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Adventure — heavyweight

BMW R1200GS

LC wethead201320142015201620172018

Factory configuration

LC wethead

What changed for 2014 · LC wethead

Platform continuation
BMW's launch package defines the liquid-cooled 1,170 cc, 125 hp boxer, integrated six-speed gearbox and wet anti-hopping clutch carried by the MY2014 configuration. Manufacturer source
BMW R1200GS LC wethead — LC wethead — 2013–2018
Image: BMW Group PressClub Global — BMW Motorrad Press Kit

Vitals

Wet weight
238 kg
Seat height
850 / 870 mm
Fuel capacity
20 L
Real world range
332 km
Front tyre
120/70 R19
Rear tyre
170/60 R17
Tyre pressures
2.5 / 2.9 bar solo
Payload capacity
212 kg
TerrainTarmacGravel — easyGravel — technical

Field repair

Fuse box
Underneath the seat
Fuses
3
OBD port
Diagnostic socket, accessed by removing the battery cover (behind battery cover area) · BMW proprietary via GS-911 / K+DCAN or ENET
Battery access
AGM battery located under the seat, accessed after removing seat and battery cover

Side-stand switch bypass (temporary field workaround)

  1. 01Locate the side-stand switch wiring connector (typically under the left side of the seat/fairing, following the wires from the side stand).
  2. 02Identify the two switch wires (commonly white and red on this platform, but verify with a wiring diagram for your exact VIN).
  3. 03Disconnect the switch connector and join the two wires directly together (twist and insulate, or use a bypass connector).
  4. 04This permanently signals 'side stand up' to the DME, defeating the stall-prevention interlock — use only as an emergency measure to get the bike running, and have the switch properly replaced at a dealer as soon as possible.

Data sheet

Dimensions & weights

Wet weight
238 kg
Seat height
850 / 870 mm
Suspension travel
190 / 200 mm
Payload capacity
212 kg

Engine & drivetrain

Engine
1170 cc · Boxer twin
Cooling
Liquid cooled
Output
125 hp · 125 Nm
Transmission
6-speed
Final drive
Shaft
Fuelling
Electronic fuel injection

Fuel & range

Fuel capacity
20 L
Real world range
332 km

Electronics & rider aids

Ride modes
Rain/Road/Dynamic/Enduro
Cruise control
Yes
Traction control
Yes · defeatable
ABS
Yes · fully defeatable
Heated grips
No
Heated seat
No

Service intervals

Service interval
10,000 km
Valve check
20,000 km

Protection

Bash plate
None
Radiator guard
No
Oil cooler guard
No
Hand guards
No

Consumables & service specs

Every value carries its source.

Tyre pressures

Front — solo
2.5 barTyre cold; BMW does not publish a separate solo pressure — this is the single stated front pressureBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official
Rear — solo
2.9 barTyre cold; BMW does not publish a separate solo pressure — this is the single stated rear pressureBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Engine oil

Viscosity
SAE 5W-40API SL / JASO MA2; BMW recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil; molybdenum-based additives not permitted (coated engine components)BMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official
Capacity
4.0 lMax, with filter change; MIN-to-MAX top-up difference approx. 0.95 lBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Coolant

Capacity
1.5 lComplete cooling circuit; expansion tank capacity 0.25 L.R1200GS LC service coolant data
Type
BMW Motorrad-approved antifreeze with corrosion inhibitorUse compatible coolant; do not mix incompatible coolant chemistries.R1200GS LC service coolant data

Brakes

Fluid type
DOT 4Front and rearBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Final drive

Shaft oil grade
Shaft drive with bevel gears (cardan), single-sided BMW EVO Paralever swingarm, gear ratio 2.91 (32/11 teeth)BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Shaft oil capacity
180 ml180 ml for oil change on 2010+ wethead-era final drives (fill via dedicated fill hole, not speed sensor hole); community-sourced corroborationADVrider final drive capacity thread

Spark plugs

Gap
0.8 mm0.8±0.1 mm when new; 1.0 mm wear limitBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official
Quantity
2One per cylinder, boxer twinBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Battery

Type
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), 12V 12Ah maintenance-freeBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Fuel

Minimum octane
91 RON / 87 AKI (regular unleaded, power/consumption restricted); 95 RON / 89 AKI recommended (premium unleaded)BMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official
Ethanol tolerance
Max. 10% ethanol (E10)E85/Flex Fuel not permittedBMW OM R1200GS 2014 · official

Tyre Library

Tyres for this bike and year

Start with this motorcycle’s front and rear sizes. Open a tyre to check the complete fit for this exact bike and year; a size or original-equipment report alone does not confirm it.

Search these sizes

Matches this bike and year

Bridgestone Battlax Adventure Trail AT41

The manufacturer lists this exact front and rear tyre pair for the selected motorcycle and year. Any details the source does not publish separately remain visible below.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup.

manufacturer fact: Bridgestone lists this exact AT41 front and rear pair for the R 1200 GS generation.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Anakee Adventure

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Anakee III

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Anakee Road

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Anakee Wild

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Pirelli Angel GT II

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventure A41

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross Scrambler AX41S

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Continental ContiRoadAttack 4

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Continental ContiTrailAttack 3

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Mitas Enduro Trail-ADV 2

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Metzeler Karoo 4

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Metzeler Karoo Street

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Road 6

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Metzeler Roadtec 02

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Michelin Scorcher Adventure

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Pirelli Scorpion Rally

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Pirelli Scorpion Trail II

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Pirelli Scorpion Trail III

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Avon Spirit ST

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Mitas Terra Force-R

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Continental TKC 70

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Sizes match, but more needs checking

Metzeler Tourance Next 2

Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli Angel GT

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli Angel ST

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLAX BT-45

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T32

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T33

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLE WING BW501 / BW502

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone BATTLECRUISE H50

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Avon Cobra Chrome

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Commander II

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Commander III Cruiser

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Commander III Touring

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiClassicAttack

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiEscape

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiLegend

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiMotion

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiRoad

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental ContiTour

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Cruisetec

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone EXEDRA G853 / G852

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone EXEDRA MAX

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

IRC GP-21F / GP-22R

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Dunlop K750

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Lasertec

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli MT 21 Rallycross

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli MT 60 RS

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Pirelli Night Dragon

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental RB 2 / K 112

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Road 5

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Road 6 GT

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Road Classic

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Road W GT

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Roadtec 01

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Scorcher 11

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Michelin Scorcher 31

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental TKC 70 Rocks

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Continental TKC 80

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Metzeler Tourance

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

No matching front and rear pair

Bridgestone Trail Wing TW101 / TW42

No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.

Still needs checking: a named tyre match.

Does not fit this bike

Mitas Enduro Trail-XT+

The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Does not fit this bike

Mitas Enduro Trail+

The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Does not fit this bike

Heidenau K60 Scout

The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

Does not fit this bike

Continental TKC 80²

The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.

Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.

What breaks first and where.

01

Cam chain tensioner (left-side) wear / oil leak

CatastrophicOccasional

The left-side camshaft timing chain tensioner spring can weaken over time, and the tensioner assembly is a documented leak/rattle point on early wethead engines. Separately, some early-production 2014 engines have experienced complete cam chain failure at low mileage (reported case: right-side cam chain snapped at 7,240 miles, locking the engine).

Symptoms

  • Oil leak from left engine casing
  • Rattling noise (~2 sec) on cold start
  • In severe cases: sudden engine lock-up, no warning

Field repairableNo — Minor tensioner leaks can be addressed by retightening/replacing the tensioner and washer gasket (BMW part 07 11 9 963 342) with basic tools; catastrophic chain failure requires an engine rebuild/replacement and is not field-repairable.

Where to find things

Common locations for jacks, filters, fluids and fuse boxes. Follow the reference link when a picture helps more than words.

Engine oil fill

Engine-oil filler and level-check point on the engine; use the referenced owner-manual level procedure and keep contamination out of the opening.

Reference

Coolant reservoir

Coolant expansion reservoir shown in the referenced owner-manual general-view and maintenance diagrams; open or top up only when the system is cold.

Reference

Brake fluid reservoir

Front reservoir at the handlebar master cylinder and rear reservoir beside the rear master cylinder; use the manual's motorcycle attitude for level checks.

Reference

Battery

AGM battery located under the seat, accessed after removing seat and battery cover

Reference

Fuse box — interior

Underneath the seat

Reference

OBD-II port

Diagnostic socket, accessed by removing the battery cover (behind battery cover area)

Reference