Market Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders seeking comfort, features, and BMW quality
Primary Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Kawasaki Voyager
Model Highlights:
Comprehensive fairing, integrated luggage, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, electric windshield, heated components, powerful boxer engine
Vehicle Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Page Count:
Significant (Typically 500+ pages for a WSM)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual (WSM)
Language:
English (assumed, standard for WSMs)
Format:
Digital (PDF, likely with searchable text and printable pages)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection (EFI), ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, tires
Braking Systems:
Brake system (hydraulic), ABS (if equipped), discs, calipers, lines
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, sensors, ABS electronics
Body And Trim:
Body panels, fairings, seat, luggage systems (integrated cases), fairing components
Comfort Features:
Heated grips, heated seats, electric windshield, radio/audio system (if equipped), cruise control
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, drive shaft lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuilds, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault code interpretation, common problem identification and solutions
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics, including ECU data interpretation and sensor testing
Rebuild Scope:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Electrical Schematics:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, flat-four (Boxer) engine
Displacement:
1171 cc (for early models, later models might have slight variations or updates)
Bore X Stroke:
70.2 mm x 75 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 100-100.5 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approx. 101 Nm (74.5 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (without filter change) / 4.5 liters (with filter change) - verify with manual
Recommended Oil:
BMW Motorrad approved synthetic engine oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise specifications)
Length:
Approx. 2440 mm (96.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 950 mm (37.4 in) (over mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1530 mm (60.2 in) (with windshield at highest setting)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 315 kg (694 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 liters (5.5 US gal)
Luggage Capacity:
Integrated hard cases (saddlebags) and top case (standard on LT)
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (standard on LT models)
Braking System Type:
Combined braking system (front lever actuates front brake and a portion of rear brake, rear pedal actuates rear brake)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, auxiliary lighting (optional/standard depending on trim), LED taillight
Rider Ergonomics:
Designed for long-distance comfort, adjustable rider triangle
Wind Protection:
Full fairing and tall, electrically adjustable windscreen
Audio System:
Integrated radio/cassette player (later models may have CD changer option), speakers
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Windshield Adjustment:
Electrically adjustable windshield
Diagnostic Interface:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities, often requiring specialized BMW diagnostic tools for full access.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (verify with manual)
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or biennially (includes valve clearance check, spark plug replacement) (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (verify with manual)
Coolant Change:
Every 2-4 years (verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (verify with manual)
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5) for final drive (verify with manual)
Common Wear Items:
Water pump seal, clutch slave cylinder seal, fuel pump, starter motor brushes, suspension pivot bearings
Electrical Concerns:
Occasional issues with wiring harness integrity in high-flex areas, alternator output
Engine Specifics:
Potential for oil leaks at engine seals, starter clutch wear
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
Long history of innovation in motorcycle design and engineering, particularly with boxer engines and shaft drive
K1200Lt Introduction:
Introduced as BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, building on the K-series platform.
Key Updates During Production:
While the core K589 platform remained, minor updates to electronics, comfort features, and potentially engine tuning occurred throughout the production run.
Production Years:
1997-2008 (for K1200LT model range, this manual covers 1997-2004)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Industry Recognition:
Widely recognized for its comfort and capability as a long-distance touring machine by motorcycle publications.
Consumer Reviews:
Generally positive for comfort, build quality, and touring prowess, with common critiques focusing on weight and complexity for DIY maintenance.
Emissions Compliance:
Complies with relevant emissions standards for its model years.
