2008 BMW R1200GS Motorcycle Insurance Information

2008 BMW R1200GS
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2008 BMW R1200GS

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With the new BMW R 1200 GS, BMW is writing another chapter in the success story that started in 1980 with the BMW R 80 G/S. More than ever before, the new, comprehensively reworked R 1200 GS meets the requirements that the ideal adventure-tourer should meet. It offers superb performance, maximum comfort and a wide range of uses on the longest trips and, with its even better acceleration and agility, guarantees maximum enjoyment on twisting country and mountain roads. The optimized chassis and suspension properties guarantee the best possible handling both on and off road.

The predecessor model – the R 1200 GS presented in 2004, of which over 75,000 were produced – already embodied an incredibly harmonious synthesis of offroad and onroad characteristics. And yet the new version outstrips its predecessor, still acknowledged as outstanding, in every major respect.

A torsion-proof chassis, the front wheel suspension with the unique BMW Telelever and rear wheel suspension with the BMW Paralever still offer first-class, handling. Extremely efficient brakes combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS ensure maximum safety even in critical riding situations, and excellent environmental compatibility is achieved through cutting-edge exhaust purification with a regulated three-way catalytic converter.

And let’s not forget the maintenance-free shaft drive, which means that there is no need for maintenance work, which can be both unpleasant and time consuming on extended trips and long-distance tours in particular. As is traditional, BMW is once again also offering a reliable, ingenious luggage system for the new R 1200 GS, plus further made-to-measure accessories and special equipment.


Features:
The new engine – more powerful, higher revving and more dynamic.
In terms of its design principle, basic structure, power transmission and mixture preparation, the engine in the new R 1200 GS is based on that of the R 1200 R. However, improvements have been made in the area of engine management for use in the R 1200 GS as regards the special requirements that a large-volume adventure-tourer has to meet.

While the 1170 cm3 boxer engine in the predecessor model offered superb power development in all conditions and situations, the new R 1200 GS can give a fair amount more in this respect. With an output of 105 HP, a maximum engine speed increased to 8000 rpm, giving an even wider engine speed range, plus completely revised transmission ratios, it is even more dynamic than before, with more acceleration in the upper half of the speed range, and thus even better traction over the whole range. In combination with the reworked six-speed transmission, the new R 1200 GS thus offers the most dynamic performance of all the adventurer-tourers.

Like the models to date, the new, 12:1 compressed R 1200 GS can still be operated with 95-octane fuel. Normally designed for lead-free Super petrol (RON 95), the engine can also be operated with normal petrol (RON 91) without manual intervention, thanks to its knock control.

Redesigned transmission and new shift kinematics for even more dynamic riding and more precise gear shifting.
The redesigned six-speed transmission with increased bearing diameters and modified shaft distance take account of the increased engine power, expanded engine speed range and sometimes extreme conditions of use of the R 1200 GS on long-distance trips in particular.

A modification of the transmission ratios to the more dynamic engine characteristics and a shortening of the secondary transmission from 2.82:1 to 2.91:1 are reflected in the clearly increased propulsion in the upper half of the engine speed range and increased traction at low and medium engine speeds.

Following the redesign of the transmission, the R 1200 GS was also provided with an optimized shift mechanism with improved force-displacement for even more precise gear shifting and transparent feedback.

Chassis modification through the optional enduro ESA – further increasing agility, suitability for touring and offroad use.
Around three years after the totally successful launch of ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) as a special equipment item for the K 1200 S in 2004, this technology is now moving into the enduro segment for the first time with the new R 1200 GS. With its incredibly broad range of uses and the resultant widely varied demands made on it, the R 1200 GS is almost destined to use this unique chassis technology. Designed to meet the special needs of an adventure-tourer, the enduro ESA, which can be provided as special equipment ex factory, allows the chassis to be simply modified to various operating conditions and load situations simply by pressing a button.

The ESA used in the K 1200 S provided both for the electronically controlled suspension modification of the two spring struts of the Telelever at the front and the Paralever at the rear and for the adjustment of the rear spring base; however, the enduro ESA, with the additional electrohydraulic adjustment of the spring base at the front spring strut, takes account of the specific requirements of an adventure-tourer. This gives much better impact resistance in offroad use without any of the associated disadvantages in on-road use, such as reduced negative spring travel or increased seat height. In this way, the successful concept of the R 1200 GS has been improved still further in terms of agility, suitability for touring and offroad quality.

Enduro ESA with onroad and offroad settings – ideally suited to the purpose.
The electronic suspension adjustment Enduro ESA distinguishes between onroad and offroad modes, within which, the rider can make further adjustments to the specific requirements by selecting particular modes for the spring basis and suspension.

Extended pressing of the ESA button changes from one springing mode to other, and pressing the button for a short time makes changes within the suspension modes.

Onroad modes: By pressing a button, shown in the display by corresponding symbols, the rider can choose between three different load states: “rider only”, “rider with luggage”, and “pillion use”, which produces a corresponding lifting of the spring base of the rear spring strut. Each of the three load states can also be combined with three different suspension modes: “Sport”, “Normal” and “Comfort”. In all onroad modes, the spring base adjustment of the spring strut at the Telelever at the front is in the “Minimum” setting.

Offroad modes: For offroad use, the enduro ESA offers two modes for springing, which can each be combined with one of three suspension modes. The spring base mode “Medium reserves”, shown by the “round hill” display symbol, increases the spring base of the suspension strut at the Telelever at the front to 50%, and the rear spring strut is adjusted to the same value.

This setting is suitable for both slow and fast offroad travelling where large shelves, holes and impacts are likely. “Maximum reserves”, shown by the “pointed hills” display symbol, increases the spring base at both the front and rear spring strut to 100 % and is suitable when maximum impact safety is required. In this setting, the ground clearance is also increased by 2 cm in comparison with the onroad setting.

The two modes for the spring base can be combined with the three suspension modes “Soft”, “Norm” or “Hard”. While “Soft” is suitable, for example, for trial sections to be driven slowly, “Norm” is a practical suspension setting for most offroad use. The suspension mode “Hard” is particularly suitable for level surfaces which can be traversed quickly, and also for deep sand.

Ergonomic optimization of handlebars, hand protectors and seat.
Because of the two clamping elements, which can be rotated through 180 degrees and are mounted asymmetrically as in the HP2 sports model, the high-quality double-butted aluminium tubing handlebars can be mounted in two ergonomically different positions. While the rear handlebar position offers the best ergonomic conditions for riding on roads and on moderate offroad surfaces, the front handlebar position is particularly advantageous for riding in a standing position offroad. The newly developed hand protectors, which are available as special accessories for the R 1200 GS and which are already fitted ex factory as standard for the R 1200 GS Adventure, are now fixed directly to the handlebars. The thickness of the seat foam has been increased in the front area.

Fuel display with new sensor system.
A newly developed sensor system with an expanded measurement range and improved resolution is used for the fuel display. This allows a differentiated fuel level display starting from maximum.

Optimized battery charging with higher generator output.
The AC generator output has been increased from 600 to 720 W and the battery charging has been optimized.

Dynamic design with the emphasis on enduro attributes.
In line with its more dynamic performance, the new R 1200 GS also reflects the enduro aspect visually. Following the extensive model revision of the R 1200 GS, new stainless steel deflectors are used in the front fuel tank area, and the upper part of the front fender has also been redesigned to embody the masculine design language that is typical of the enduro. The new appearance of the R 1200 GS is rounded off by the two-colored optional hand protectors and a newly designed fin for optimized transport of cool air. The newly designed LED rear light and white indicators also reflect the R 1200 GS’s dynamic image.

Surfaces and colors.
The new R 1200 GS also shows its increased sportiness through its new colors and the way they are combined. Technical surfaces, as in the silver fin, the magnesium-colored anodised slide tubes or, following the lead of the sporty HP2, the magnesium-colored coated cylinder head covers and wheels, create a dynamic visual interplay with the traditional painted surfaces of the tank and fenders.

In combination with Titanium Silver Metallic, a deliberately technical version of the R 1200 GS through the changing colors of the metals.

Dark Slate Metallic Matt, on the other hand, is in the tradition of the particularly sporty BMW models, and gives the new R 1200 GS a very masculine character.

The sporty offroad character of the new R 1200 GS is underscored
by the two non-metallic paintwork colors: strong Tanzanite Blue and glowing Namibia Orange.

Special equipment and made-to-measure special accessories.
As a traditional system supplier, BMW Motorrad has also developed a wide range of special equipment for the new R 1200 GS and an extensive selection of made-to-measure special accessories. There is thus plenty of opportunity for personalization. Special equipment is supplied directly ex factory, and forms an integral part of the manufacturing process in the Berlin plant. Special accessories are fitted by BMW motorcycle dealers.

Specifications

Model: BMW R 1200 GS
Year: 2008
Category: Enduro / offroad
Rating: 76.5 out of 100.

Engine and transmission
Displacement: 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine type: Two cylinder boxer
Stroke: 2
Power: 103.25 HP (75.4 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque: 115.00 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM
Compression: 12.0:1
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches)
Fuel system: Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Valves per cylinder: 4
Fuel control: SOHC
Starter: Electric
Cooling system: Oil & air
Gearbox: 6-speed

Transmission type
final drive: Shaft drive (cardan)
Clutch: Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Physical measures
Dry weight: 203.0 kg (447.5 pounds)
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds)
Overall length: 2,210 mm (87.0 inches)
Overall width: 23,749 mm (935.0 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,507 mm (59.3 inches)


Chassis and dimensions
Frame type: Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Rake (fork angle): 25.7°
Trail: 101 mm (4.0 inches)
Front suspension: BMW Motorrad Telelever
Front suspension travel: 190 mm (7.5 inches)
Rear suspension: Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear suspension travel: 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 110/80-19
Rear tyre dimensions: 150/70-17
Front brakes: Double disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off
Front brakes diameter: 305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc. Optional ABS, can be switched off
Rear brakes diameter: 265 mm (10.4 inches)

Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio: 0.5086 HP/kg

Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres (5.28 gallons)
Fuel consumption pr. 10 km (6.2 miles): 4.30 litres (1.14 gallons)

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