Segment:
Luxury Grand Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders, demanding comfort, performance, and versatility.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager, Yamaha Venture
Touring Amenities:
Aerodynamic fairing with integrated wind deflector, large comfortable seat, integrated audio system, ample luggage capacity (saddlebags, top case), cruise control.
Engineering Excellence:
BMW's renowned Boxer engine (though K1200LT uses inline-four), shaft drive, Telelever front suspension (on later models, though K1200LT uses conventional telescopic), Paralever rear suspension, advanced ABS braking.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and undertake repairs, saving money and ensuring optimal performance and longevity of their valuable motorcycle.
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Maintenance
Systems Addressed:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Transmission, Clutch, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Fairings, Controls, Instruments, Diagnostic Procedures
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Downloadable (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components including cylinder head, valves, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing chain, oil pump.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank maintenance, pressure testing.
Ignition System:
Ignition coil testing, spark plug replacement, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing (crankshaft position, camshaft position).
Transmission Clutch:
Clutch inspection, adjustment, replacement. Gearbox disassembly, assembly, inspection of gears, shafts, and bearings. Shift mechanism repair.
Drivetrain:
Final drive inspection, maintenance, and repair. Driveshaft and universal joint servicing. Wheel bearing replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front fork (Telescopic) disassembly, seal replacement, oil change. Rear monoshock absorber inspection and replacement. Steering head bearing maintenance. Wheel alignment.
Brakes:
ABS II system diagnostics and repair. Brake fluid flush and bleeding procedures. Caliper overhaul, pad replacement, rotor inspection. Parking brake mechanism.
Electrical System:
Battery testing and replacement. Charging system (alternator, voltage regulator). Starter motor. Lighting system (headlights, taillights, turn signals). Horn. Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting guides. Instrument cluster diagnostics.
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation. Seat adjustment and removal. Luggage systems (top case, saddlebags) mounting and repair. Windscreen adjustment and replacement.
Controls Instruments:
Handlebar and lever adjustments. Throttle and clutch cable replacement. Cruise control system troubleshooting. Dashboard indicator lights and warning messages.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed service schedules for oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubing, brake checks, and other routine maintenance tasks at specific mileage or time intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems, including fault codes and symptom-based troubleshooting trees.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed diagrams for the complete disassembly and reassembly of all major motorcycle components and systems.
Repair Rebuild:
In-depth guidance on the repair and rebuilding of worn or damaged parts, including specifications for machining and tolerances.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic checks and fluid changes to full engine rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and advanced troubleshooting.
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick access to specific information
Readability:
High-resolution scanned pages for clear text and legible diagrams
Printability:
Printable pages for physical reference
Quality Notes:
Digital reproduction, quality dependent on original source scan.
Binding Notes:
Not applicable for digital format; printable for user binding.
Paper Notes:
Not applicable for digital format; recommend durable paper for printing.
Configuration:
Inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (for K1200LT pre-2004)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
100-107 hp (approx. depending on year and tuning)
Torque:
80-85 lb-ft (approx. depending on year and tuning)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts)
Length:
Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 295 kg (650 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 330 kg (727 lbs)
Max Load:
Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Integrated, approximately 32 liters each
Top Case Capacity:
Integrated, approximately 55 liters
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (standard)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes (305 mm), single rear disc brake (285 mm) with multi-piston calipers.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, multi-reflector design, LED taillight.
Frame Construction:
Aluminum composite bridge frame
Ride Comfort:
Designed for long-distance comfort, reducing rider fatigue.
Audio System:
Integrated multi-speaker audio system, often with CD player or radio tuner. Cassette player on early models.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (standard on all covered models), combining brake and clutch levers to activate front and rear brakes.
Diagnostic Interface:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for electronic fault detection and analysis, with specific BMW diagnostic tools mentioned.
Heated Grips Seats:
Standard feature on most K1200LT models, offering adjustable heating levels.
Reverse Gear:
Electric reverse gear (standard on K1200LT), powered by the starter motor.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Coolant Change:
Every 3-4 years or as specified
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 (depending on climate). Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Coolant Specification:
BMW approved ethylene glycol coolant mixture (typically 50/50 with distilled water)
Final Drive Oil Specification:
Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W/90
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear brake pads, steering head bearings, fuel pump, regulator/rectifier, ABS sensor failures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Potential for intermittent electrical issues, particularly related to the complex wiring harness and integrated systems.
Heating Elements:
Heated grips and seat elements can be prone to failure over time.
Transmission Noise:
Some models may exhibit normal transmission whine; distinguishing it from abnormal noise is crucial and covered in the manual.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
Innovation in motorcycle engineering, known for Boxer engines, shaft drive, and rider-focused design.
K Series Origin:
The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, marked BMW's move to inline-four engines, offering smoother power delivery compared to their traditional boxer twins.
K1200Lt Development:
The K1200LT was developed from the K1100LT, focusing on enhanced touring capabilities, comfort, and integrated amenities, becoming BMW's flagship touring machine.
Production End For This Manual:
2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Model Updates Within Period
Key Changes 97-04:
Minor updates to electronics, ABS system improvements, potential styling tweaks, and power output adjustments across the model years.
