Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders seeking comfort, features, and BMW's renowned engineering.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
Distinguishing Features:
Inline-four engine, integrated fairing with wind protection, extensive luggage capacity, electronic features for comfort and convenience.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox operation, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting.
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension (front and rear), steering system, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS operation, bleeding procedures, pad and disc replacement.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, electronic control units (ECUs), sensor diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seats, storage compartments, luggage systems.
Comfort Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) if equipped, audio systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain/belt adjustments (if applicable), brake fluid flush, coolant replacement.
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement for all covered systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics and component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation (if applicable).
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for electrical and mechanical systems, including specifications for testing components.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for both routine maintenance and complex repairs, suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline four-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
78.8 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Horsepower:
95 hp @ 6750 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
110 Nm (81 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Fuel Capacity:
25 Liters (6.6 US gal)
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Standard on many models, check specific vehicle)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame, integrated crash protection (optional crash bars).
Audio System:
Integrated audio system with cassette player (later models had CD changers or radio/CD combos), often with handlebar controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control for enhanced long-distance comfort.
ABS System:
Integral ABS system providing enhanced braking stability, particularly on varying road surfaces.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics capabilities with specific connectors for diagnostic tools (covered in the manual).
Heated Grips And Seats:
Often equipped with heated grips and two-stage heated seats for rider and passenger.
Electric Windscreen:
Electrically adjustable windscreen for optimal rider wind protection.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Spark Plugs:
Every 20,000 km.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Engine Oil:
BMW Motorrad recommended SAE 15W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil. (Check manual for exact spec and API/JASO rating)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil. (Check manual for specific type)
Coolant:
BMW approved coolant mixture (typically 50% ethylene glycol and 50% distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Water pump seals, clutch slave cylinder, final drive splines, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to minor electrical glitches due to complex systems; regular battery maintenance is crucial.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, established in 1923.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move into multi-cylinder, liquid-cooled motorcycles.
K1200Lt Introduction:
The K1200LT was introduced in 1997 as the flagship luxury touring model, replacing the K1100LT.
Production Years:
1997-2009 (with significant updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
