R1200R: maintenance of this roadster | Complete BMW Motorrad guide

The BMW R 1200 R is an iconic motorcycle from the BMW Motorrad range, renowned for its performance and elegant design. To ensure its longevity and optimal performance, regular maintenance is essential. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to take care of your BMW R 1200 R, covering crucial aspects such as engine oil, air filter, and much more. Learn how to perform your servicing and maintenance using genuine parts and products to preserve the quality of your motorcycle. Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or a diligent owner, this complete maintenance guide is your go-to reference for ensuring the safety and riding pleasure of your BMW R 1200 R.

Brakes on the BMW R 1200 R

One of the most important maintenance tasks for your safety on a motorcycle is servicing the braking system. The components are subject to natural wear and must be regularly inspected and replaced to ensure ideal reliability and safety.

Brake pads for the BMW R 1200 R

Brake pads wear out the fastest, which is why they require special attention.

• Every 5,000 km, inspect the brake pads for wear indicators and any cracks
• Every 10,000 to 20,000 km, depending on their condition, replace the pads
• Use the original brake pads designed for your motorcycle

Depending on the production year of your motorcycle, the pad reference may vary, so be careful to select the correct one:

Brake discs for the BMW R 1200 R

Although less frequently needed, servicing the brake discs is still important if you want to ensure your safety.

• Every 10,000 km and with every brake pad replacement, inspect the discs for signs of wear or deformation
• At the first visible signs, replace the brake discs without delay

As with the brake pads, be sure to select the references matching your motorcycle, which are:

• For R 1200 R models from 2006 to 2014: here are the front brake discs and the rear brake disc
• For R 1200 R models from 2014 onwards: here are the front brake discs and the rear brake disc

BMW R 1200 R Engine: Key Points

Your engine is the power source of your motorcycle. To ensure stable and consistent performance, it's essential not to overlook certain key points.

Spark Plugs: Avoiding Breakdowns on the BMW R 1200 R

Spark plugs play an important role in your motorcycle’s combustion and starting. Worn plugs can cause breakdowns.

• Every 20,000 km and at the first signs of weakness, inspect the spark plugs
• Every 20,000 to 25,000 km, replace the spark plugs using the NGK DCPR8EKC for BMW R 1200 R models up to 2010, the MAR8B-JDS for models from 2010 to 2014 and finally the NGK LMAR8D-J for models from 2014 onwards.

BMW R 1200 R Air Filter

The air filter also plays a role in your motorcycle’s combustion; if clogged, it can cause a loss of power.

• Every 10,000 km, check the condition of the air filter
• Every 20,000 km or earlier if necessary, replace the air filter using the correct reference
• For BMW R 1200 R models before 2010, choose this air filter
• For BMW R 1200 R models from 2010 to 2014, choose this air filter
• For BMW R 1200 R models from 2014 onwards, choose this air filter

Engine Oil and Oil Filter: an Essential Oil Change for the BMW R 1200 R

As with any combustion engine, changing the oil is a simple procedure and very important for your engine’s health.

• Every 10,000 km, perform an engine oil change and replace the oil filter
• Use this oil filter for models before 2014
• Use this oil filter for models from 2014 onwards
• Use BMW Advantec Pro 15W-50 oil for models before 2014

• Use BMW Advantec Ultimate 5W-40 oil for models from 2014 onwards

Battery Maintenance for the BMW R 1200 R

The battery provides the energy your motorcycle needs, which is why maintaining this component is essential for smooth riding on the road.

• All BMW R 1200 R models are equipped with the same AGM battery (lead-acid)
• This type of battery may require recharging using the battery charger approximately every 2 months, as soon as the voltage drops between 12V and 12.5V
• To prevent corrosion, remember to clean the terminals regularly
• Replace the battery every 3 to 5 years or as soon as it no longer holds a charge

Transmission: how to maintain it on the BMW R 1200 R?

On the BMW R 1200 R, power is transmitted via shaft drive, which eliminates any chain maintenance. However, the shaft drive may also require some care, such as:

• Visual inspections of the shaft drive and connected components every 10,000 km
• Changing the transmission oil and gearbox oil every 20,000 to 30,000 km

Subject to natural wear, the clutch must also be considered during your maintenance intervals as well as during daily use. Listen carefully for unusual noises and pay attention to any slipping. If signs appear, replace the clutch kit.

Consumables: essential fluids and oils for the BMW R 1200 R

To carry out proper BMW R1200R maintenance, certain fluids and oils are necessary. Check these levels regularly and perform oil changes according to the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.

• The brake fluid: replace every 2 years to ensure effective braking
• Fork oil: of type 1 for early models and type 2 from 2010 onwards, to be replaced every 2 years
• The radiator antifreeze fluid: replace every 2 to 3 years to prevent freezing and corrosion

For all these consumable products, it is strongly recommended to use genuine BMW Motorrad references as only these are 100% designed for your motorcycle and its requirements.

Maintenance Summary: the Table

For easier maintenance and to stick to the schedule, here is our summary table listing all maintenance tasks to carry out on your BMW R 1200 R:

By strictly following this maintenance guide for your BMW R 1200 R, you ensure not only the longevity of your motorcycle but also a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Whether it's regularly checking the engine oil, air filter, brake pads, or spark plugs, each step is crucial for the proper functioning of your vehicle. Do not overlook the importance of periodic servicing, which also includes checking the brake fluid, as well as inspecting the gearbox and shaft drive. By using BMW Motorrad original maintenance products and parts, you ensure your bike remains in perfect condition, ready to provide you with many miles of riding pleasure. Finally, remember to regularly consult the owner's manual to stay informed about the specific maintenance schedules for your R 1200 R model. With these tips, your BMW R 1200 R will continue to deliver optimal performance and safe riding. Find all the parts for your BMW R 1200 R as well as all related articles directly on our website.