Positioning:
The BMW K1100LT was BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle in the late 1990s, renowned for its comfort, performance, and touring capabilities.
Competitors:
Competed against other premium touring motorcycles of the era, such as Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha FJ1200, and Kawasaki GTR1000.
Touring Focus:
Designed for long-distance travel with a large fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, and integrated luggage systems.
Engineering:
Embodied BMW's characteristic engineering, including the longitudinally mounted inline-four engine, shaft drive, and advanced (for its time) ABS.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, tuning, and specifications for the 1100cc inline-four engine.
Fuel System:
Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition system (BMW's breakerless ignition), ignition coils, spark plugs, and timing.
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch system (hydraulic), shift mechanism, and lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, final drive unit, universal joints, and maintenance.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (including spring rate and damping adjustments), rear Monolever single-sided swingarm with adjustable shock absorber, and calibration.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, fuses, relays, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Removal and installation of body panels, fairings, seats, luggage systems (LT touring features), and cosmetic repairs.
Cooling System:
Oil cooling system, oil filter replacement, oil level checks, and specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems with step-by-step fault finding guides and error code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Comprehensive guidance for complete engine, transmission, and chassis disassembly and reassembly.
Calibration And Adjustment:
Procedures for setting ignition timing, fuel mixture (if applicable via diagnostics), throttle synchronization, and suspension settings.
Depth:
Full factory level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including information on using BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) if applicable to the 1997 model.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline-four cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
72 mm x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
90 hp (67 kW) at 7500 rpm
Torque:
101 Nm (74.5 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition (BMW breakerless)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Oil Filter Part Number:
BMW P/N 11 42 1 450 713 (or equivalent MANN-FILTER W 940/3, KNECHT OC 53)
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, temperature, and warning lights. Often includes analog clock.
ABS:
BMW ABS II system, a significant safety feature for its time, providing controlled braking.
Audio System:
Optional integrated radio/cassette or CD player systems were available for the LT model, often with handlebar controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Check oil level regularly.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 motorcycle specific oil. Consult manual for precise recommendations based on climate.
Coolant Spec:
BMW's recommended coolant mixture (typically ethylene glycol-based with corrosion inhibitors). Check manual for specific part number.
Common Wear Items:
Rear Monolever pivot bearings, clutch slave cylinder seal, ABS sensor wear, and potential for alternator brush wear over high mileage.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many bikes of this era, electrical connections and grounds can become a source of intermittent issues if not maintained.
