🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Sport Touring / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Riders seeking a powerful, comfortable, and technologically advanced motorcycle for long-distance touring and spirited riding.

Key Competitors 1998:

Honda VFR800 Interceptor, Kawasaki GTR1000, Yamaha FJR1300 (later models), Triumph Trophy.

Engine Layout:

Inline four-cylinder boxer engine (90-degree opposed cylinders), longitudinally mounted.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive boxer engine configuration, sophisticated Telelever front suspension, Integral ABS II braking system, comfortable ergonomics for touring.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

300-400

Type:

Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the K1200 series engine.

Fuel System:

Detailed instructions on fuel injection system maintenance, cleaning, component replacement (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), and troubleshooting.

Ignition System:

Coverage of ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing adjustments, and diagnostic procedures.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and associated sensors.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Complete service procedures for the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, and final drive (shaft drive system).

Suspension System:

Detailed guides for front Telelever and rear Monolever suspension maintenance, fork seal replacement, shock absorber adjustments, and spring replacement.

Braking System:

Comprehensive coverage of the BMW Integral ABS II system, including brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, bleeding procedures, hydraulic component replacement, and ABS module diagnostics.

Electrical System:

Extensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, charging system, starter, instrument cluster, ABS control unit, and ECU.

Bodywork And Frame:

Procedures for fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, fuel tank maintenance, and general chassis component checks.

Cooling System:

Maintenance of the liquid-cooled engine, including radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, and thermostat replacement.

Wheels And Tires:

Information on wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, and recommended tire pressures.

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, brake fluid flushes, and coolant changes.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing all major and minor components of the motorcycle.

Assembly Disassembly:

Complete guides for breaking down and reassembling various parts of the motorcycle, from engine to bodywork.

Calibration Adjustments:

Procedures for adjusting throttle cables, clutch, valve clearances (if applicable to this generation), and suspension settings.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, diagnostics, component-level repair, and full engine/transmission rebuilds. Suitable for experienced DIY mechanics and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Readability:

High-resolution scans ensuring clear text and legible diagrams, suitable for printing.

Binding Description:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Description:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Searchable text within the PDF allows for quick lookup of specific terms, part numbers, and procedures.

Diagram Quality:

Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, and schematics to aid in understanding assembly and repair processes.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, flat-four boxer engine

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.6 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 in x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

110 hp (82 kW) @ 7500 rpm

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 fuel injection with electronic ignition and idle control.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium, 91 RON (95 AKI) or higher recommended.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.

Recommended Oil:

BMW Motorrad recommends SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed, constant-mesh gearbox

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gear Ratios:

1: 3.24, 2: 2.17, 3: 1.64, 4: 1.34, 5: 1.14. Final drive ratio: 1: 2.81

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in) at seat

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1509 mm (59.4 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 244 kg (538 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 270 kg (595 lbs) (fully fueled)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 490 kg (1080 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21 liters (5.5 US gal), including a 3.5 liter reserve.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)

Brake Type Front:

Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers

Brake Type Rear:

Single 265 mm disc with 2-piston caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.

Ergonomics:

Adjustable handlebars and seat height (on some models/configurations) for rider comfort and control.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, fuel level, engine temperature, and warning lights. Often includes a clock.

ABS:

BMW Integral ABS II, a sophisticated braking system that significantly enhances safety by preventing wheel lock-up.

Accessories:

Provision for heated grips, aftermarket audio systems, and accessory power outlets.

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 electronic fuel injection and ignition control unit.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter: Every oil change. Air filter: Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Fuel filter: As specified in manual, typically every 40,000 km (24,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Specific procedures detailed in the manual.

Coolant Type:

BMW approved coolant/antifreeze (e.g., Glysantin G30 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters.

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil. Capacity approx. 1.2 liters for gearbox, 0.25 liters for final drive.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, alternator brushes, spark plug wires, starter motor brushes, pivot bearings (Monolever, Telelever), ABS modulator seals.

Electrical Gremlins:

While generally reliable, some older models can experience issues with wiring harness degradation or component failures (e.g., fuel pump relay, ABS sensors). The manual's troubleshooting sections are crucial here.

Suspension Play:

Wear in the pivot points of the Telelever and Monolever systems can lead to imprecise handling. Regular inspection and lubrication are recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles:

BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence and innovation.

K Series Introduction:

The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, was BMW's first foray into inline-four cylinder engines, revolutionizing their motorcycle lineup with smooth power delivery and advanced technology.

K1200Rs Development:

The K1200RS, a significant evolution of the K1100LT and K1100RS, was designed to offer superior performance and comfort for sport touring, featuring an enlarged engine and updated chassis.

Production Years K1200Rs:

The K1200RS model (K589) was produced from 1997 to 2000, before being succeeded by the significantly revised K1200GT and K1200RS (K1200GT/RS) using the new 1171cc engine variant.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Press:

Consistently praised by motorcycle journalists for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced engineering, often winning comparisons in the sport-touring category during its production run.

Reliability:

Generally considered a reliable motorcycle with proper maintenance. BMW's robust build quality is a hallmark.