BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
The 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black is an adventure touring motorcycle designed for experienced riders seeking long-distance comfort and off-road capability. Known for its legendary boxer engine, adjustable seat height, and robust construction, it excels in mixed terrain riding. The bike's balanced weight distribution and proven reliability make it ideal for exploratory touring across diverse landscapes.
General information | |
| Category | Enduro / offroad |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Emission details | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3 |
| Greenhouse gases | 99.8 CO |
| Fuel consumption | 4.30 litres/100 km (23.3 km/l or 54.70 mpg) |
| Clutch | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Transmission type,final drive | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Oil & air |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Fuel control | DOHC |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Bore x stroke | 101.0 x 73.0 mm (4.0 x 2.9 inches) |
| Compression | 12.0:1 |
| Torque | 120.00 Nm (12.2 kgf-m or 88.5 ft.lbs) @ 6000 |
| Power | 48.00 |
| Engine details | Rradially aligned valves |
| Engine type | Two cylinder boxer, two-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1170.00 ccm (71.39 cubic inches) |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black Cross Spoke Wheels |
| Rear brakes diameter | 265 mm (10.4 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Optional integral ABS. Can be switched off. |
| Front brakes diameter | 305 mm (12.0 inches) |
| Front brakes | Double disc. Optional integral ABS. Can be switched off. |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 150/70-R17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 110/80-R19 |
| Rear suspension travel | 200 mm (7.9 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Front suspension travel | 190 mm (7.5 inches) |
| Front suspension | BMW Motorrad Telelever |
| Trail | 101 mm (4.0 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 25.7° |
| Frame type | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load- bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Reserve fuel capacity | 4.00 litres (1.06 gallons) |
| Fuel capacity | 20.00 litres (5.28 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,507 mm (59.3 inches) |
| Overall width | 915 mm (36.0 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,210 mm (87.0 inches) |
| Alternate seat height | 765 mm (30.1 inches) If adjustable, highest setting. |
| Seat height | 850 mm (33.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2365 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 229.0 kg (504.9 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 203.0 kg (447.5 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Black/gray |
| Seat | Two section dual seat with variable height riders seat |
| Electrical | 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free battery. |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to intermediate and experienced riders comfortable with a tall, heavy adventure bike; note the listed power figure of 48 HP seems unusually low for this model and may be a data error, so this profile leans on general R1200GS domain knowledge. |
| Purpose | Built as a go-anywhere adventure tourer that blends long-distance comfort with genuine off-road capability. |
| Rider Fit | Riders should be reasonably tall or confident on tiptoes given the seat height and the bike's substantial wet weight around 229 kg, which demands strength at low speed and on uneven terrain. |
| Character | A versatile, torque-rich boxer-twin adventure machine with shaft drive, Telelever/Paralever suspension, and switchable ABS, designed for stability and control across varied surfaces. |
| Not Ideal For | Not ideal for riders seeking a lightweight city runabout or a track-focused sportbike, as its size, weight, and adventure-touring focus work against sharp, high-speed agility. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (2)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Source: NHTSA. View all BMW recalls →
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