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Enduro - Offroad · 2012

R 1200 GS Triple Black

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MotoLibrary Score
52 /100 Balanced
Power/Weight
0.24 hp/kg
Torque
120 Nm
Engine
1170 ccm

2012 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black enduro - offroad motorcycle, BMW utilizes a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, two-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 48 HP (35 kW) at 7,750 rpm while maximum torque reaches 120 Nm (88.5 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 41 HP per liter and a 1,750 rpm working window between peak torque (6,000 rpm) and peak power (7,750 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the R 1200 GS Triple Black measures 229 kg (505 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.77 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 850 mm (33.5 in) seat height — resulting in a taller command-style riding posture suited to medium-to-tall inseams, combined with a 1,507 mm (59.3 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 20-liter (5.3 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.3 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 465 km (289 miles) between fill-ups.

Specific Output
41 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.21 HP/kg (4.77 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
6,000–7,750 rpm
Theoretical Range
~465 km (289 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke
Engine Details Rradially aligned valves
Power 48.0 HP (35.0 kW)) @ 7750 RPM
Torque 120.0 Nm (12.2 kgf-m or 88.5 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Compression 12.0:1
Bore x Stroke 101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition
Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Lubrication Dry sump
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
Fuel Consumption 4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 99.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Emission Details Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Chassis
Frame Type Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit
Rake 25.7°
Trail 101 mm (4.0 inches)
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever
Front Travel 190 mm (7.5 inches)
Rear Suspension Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear Travel 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Wheelbase 1507 mm (59.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 110/80-R19
Rear Tyre 150/70-R17
Front Brakes Double disc. Optional integral ABS. Can be switched off.
Front Brake Ø 305 mm (12.0 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. Optional integral ABS. Can be switched off.
Rear Brake Ø 265 mm (10.4 inches)
Wheels Black Cross Spoke Wheels
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 203.0 kg (447.5 pounds)
Weight incl. 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.2365 HP/kg
Seat Height 850 mm (33.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height 765 mm (30.1 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Length 2210 mm (87.0 inches)
Overall Width 915 mm (36.0 inches)
Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres (5.28 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 4.00 litres (1.06 US gallons)
Other
Color Options Black/gray
Electrical 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free battery.
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Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
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Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
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Weight
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Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🟡
Intermediate
Requires some riding experience.
🌲
Best For
Off-Road & Adventure
📏
Seat Height
85 cm / 33.5 in
⚖️
Handling
Medium weight — some experience needed
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