🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R 1200 R Sport Year: 2008 Codes Platform Code: K27 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Sport Touring / Roadster Target Audience: Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle for commuting, touring, and spirited riding, with a premium feel and technological sophistication. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Moto Guzzi Norge 1200, Triumph Sprint ST, Ducati ST3/ST4, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400. Key Features Engine Layout: Air/oil-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine. Drivetrain: Shaft drive. Suspension System: BMW's signature Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension for superior ride comfort and handling. Braking System: Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Ergonomics: Comfortable rider triangle, adjustable handlebars, and a supportive seat for long-distance riding. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Bodywork, Controls, Instruments, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Riding Information, Safety Features, Storage, Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 180-220 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Management: Detailed explanation of the engine's operating principles, electronic control unit (ECU) functions, and sensor operations. Suspension And Steering: Information on the Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and steering system operation and adjustments. Braking System: Explanation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid types, and operation. Covers both front and rear braking components. Electrical System: Overview of the motorcycle's electrical system, including battery care, fuses, lighting, and common electrical components. Fuel And Exhaust: Details on the fuel injection system, fuel type recommendations, and exhaust system components and maintenance. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Step-by-step instructions for essential maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, and chain adjustment. Troubleshooting Guide: Guidance on identifying and addressing common operational issues, including diagnostic information for dashboard warning lights. Riding Safety: Essential information on safe riding practices, proper gear usage, and understanding vehicle dynamics. Instrument Panel Explanation: Detailed descriptions of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and control functions. Technical Depth Diagnostic Capabilities: Provides basic diagnostic insights for common issues, enabling owners to understand potential problems before seeking professional service. Repair Guidance: Offers guidance on user-serviceable repairs and adjustments, but typically does not cover full mechanical rebuilds, which are reserved for service manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text, allowing for quick access to specific topics. Printability: Printable pages for offline reference. Resolution: High-resolution scanned document for clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine Displacement: 1170 cc (1.17 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 101 mm x 73 mm Compression Ratio: 12.0:1 Valve Train: DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder actuated by rocker arms. Performance Horsepower: 105 hp (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm Torque: 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with BMS-K (Battery Management System - K) engine management. Fuel Type Recommendation: Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum octane rating of 95 (RON). Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA motorcycle oil. Oil Capacity With Filter Change: Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed manual transmission Clutch: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch. Final Drive: Shaft drive Features Gear Ratios: Typically: 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.57, 3rd: 2.00, 4th: 1.67, 5th: 1.39, 6th: 1.17 (Note: specific ratios can vary slightly). Transmission Oil Type: SAE 75W-90 GL 5 gear oil. Transmission Oil Capacity: Approximately 0.75 liters (0.79 US quarts) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in) Width Over Handlebars: Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in) Height Seat Unladen: Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) (standard seat) Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 420 kg (925.9 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Information: Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through rider aids and handling characteristics rather than traditional crash test ratings. BMW emphasizes active safety features. Active Features ABS: Standard BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced braking control and stability. Traction Control System: Not typically standard on the 2008 R 1200 R Sport; ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional extra on some R-series models from this era. Lighting: Halogen headlight for optimal illumination, LED taillight. Passive Features Chassis Design: Robust frame construction and stable suspension geometry for predictable handling. Ergonomic Controls: Intuitive and well-placed controls to minimize rider distraction. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrument Cluster: Digital LCD display for trip computer, gear indicator, fuel level, and more, alongside analog tachometer and speedometer. Audio System: Optional BMW audio system available on some models, though less common on the R Sport variant compared to touring models. Driver Assistance ABS: Standard ABS as a...
Approximately 180-220 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Management:
Detailed explanation of the engine's operating principles, electronic control unit (ECU) functions, and sensor operations.
Suspension And Steering:
Information on the Telelever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension, and steering system operation and adjustments.
Braking System:
Explanation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid types, and operation. Covers both front and rear braking components.
Electrical System:
Overview of the motorcycle's electrical system, including battery care, fuses, lighting, and common electrical components.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Details on the fuel injection system, fuel type recommendations, and exhaust system components and maintenance.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for essential maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, and chain adjustment.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Guidance on identifying and addressing common operational issues, including diagnostic information for dashboard warning lights.
Riding Safety:
Essential information on safe riding practices, proper gear usage, and understanding vehicle dynamics.
Instrument Panel Explanation:
Detailed descriptions of all dashboard indicators, warning lights, and control functions.
Technical Depth
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Provides basic diagnostic insights for common issues, enabling owners to understand potential problems before seeking professional service.
Repair Guidance:
Offers guidance on user-serviceable repairs and adjustments, but typically does not cover full mechanical rebuilds, which are reserved for service manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text, allowing for quick access to specific topics.
Printability:
Printable pages for offline reference.
Resolution:
High-resolution scanned document for clarity of text and diagrams.
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder actuated by rocker arms.
Performance
Horsepower:
105 hp (77 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI) with BMS-K (Battery Management System - K) engine management.
Fuel Type Recommendation:
Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum octane rating of 95 (RON).
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity With Filter Change:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive
Features
Gear Ratios:
Typically: 1st: 3.46, 2nd: 2.57, 3rd: 2.00, 4th: 1.67, 5th: 1.39, 6th: 1.17 (Note: specific ratios can vary slightly).
Transmission Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL 5 gear oil.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 0.75 liters (0.79 US quarts)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in)
Height Seat Unladen:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in) (standard seat)
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 223 kg (491.6 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 420 kg (925.9 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Information:
Motorcycle safety is typically assessed through rider aids and handling characteristics rather than traditional crash test ratings. BMW emphasizes active safety features.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard BMW Motorrad ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced braking control and stability.
Traction Control System:
Not typically standard on the 2008 R 1200 R Sport; ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was an optional extra on some R-series models from this era.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight for optimal illumination, LED taillight.
Passive Features
Chassis Design:
Robust frame construction and stable suspension geometry for predictable handling.
Ergonomic Controls:
Intuitive and well-placed controls to minimize rider distraction.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Instrument Cluster:
Digital LCD display for trip computer, gear indicator, fuel level, and more, alongside analog tachometer and speedometer.
Audio System:
Optional BMW audio system available on some models, though less common on the R Sport variant compared to touring models.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Standard ABS as a key rider assistance feature.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system could be fitted.
Connectivity
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for dealer-level diagnostic tools.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Air Filter Replacement:
As required, typically every 20,000 km (12,500 miles), or more frequently under dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM, JASO MA motorcycle oil.
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL 5 gear oil.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4.
Coolant:
BMW approved ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., BMW antifreeze concentrate).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear main seal (oil leaks), brake pad wear, suspension wear over time, potential for ABS sensor issues if contaminated.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally reliable, some owners have reported intermittent issues with electrical connectors or sensors on BMWs of this era.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early R1200 models sometimes had fuel pump concerns, though often addressed by recalls or later production runs.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Founding Principles:
BMW Motorrad, established in 1916, is renowned for its engineering excellence, innovation, and focus on rider comfort and safety, particularly with its iconic boxer engine platform.
Model Evolution
R Series Legacy:
The R 1200 R is a descendant of BMW's long lineage of R-series boxer-engined motorcycles, evolving from models like the R100R and R1150R, offering increased power, improved handling, and modern technology.
2008 Updates:
The 2008 model year saw refinements to the R 1200 R, including potential updates to suspension, braking, and electronics compared to earlier iterations.