Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
Vehicle Focus:
BMW K1200LT 1997 model's touring capabilities, comfort, and advanced features for its time.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their K1200LT with confidence, ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and safety, while potentially saving on dealership service costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive (shaft drive)
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, braking system (including ABS)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, electronic control units (ECU)
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seats, luggage systems, body panels, maintenance access
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, brake fluid flushes, coolant checks, tire pressure, chain/shaft drive inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and gearbox disassembly/reassembly, with detailed torque specifications and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 100 HP (74 kW) @ 7,500 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
Approx. 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.1 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oil meeting API SG or higher specification (refer to manual for precise BMW recommendation)
Length:
Approx. 2480 mm (97.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 960 mm (37.8 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1540 mm (60.6 in) at windshield (adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 295 kg (650 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 21 liters (5.5 US gal)
Safety Certification:
While specific crash test ratings for motorcycles are not standardized like cars, BMW historically adheres to high safety engineering principles.
Braking System:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) - fully integrated system, electronically controlled
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, multi-reflector turn signals, LED taillight
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame construction for stability
Rider Ergonomics:
Comfortable touring ergonomics designed to reduce rider fatigue on long journeys.
Audio System:
Integrated radio/cassette player (later models may have CD capability) with handlebar controls.
Speakers:
Integrated fairing-mounted speakers.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), a significant safety feature for its time.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control for effortless highway cruising.
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) system accessible via a diagnostic connector for fault code reading and analysis.
Electric Windscreen:
Electrically adjustable windscreen for optimal rider protection and comfort.
Heated Grips And Seats:
Optional heated grips and heated rider and passenger seats for enhanced comfort in colder conditions.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
As needed, typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or sooner in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as specified by BMW.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle oil, API SG or higher.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (BMW recommends specific coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for exact specification).
Electrical Gremlins:
Older models can sometimes experience intermittent electrical issues due to aging wiring or connectors, particularly with the complex ABS and engine management systems. Thorough inspection and dielectric grease are recommended.
ABS Modulator:
Early ABS systems can be prone to failure over time, requiring specialized diagnosis and potential replacement or repair of the modulator unit.
Clutch Actuator:
The hydraulic clutch actuator can sometimes develop leaks or become stiff, affecting clutch operation.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
While generally robust, fuel pumps can wear over time. Early diagnosis of fuel delivery issues is key.
Fairing Vibrations:
Some owners report minor fairing vibrations or rattles on rough surfaces, which can often be addressed with careful inspection and tightening of mounting points or rubber dampers.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, known for innovative engineering and premium motorcycles since 1923.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series, introduced in 1983, was BMW's first foray into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder engines, featuring a distinctive transverse inline-four configuration.
K1200Lt Introduction:
The K1200LT, launched in 1997, was a significant evolution of the K1100LT, designed as a flagship luxury touring motorcycle, emphasizing comfort, technology, and long-distance capability.
Generation K589:
The 1997 model represents the initial iteration of the K1200LT (K589 chassis code), which received further updates in subsequent model years.
Production Location:
Berlin, Germany
Motorcycle Reviews:
The K1200LT was widely praised in contemporary motorcycle reviews for its comfort, handling, and touring prowess, often cited as one of the most competent and luxurious touring motorcycles of its era.
Reliability Perception:
BMW motorcycles are generally perceived as reliable and well-engineered, though proper and consistent maintenance is crucial for long-term performance, especially with complex systems like ABS.
