC or similar API SG/JASO MA certified) Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change Cooling System: Air cooling for cylinders, oil cooling for cylinder heads 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox Optional Type: N/A Features Clutch: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated Final Drive: Shaft drive to rear wheel Final Drive Oil: Synthetic gear oil, SAE 75W-140 (API GL-5, e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in) Width: Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in) (over mirrors) Height: Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in) (at handlebars) Seat Height: Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (unladen, adjustable) Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs) Curb Weight: Approx. 256 kg (564.4 lbs) (ready to ride with full fluids) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs) Cargo Luggage Capacity: Standard aluminum panniers and top case (optional/included depending on configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is generally focused on rider aids and handling) Active Features ABS: BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (optional on some markets/configurations, switchable for off-road use) Traction Control: ASC (Automatic Stability Control) may have been an option or part of later software updates for this model year, but less common for 2008 Lighting: Halogen headlights, LED taillight, auxiliary lighting often available Passive Features Frame: Steel tube frame providing robustness Protection: Engine guards, handguards, skid plate (standard on Adventure model) Brakes: Dual disc front, single disc rear with multi-piston calipers 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Onboard Computer: Standard on Adventure models, displays fuel consumption, range, average speed, ambient temperature, etc. Accessible via handlebar controls. Driver Assistance ABS: Integral ABS, with off-road mode potentially available through a switch or mode selection. Connectivity Diagnostic Port: BMW proprietary diagnostic connector (often requires specific adapter for advanced diagnostics). Instrumentation Display Type: Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display for onboard computer and system status. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first Valve Adjustment: Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as indicated by engine performance/noise Spark Plug Replacement: Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years, regardless of mileage Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, API SG/JASO MA certified (refer to manual for precise BMW...
Owner-focused, essential for everyday use and basic checks
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, allowing for keyword-based information retrieval
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital reproduction of original manual, quality dependent on source scan
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke flat-twin engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (71.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (3.98 in x 2.87 in)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven camshafts
Performance
Horsepower:
105 hp @ 7,500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium octane recommended (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
Synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., BMW ADVANTEC or similar API SG/JASO MA certified)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with oil filter change
Cooling
System:
Air cooling for cylinders, oil cooling for cylinder heads
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox
Optional
Type:
N/A
Features
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Final Drive Oil:
Synthetic gear oil, SAE 75W-140 (API GL-5, e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in) (over mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in) (at handlebars)
Seat Height:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) (unladen, adjustable)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 256 kg (564.4 lbs) (ready to ride with full fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 460 kg (1014 lbs)
Cargo
Luggage Capacity:
Standard aluminum panniers and top case (optional/included depending on configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety is generally focused on rider aids and handling)
Active Features
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (optional on some markets/configurations, switchable for off-road use)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) may have been an option or part of later software updates for this model year, but less common for 2008
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight, auxiliary lighting often available
Passive Features
Frame:
Steel tube frame providing robustness
Protection:
Engine guards, handguards, skid plate (standard on Adventure model)
Brakes:
Dual disc front, single disc rear with multi-piston calipers
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Onboard Computer:
Standard on Adventure models, displays fuel consumption, range, average speed, ambient temperature, etc. Accessible via handlebar controls.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Integral ABS, with off-road mode potentially available through a switch or mode selection.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
BMW proprietary diagnostic connector (often requires specific adapter for advanced diagnostics).
Instrumentation
Display Type:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD display for onboard computer and system status.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first
Valve Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as indicated by engine performance/noise
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, API SG/JASO MA certified (refer to manual for precise BMW ADVANTEC recommendation)
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 75W-140, API GL-5 (e.g., BMW Hypoid Gear Oil)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW designation, e.g., BMW Brake Fluid DOT 4)
Coolant:
N/A (Air/oil cooled engine)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Early models may experience issues with the front brake hoses (recall/service bulletin often available), servo-assisted brakes (if equipped) can sometimes be complex, clutch slave cylinder leaks, alternator bearing wear, and occasional electrical gremlins. The fuel strip sensor for the fuel gauge can also be a failure point. Telelever dust seals can degrade.
Adventure Specific:
Rattle from the exhaust flap mechanism or side stand switch issues are sometimes reported.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
BMW Motorrad, Germany
Legacy:
Long history of producing durable, innovative motorcycles, particularly known for boxer engines and touring capabilities
Model Evolution
R Series Lineage:
Direct descendant of the legendary R 80 G/S and R 1100/1150 GS models, which pioneered the adventure touring segment
2008 Updates:
The 2008 model typically represents the 'late' generation of the R 1200 GS platform before a significant redesign. Key features like the boxer engine and Telelever/Paralever suspension were well-established.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Production Years R1200Gs Adv:
2006 - 2013 (for this generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Acclaim:
The R 1200 GS platform consistently received accolades for its versatility, comfort, and capability in the adventure touring segment throughout its production run.
Ratings
Adventure Touring Benchmark:
Often cited as a benchmark in its class for balancing on-road touring comfort with off-road capability.
Certifications
Emission Standards:
Compliant with Euro 3 emissions standards for its model year.