Segment:
Premium Full-Dress Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders, couples, riders seeking comfort and amenities.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
Features:
Integrated audio system, electric reverse, generous luggage capacity, heated grips and seats, powerful engine.
Design Philosophy:
BMW's focus on engineering excellence, rider comfort, and touring capability.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed rebuild procedures, torque specifications, component tolerances for the K1200LT engine.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, component testing, fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, timing, electronic control unit (ECU) interface.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gearshift mechanism.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, final drive unit, universal joints, lubrication.
Braking System:
ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid bleeding, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, pad replacement.
Suspension:
Front fork (Duolever) disassembly, fork oil changes, rear shock absorber, spring preload adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, instrumentation, diagnostics.
Chassis Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, luggage systems.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant, thermostat, flushing procedures.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, lambda sensors.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain/shaft lubrication, tire pressure checks, brake pad inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, error codes, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing circuits, component replacement, wiring harness repair.
ABS System Service:
Bleeding procedures, sensor testing, module diagnostics.
Bodywork Repair:
Fairing repair, mounting point checks, accessory installation.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specific BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) and their usage for this model.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for fasteners.
Schematics:
Detailed electrical and vacuum schematics.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of required BMW specialty tools.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
78.8 mm x 75 mm (3.10 in x 2.95 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
95 hp @ 7000 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
77 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON + MON)/2
Fuel Capacity:
25 liters (6.6 US gal)
Safety Certifications:
Meets relevant EU and US safety standards for motorcycles.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (optional, standard on later models within this range).
Brakes Front:
Dual 305mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Brakes Rear:
Single 284mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight
Wind Protection:
Extensive aerodynamic fairing, adjustable windscreen
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) - includes valve check, spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (BMW recommends specific grades; consult manual for exact BMW spec like SAE 15W-50, API SG/JASO MA)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W/90 API GL-5 (Final drive)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Fluid
Common Issues:
Starter motor solenoid failure, ABS modulator issues, fuel pump relay issues, occasional clutch slave cylinder leaks, suspension seal leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to vibration and age; thorough inspection of wiring and connectors is key.
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of engineering innovation and producing high-quality, durable motorcycles, particularly in the touring segment.
Successor:
K1200LT (facelifted versions), R1200LT (air-cooled boxer)
Key Updates In Range:
Incremental updates in electronics, ABS availability, and features across these model years.
Production Period:
1997-2009 (for the K589 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
