Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners of BMW R1200S (K40) seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, and professional motorcycle technicians.
Key Competitors:
Other large-displacement sport-touring bikes of the era, such as Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Honda VFR1200F (though the VFR1200F is later), and some Ducati models.
Vehicle Strengths:
Powerful Boxer engine, shaft drive, sophisticated chassis and suspension, comfortable for long distances, BMW's reputation for build quality and technology.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential for cost-effective maintenance, accurate part ordering, and efficient troubleshooting, empowering owners to maintain their premium motorcycle.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, camshaft), fuel system (injection, throttle bodies, fuel pump), ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system (liquid cooling components), exhaust system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (gearbox operation, shifting mechanism), clutch operation and service, final drive (shaft drive, universal joint, bevel gear).
Chassis Systems:
Frame, front suspension (fork disassembly, adjustment), rear suspension (Paralever system, shock absorber service), steering system, braking system (hydraulic lines, caliper service, ABS components), wheel and tire service.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, turn signals), instrument cluster, ECU (Engine Control Unit) and sensor diagnostics, ABS control unit.
Bodywork And Accessories:
Fairing removal and installation, seat service, fuel tank service, side stand, center stand, luggage mounting points.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, coolant checks and changes, brake fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, drive shaft lubrication, valve clearance checks and adjustments.
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, fork seal replacement, shock absorber overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, ABS bleeding procedures, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common malfunctions, fault code reading (if applicable to the era and diagnostic tools), performance diagnosis.
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation, torque specifications for all fasteners.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repair and overhaul procedures, suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
Air/Oil-cooled, Four-stroke, Boxer-twin engine
Displacement:
1170 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
101 mm x 73 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven
Horsepower:
125 hp (93 kW) @ 7500 rpm (approximate for R1200S variant)
Torque:
85 lb-ft (115 Nm) @ 6000 rpm (approximate for R1200S variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum 95 RON (91 AKI)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 liters (5.5 US gal)
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil (refer to manual for exact BMW approval)
Oil Capacity With Filter Change:
Approx. 4.0 liters (refer to manual for exact capacity)
ABS:
Integral ABS (available, integrated braking system)
Braking System Front:
Dual 320 mm discs, 4-piston fixed caliper
Braking System Rear:
Single 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
Suspension Front:
BMW Telelever (or conventional upside-down forks depending on exact year/variant, R1200S used conventional)
Suspension Rear:
BMW Paralever (single-sided swingarm with adjustable shock absorber)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber turn signals
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for gear indicator, fuel level, trip computer, engine temperature, time, and warning lights. Options for heated grips, ABS indicators.
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS, which combines braking actuation and can be partially or fully de-activated.
Traction Control:
Not standard on early R1200S models, but ASC (Automatic Stability Control) became available on later Boxer models. Check specific VIN for this feature.
Connectivity Features:
Limited factory connectivity by modern standards. Typically includes provision for diagnostic tools via OBD-II port or BMW proprietary connector.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise intervals)
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km or 40,000 km (refer to manual for precise intervals and specifics)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 40,000 km (refer to manual for exact intervals and plug type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval and replacement intervals)
Coolant Type:
BMW Approved Anti-freeze/Coolant (typically ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors, refer to manual for specific formulation)
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (same as brake fluid, refer to manual for specifics)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, driveshaft splines wear (if not properly greased), rear shock absorber damping degradation over time, potential ABS sensor issues.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally reliable, some minor electrical issues can arise, often related to sensor connections or battery health. Manual is key for diagnostics.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly inspect and grease driveshaft splines, monitor clutch fluid level, ensure battery is well-maintained, especially during storage.
Heritage Focus:
BMW Motorrad's long history of engineering excellence, boxer engines, shaft drive, and premium motorcycles since 1923.
Successor:
BMW R1200RS (introduced later, distinct evolution)
Production Years:
2004-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
