R1200GS Adventure: complete maintenance guide for K25 and K51

Taking care of your BMW R1200GS Adventure is crucial for its longevity, reliability and performance, whether on the road or off-road. In this comprehensive maintenance guide, we detail all the maintenance operations required for the two iconic versions of the R1200GS Adventure: the K25 (2006-2013, air/oil engine) and the K51 (2014-2018, liquid-cooled engine). Whether you're using your bike on a daily basis or for long trips, this R1200GS Adventure maintenance guide will help you understand your vehicle's specific needs and plan for each maintenance intervention — from simple visual control to major revisions.

Motorcycle maintenance R 1200 GS Adventure: the engine part

Change air filters of the BMW R1200GS Adventure

The air filter plays a crucial role in the performance and longevity of the R 1200 GS Adventure engine. It prevents impurities from entering the combustion chamber while ensuring optimal air flow. But be careful: not all models use the same air filter.

The air filter version K51 (2013-2018, liquid cooling engine) is specific and cannot be interchanged with K25 generations with air/oil engines. In addition, among the K25, there are several references:

• The air filter R 1200 GS Adventure 2006 (0382, 0397) is different from that of version 2008 (0380, 0390).

• The model 2010 (0470, 0480) uses another type of air filter.

It is therefore imperative to choose the right filter element according to your motorcycle's model code to ensure optimal engine operation.

Engine oil and oil filter BMW Motorrad for the R 1200 GS Adventure

The choice of engine oil must respect the recommendations BMW for each generation:

• The R1200GS Adventure K51 requires oil 5W-40, suitable for its liquid-cooled engine.

• For models K25, recommended oil is a 15W-50, more suitable for air/oil cooling engines.

As regards the oil filter, the version K51 (2013 to 2018) uses a different model than that r 1200 GS Adventure K25. Threads, diameter and fastening system are not compatible from one generation to the next. Again, it is essential to refer to the correct OEM reference in order to avoid any error in discharges.

Motorcycle ignition plugs BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The spark plugs also vary according to the generation and year of your BMW R1200GS Adventure. The exact matches are as follows:

• K51 (2013-2018) : spark plugs NGK LMAR8D-J, specific to the liquid engine.

• K25 2006 (0382, 0397) and K25 2008 (0380, 0390) : spark plugs NGK DCPR8EKC, suitable for single-ignition boxer dual-cylinder engines.

• K25 2010 (0470, 0480) : spark plugs NGK MAR8B-JDS, used on dual-ignition electronic models.

Regular replacement of spark plugs ensures optimum ignition, better consumption and more efficient cold start.

Brakes BMW R 1200 GS Adventure: pads and discs

Brake pads for motorcycles BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The braking system BMW R1200GS Adventure changes significantly between k25 generations (2006-2013) and K51 (2014-2018). The front brake pads are specific to each model due to design differences in the caliper and ABS braking system. Thus, K25 front plates are not compatible with K51 and vice versa.

The same observation at the back: rear brake pads of R 1200 GS Adventure K25 in contrast to the version K51, despite apparent similarity. It is therefore essential to check the exact compatibility of the references when replacing, in order to ensure optimal safety and constant braking performance, both on the road and off-road.

Brake discs for motorcycles BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The front brake discs also vary according to the generations of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. The version K51 uses specific discs, distinct from those mounted on the R 1200 GS Adventure K25 model 2006 (0382, 0397), as well as other subsequent K25 variations. The diameter, thickness and fastening system may differ, making any substitution hazardous if the correct references are not respected.

In the back, the r 1200 GS Adventure K25 brake disc is common to all years of production of this generation, which simplifies the search for parts. However, the rear disc of the K51 is different, and requires a dedicated model.

To maintain braking efficiency and the longevity of your components, always keep up with the original specifications of BMW Motorrad when replacing pads and discs.

Battery BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The choice of battery for your BMW R1200GS Adventure depends closely on the generation and vintage of the bike. If all versions use a 12V battery, the dimensions, capacity and terminal type vary according to the years of production.

The battery of the R 1200 GS Adventure K51 (2014-2018) is identical to that used on the K25 model 2006 (0382, 0397). This compatibility makes it possible to unify the choice for these two generations, although they have different engine technologies (liquid cooling for K51, air/oil for K25).

On the other hand, newer K25 models use a separate battery. The R 1200 GS Adventure K25 model 2008 (0380, 0390) shares exactly the same battery as the 2010 version (0470, 0480). These two variants require a specific reference, not interchangeable with the first generation K51 or K25.

Before replacing, it is therefore essential to check the exact compatibility according to the model code of your motorcycle. An inadequate battery can compromise the start-up, on-board electronics operation and life of your electrical system.

Drive Shaft de la BMW R 1200 GS Adventure: transmission maintenance

The shaft transmission system, or Drive Shaft, is one of the distinctive features of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure. Robust, reliable and requiring little maintenance compared to a conventional chain, the Drive Shaft requires regular checks and proper maintenance to ensure its longevity, especially in off-road use or long journeys.

It is essential to note that Drive Shaft of the R 1200 GS Adventure K51 (2013-2018) is technically different from previous generations with an air/oil engine. Its design has been redesigned to fit the new chassis, the redesigned swing arm and the higher engine torque. [Lien vers le Drive Shaft K51]

For K25 models, several references exist:

• The Drive Shaft de la R 1200 GS Adventure 2006 (0382, 0397) is a specific version, not interchangeable with later models.

• However, the R 1200 GS Adventure 2008 (0380, 0390) and 2010 version (0470, 0480) share the same Drive Shaft, designed to withstand engine torque evolution and rear suspension modifications.

During the interview, it is recommended that:

• Check regularly for absence of abnormal play or vibration.

• Control and replace oil from the final deck every 20,000 km.

• Inspect protective bellows to prevent infiltration of water or dust.

Using the right Drive Shaft reference, in accordance with the model code of your R 1200 GS Adventure, is essential to ensure smooth, secure and durable transmission – whether on the road or on the way.

Consumers BMW Motorrad for the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure: oils and liquids

• Type 2 fork oil : it guarantees an ideal suspension, reliable and comfortable; it is advisable to change it every 2 years or more often if you practice off-road regularly

• Brake fluid : essential for safe and reactive braking, to change every 1-2 years to avoid failure of the braking system

• Antifreeze liquid for radiator : to change every 2 to 3 years to protect against frost and corrosion

• Transmission oil : it ensures the proper functioning and longevity of the Drive Shaft; drain every 20,000 to 30,000 km depending on the use of the bike.

Summary of the complete maintenance guide for motorcycles BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

With this comprehensive maintenance guide, you now have all the keys in hand to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of your BMW R1200GS Adventure. Whether for regular checks or major reviews, this guide will accompany you in every stage of your motorcycle maintenance. To order the necessary parts and consumables, visit our site, for all your spare parts and accessories needs BMW Motorrad.