2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) Specs & Review

Looking for definitive 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) specs? This is BMW’s do-it-all adventure machine: a liquid-cooled boxer twin designed for riders who split their mileage between long highways, twisty backroads, and the occasional gravel detour. This BMW R 1200 GS (LC) review focuses on the numbers and how they translate to real-world riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Air/liquid-cooled 2-cylinder boxer, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
• Displacement: 1170 cc
• Power: 92 kW (125 hp) @ 7,750 rpm
• Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
• Wet weight (DIN, road ready): 244 kg
• Seat height (standard): 850 / 870 mm adjustable

Engine & Performance

The 1170 cc boxer delivers its punch where it counts, with 92 kW (125 hp) arriving at 7,750 rpm and a stout 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm. In practice, that means confident overtakes on the highway and easy roll-on power when you’re threading through the countryside. Official figures back it up: 0–100 km/h in 3.6 s and a top speed of 200 km/h.

BMW’s BMS-X electronic fuel injection and a 12.5:1 compression ratio keep responses crisp, while the 101 mm x 73 mm bore and stroke layout retains the boxer’s character. The anti-hopping wet clutch helps keep things composed on aggressive downshifts, and the 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox (ratios I 2.438 through VI 0.848, with a 1.65 primary ratio) feeds a shaft final drive with a 2.91 ratio for low-maintenance touring. Fuel consumption is listed at 4.96 L/100 km (WMTC), and the 20 L tank supports long stints between stops.

Practicality is baked in, too: a 620 W alternator and a maintenance-free 12 V / 12 Ah battery are ready for heated gear and accessory loads. The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) specs also meet EU4 emissions standards.

Handling, Comfort & BMW R 1200 GS (LC) Seat Height

Adventure bikes live or die by balance and control, and the GS’s chassis recipe is distinctively BMW: a tubular steel bridge frame with the engine as a stressed member, BMW Telelever front suspension and BMW EVO Paralever rear. Suspension travel is generous—190 mm front and 200 mm rear—delivering the compliance you want over rough tarmac and light off-road.

Geometry supports stability and confidence. A 1507 mm wheelbase, 63° steering head angle, and 99.6 mm trail yield planted straight-line manners with predictable steering. The cast light alloy wheels (front 3.0 x 19, rear 4.5 x 17) wear a 120/70 R19 up front and a 170/60 R17 at the rear, striking a useful balance for mixed surfaces.

The BMW R 1200 GS (LC) seat height is 850 / 870 mm (standard, adjustable). Taller riders will appreciate the room to move; shorter riders may favor the lower of the two settings for easier footing. The BMW R 1200 GS (LC) weight is 244 kg (wet), which feels substantial at walking pace, but once rolling the chassis composure and leverage from the wide bars make it largely disappear. At 953 mm wide with mirrors and 2207 mm in length, it’s sizable but manageable in traffic and when lane filtering where legal.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is serious: twin 305 mm front discs with hydraulic actuation and ABS, plus a single 276 mm rear disc with ABS. Standard electronics include Rain and Road riding modes and ASC (traction control), giving you baseline tuning for slippery or dry conditions.

If you like to tailor your ride further, the optional equipment list is deep: Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro, Enduro Pro), DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control, and Dynamic ESA “Next Generation.” These options expand the bike’s envelope across sportier road riding and more technical off-road routes. Additional fundamentals include the shaft (universal) final drive for low maintenance and the cast wheels for durability on everyday miles.

Who Is the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) For?

This GS suits riders who want one bike to do almost everything: long-distance touring, year-round commuting, and weekend exploring on unpaved roads. With 125 hp, a 244 kg wet weight, and an 850/870 mm seat height, it’s best for intermediate to experienced riders. Newer riders can appreciate its predictability and electronics, but the size and performance reward those with some seat time.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) specs tell a clear story: a torque-rich boxer, long-travel suspension, serious brakes with ABS, and smart electronics (with even more available as options). The chassis delivers confidence on varied surfaces, the fueling is refined, and the 20 L tank plus 4.96 L/100 km WMTC consumption make it a strong mile-eater.

Trade-offs? The BMW R 1200 GS (LC) weight of 244 kg and the 850/870 mm seat height may challenge shorter riders and those new to big adventure bikes. If those fit your size and skill, this remains a compelling all-rounder with character, comfort, and capability in equal measure.

FAQ

• Is the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC) good for beginners? It’s manageable and predictable, but with 92 kW (125 hp), 244 kg wet weight, and an 850/870 mm seat height, it’s generally better suited to riders with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC)? The standard BMW R 1200 GS (LC) seat height is 850 / 870 mm, adjustable between those two settings.

• How heavy is the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS (LC)? Wet weight (DIN, road ready) is 244 kg.

• What are the key performance figures? Power is 92 kW (125 hp) @ 7,750 rpm, torque is 125 Nm (92 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm, 0–100 km/h takes 3.6 s, and top speed is 200 km/h.

• What electronics and rider aids does it have? Standard: Rain and Road modes plus ASC. Optional: Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro, Enduro Pro), DTC, ABS Pro, Hill Start Control, and Dynamic ESA “Next Generation.”