Factory Workshop SpecificationsPlatform Gen: 2013–2018

2018 BMW R 1200 GS Specifications & Consumables

Official workshop technical reference: fluid capacities, spark plug codes, drive chain specs, and tire inflation pressures.

Gen 2013–2018

Factory Platform Compatibility: All workshop fluid capacities, maintenance milestones, torque specifications, and consumables on this specification sheet are factory-identical across model years 2013 through 2018.

Select Model Year:(Active: 2018)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Engine

1170cc

Drive

Not Available

Cooling

Liquid/Air-Cooled

Engineering Subsystem Workbenches & Calculators

Dedicated deep-dive diagnostic tools, torque matrices, wiring pinouts, and calculators tailored for 2018 BMW R 1200 GS.

10 Dedicated Engineering Spoke Pages

Subsystem Guide/torques

Fastener Torques

Engine drain plug, axle spindles, caliper mounts, triple clamp pinch bolts & thread lubrication derating guide.

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Subsystem Guide/fluids

Fluids & Capacities

Oil: 4.00 L (4.23 US qt) • Coolant: 1.50 L (1.59 US qt) • Brake: DOT 4

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Subsystem Guide/fuses-relays

Fuses & Relays

Main: 50A Maxi Master • Location: N/A

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Subsystem Guide/compression

Compression & Leakdown

Ratio: 12.0:1 • Std: 160-205 PSI • Limit: 140 PSI

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Subsystem Guide/valves

Valve Clearances

Intake: N/A mm • Exhaust: N/A mm

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Subsystem Guide/fuel-delivery

Fuel Delivery & TB Sync

Idle: N/A • Rail Pressure: N/A • Vacuum: N/A

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Subsystem Guide/electrical

Charging & Battery

Battery: YTX14-BS • CCA: 200 • Regulated: 14.3 - 14.8 V DC

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Subsystem Guide/tires

Tires & Gearing

Front: 120/70R19 • Rear: 170/60R17

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Subsystem Guide/suspension

Suspension & Sag

Front Travel: 190 mm • Rear Travel: 200 mm

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Subsystem Guide/maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Oil: Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) mi • Valves: N/A • Plugs: Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) mi

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Fluids & Service Capacities

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Engine Oil (Drain & Filter Change)4.00 L (4.23 US qt)

Engine Oil (Drain Only)3.50 L (3.70 US qt)

Recommended Oil Viscosity5W-40 API SL / JASO MA2

Coolant System Capacity1.50 L (1.59 US qt)

Brake Fluid StandardDOT 4

Drivetrain, Chain & Gearing

Gearing Calculator →Shop Chains & Sprockets →

Drive Chain PitchShaft Drive

Chain Link CountN/A

Front Sprocket TeethN/A

Rear Sprocket TeethN/A

Final Drive ConfigurationShaft Drive

Ignition & Electrical Specifications

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OEM Spark Plug Part NumberNGK LMAR8D-J

Electrode Spark Plug Gap0.8 mm (0.031 in)

OEM Battery Reference CodeYTX14-BS

Battery Output & Rating12V 12Ah 200 CCA

Spark Plug Inspection Interval12,000 miles (20,000 km) miles

Wheels, Tires & Inflation Pressures

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Front Tire Dimensions120/70R19

Cold Front Inflation Pressure36 PSI (Cold)

Rear Tire Dimensions170/60R17

Cold Rear Inflation Pressure42 PSI (Cold)

OEM Wheel Rim Widths (F / R)3.00" / 4.50"

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls & Technical Bulletins

2 Active Campaigns

U.S. Department of Transportation compliance database (Title 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301).

Verify VIN on NHTSA.gov

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 2 safety recall campaigns associated with this platform. Independent repair shops and riders should confirm that authorized dealership warranty remedies have been applied.

NHTSA #14V211000POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Received: 18/04/2014▼

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 R 1200 GS motorcycles manufactured November 2012 through August 2013. Pressure inside the transmission may cause the transmission output seal to be pushed out of place.

Safety Hazard / Consequence

If the output seal ring is pushed out of its proper position, oil may leak from the transmission onto the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

Factory Remedy & Repair Action

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will fit a bracket to prevent the transmission seal from being pushed out of position, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Manufacturer Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

NHTSA #21V060000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Received: 08/02/2021▼

OEM Workshop Archives

Official Factory Service Bulletins & Field Updates

1 Documented Bulletin

Bulletin #BMW-17V438Safety Recall SIB 31 01 22: R 1200 GS Telelever Fixed Fork Tube Stanchion Crimp Separation

Source: BMW_Recall17V438_RCRIT-17V438-2955.pdf

Mandated Torques:Torque: 40 N·m (30 lbf·ft) (Top Stanchion Nut to Upper Fork Bridge)Torque: 19 N·m (14 lbf·ft) (Lower Fork Bridge Clamp Pinch Bolts - 3x Alternating)Torque: 50 N·m (37 lbf·ft) (Front Quick-Release Axle Screw)Torque: 19 N·m (14 lbf·ft) (Front Axle Pinch Bolts)Torque: 38 N·m (28 lbf·ft) (Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts - M10 x 65)

Consumable Specs:Loctite 7063 Degreaser / CleanerCastrol Optimoly TA High-Temperature Assembly Paste

Genuine Part Numbers:31 42 8 388 95831 42 8 388 95931 42 8 396 07731 42 8 566 596

NHTSA Recall 17V-438SIB 31 01 22 / Campaign 0000313000

R 1200 GS / Adventure Telelever Fork Stanchion Crimp Assembly

Telelever fixed fork tube crimp gap measurement, stainless reinforcement sleeve press-fit, and triple clamp torque specifications.

Federal Safety RemedyGap ≤ 0.2mm Collar / Top Nut 40 N·m

Click any element above for factory gap measurement criteria, special mandrel installation, and bridge torques.

Factory Tightening TorquesService Manual

Top Stanchion Nut to Upper Fork Bridge40 N·m (30 lb-ft)

Threaded collar nut engaging top seal plug

Lower Fork Bridge (Triple Clamp) Pinch Bolts19 N·m (14 lb-ft)

M8 pinch bolts securing fork slider stanchion guides

Front Quick-Release Axle Screw50 N·m (37 lb-ft)

Torque axle first before compressing forks and tightening pinch bolts

Front Axle Pinch Bolts (Right Fork Leg)19 N·m (14 lb-ft)

Tighten 2x M8 bolts alternately 3 times to seat evenly

Front Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts (4x M10 × 65)38 N·m (28 lb-ft)

Radial Brembo caliper mounting bolts

Telelever Ball Joint to Lower Fork Bridge130 N·m (96 lb-ft)

Microencapsulated or high-strength threadlocker

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