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Sport · 2009

R 1200 R

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MotoLibrary Score
62 /100 Sporty
Power/Weight
0.54 hp/kg
Top Speed
200 km/h
Torque
115 Nm
Engine
1170 ccm

2009 BMW R 1200 R Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the sport motorcycle segment, the 2009 BMW R 1200 R utilizes a 1170 cc (71.4 cu in) oil & air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 107.3 HP (78.3 kW) at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 115 Nm (84.8 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 91.7 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (6,000 rpm) and peak power (7,500 rpm), the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R 1200 R measures 223 kg (492 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.48 HP/kg (2.08 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 800 mm (31.5 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance, combined with a 1,495 mm (58.9 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 18-liter (4.8 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.1 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 439 km (273 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 200 km/h (124 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 12 indexed model years from 2008 to 2019, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
91.7 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.48 HP/kg (2.08 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
6,000–7,500 rpm
Theoretical Range
~439 km (273 mi)
Engine
Displacement 1170.0 ccm (71.39 cubic inches)
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Engine Details Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power 107.3 HP (78.3 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque 115.0 Nm (11.7 kgf-m or 84.8 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 Single Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Cooling Oil & air
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Performance
Top Speed 200.0 km/h (124.3 mph)
Fuel Consumption 4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases 95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Exhaust Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Chassis
Frame Type Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections with load-bearing engine-gearbox unit
Rake 27.1°
Trail 119 mm (4.7 inches)
Front Suspension BMW Motorrad Telelever
Front Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Suspension Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rear Travel 140 mm (5.5 inches)
Wheelbase 1495 mm (58.9 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 180/55-ZR17
Front Brakes Double disc. Optional ABS
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. Optional ABS
Rear Brake Ø 265 mm (10.4 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)
Weight incl. 223.0 kg (491.6 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.5418 HP/kg
Seat Height 800 mm (31.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height 1240 mm (48.8 inches)
Overall Length 2145 mm (84.4 inches)
Overall Width 872 mm (34.3 inches)
Fuel Capacity 18.00 litres (4.76 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel 2.00 litres (0.53 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Night black, Night black with stripes, Granite grey, Crystal grey
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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
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
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?

🔴
Advanced
High performance — experienced riders only.
🏁
Best For
Sport & Track
📏
Seat Height
80 cm / 31.5 in
⚖️
Handling
Medium weight — some experience needed
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