BMW R 12 G/S (2026+) Maintenance Schedule and Service Info

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the BMW R 12 G/S 2026 release. The R 12 G/S is built around BMW’s 1,170cc air/oil-cooled boxer engine. This platform also forms the basis for the R 12 nineT and R 12 models.

The BMW R 12 G/S shares its mechanical core with:

• BMW R 12: Cruiser variant
• BMW R 12 S: Sport-oriented variant with the same engine
• BMW R 12 nineT: Heritage roadster
• BMW R 12 G/S: Adventure/enduro model (2026–)

The R 12 G/S uses a 1,170cc DOHC boxer twin, delivering 109 hp at 7,000 rpm and 85 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive. The chassis is a tubular steel space frame with a bolt-on rear subframe. Standard features include fully adjustable suspension, spoked wheels (21-inch front/17- or 18-inch rear), and modern electronics with Rain, Road, and Enduro ride modes. Despite the off-road focus and retro-inspired design, the service requirements are unchanged from other models sharing the same engine and drive system.

Service intervals cover regular oil and filter changes, valve clearance checks, shaft drive inspections, and routine replacement of items like spark plugs and filters. The first service is a running-in check after break-in, followed by ongoing standard service.

No major technical changes between regions or years affect the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 G/S. All models built on the R 12 platform follow the same maintenance requirements.

This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!

BMW R 12 G/S 2026 Service Intervals

The BMW R 12 G/S needs basic service every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. At each service, change the oil and filter, along with routine inspection specified in the task list. The first service is due between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km. Valve clearance checks are required every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km.

Basic Service Schedule

• First service: 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km
• Standard Service: Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months
• Valve check: Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months

At every service, also inspect the spark plugs, air filter, brakes, shaft drive, and adjust as needed. The R 12 S uses BMW’s air/oil-cooled boxer engine, making regular maintenance points easy to access.

General Notes on Serviceability for the BMW R 12 G/S

• The R 12 G/S features BMW’s air/oil-cooled 1,170cc boxer twin with shaft drive, making routine service tasks like valve checks and plug changes straightforward.
• There is no liquid coolant to maintain, just regular oil and final drive fluid changes.
• BMW recommends replacing the drive shaft every 24,000 miles / 40,000 km, or as needed.
• Most standard maintenance can be performed at home, but certain diagnostic or electronic resets may require a BMW dealer.

BMW R 12 G/S Maintenance Schedule Tables

Below is the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 S G/S. The content here is the same as in the manual, though presented in a clearer, easier-to-read way.

The schedule is divided into three parts:

• First service (BMW Motorrad running-in check): Performed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,200 km.
• Standard service (BMW Motorrad Service): Performed every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months.
• Long-term service intervals: Tasks that come up less frequently, such as valve clearance checks and other major items.

First Service

The first service is usually carried out by the dealer under warranty. It should be completed between 300 – 750 miles / 500 – 1,000 km.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Standard Service

Do the following checks for the R 12 G/S every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Note: Some of the below items, including those that need the BMW Motorrad diagnostic system or re-setting the service due date, require dealer-specific equipment. These are marked with a [D].

Long-Term Service Intervals

The following tasks are required less frequently, at longer intervals. While they are not part of regular or annual service, they are essential for long-term performance and reliability. Refer to the maintenance schedule table below for the recommended intervals.

Notes:

• At the end of the schedule, continue in the pattern shown, every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or year.
• When both time and distance intervals are listed, follow whichever comes first.

BMW R 12 G/S Tire Sizes and Pressures

The following are tire sizes and tire pressures for the BMW R 12 G/S. The R 12 G/S has a 21/17 front/rear tire combo, different from the 17/17 combo on the R 12 nineT.

About the BMW R 12 G/S

The BMW R 12 G/S is BMW’s modern classic enduro, a machine that looks like it just rolled in from the original Dakar days, but rides with all the engineering punch of today. BMW is clearly proud of this one, and for good reason: it’s a proper, dirt-capable adventure bike that pays homage to the R 80 G/S, but isn’t content to just be a tribute act. This is the boxer-powered answer for riders who want real off-road chops with old-school cool.

Let’s talk engine first, because that’s what a boxer GS is all about. The R 12 G/S packs the air/oil-cooled 1,170cc twin, good for 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 115 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This is the same platform you’ll find across the R 12 range, so it’s well-proven, and it delivers that broad, torquey pull you want for both trails and long-haul tarmac. Power goes through a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive, which means less chain fuss and more miles between maintenance stops.

On the chassis side, BMW went all-in on capability. There’s a stiff tubular steel frame with a bolt-on rear subframe, 45mm fully adjustable upside-down forks up front, and the signature Paralever swingarm with a fully adjustable rear shock. You get 210mm of travel up front and 200mm at the back, so you’re set for serious bumps and ruts. Wheels are classic cross-spoke: 21-inch front and 17-inch rear as standard, or you can opt for an 18-inch rear with the Enduro Package Pro for even more ground clearance and tire choice.

Electronics are present, but never overbearing. You get three riding modes: Rain, Road, and Enduro, along with Dynamic Traction Control, engine drag torque control, and lean-sensitive ABS Pro. Add the Enduro Package Pro and you unlock Enduro Pro mode, which lets you loosen things up for off-road play, including the ability to disable rear ABS and traction control. Cruise control, heated grips, and a micro TFT dash are on the options list if you want extra comfort or tech. The standard bike uses a classic round analog dial, which feels right at home.

Riding position is upright and ready for adventure, with a flat solo seat and wide, butted aluminum bars that are adjustable. There are three seat options, including a taller Rallye version and a two-up option. Everything about the ergonomics is designed for confidence, whether you’re sitting or standing on the pegs.

Comparing to the regular R 12, the G/S gets a higher, more forward steering head, longer suspension, bigger wheels, and ergonomics focused for off-road. Where the R 12 is built for cruising, the G/S wants you to take the dirt detour every time.

Reference — Screenshots from the Manual for the BMW R 12 G/S

Below is a selection of screenshots of the maintenance schedule for the BMW R 12 G/S. You can download the complete manual from BMW’s website directly here.