Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Description:
The K1200LT was BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, designed for long-distance comfort and rider amenities.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Venture
Features:
Powerful four-cylinder engine, extensive fairing for weather protection, integrated luggage, electric windscreen, cruise control, reverse gear (on later models, though not specified for '99, it's a hallmark of the LT line), advanced ABS.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and technicians seeking accurate, detailed information for maintaining and repairing this complex luxury touring machine.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Factory Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (mechanical, electrical, fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling), Transmission (clutch, gearbox, final drive)
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (front Telelever, rear Paralever), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (ABS II), Steering
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Fuel Injection System, ECU Functions
Bodywork:
Fairings, Body Panels, Seating, Luggage Systems, Windscreen Adjustment
Comfort Systems:
Heating System, Ventilation
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant replacement, Clutch fluid replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common faults, Component testing procedures, Electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Brake system service, Electrical component repair
Special Tools:
Identification of BMW specific tools required for various procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Printable; allows for printing of entire manual or specific pages
Binding Recommendation:
Printable for binder organization, suggesting professional binding for durability.
Paper Recommendation:
Suggests high-quality paper for printed copies to withstand shop environment.
Type:
Inline Four-Cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 100 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Injection:
Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON)
Type:
Wet Sump, Dry Sump (for transmission)
Length:
Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in)
Height:
Approx. 1580 mm (62.2 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 303 kg (668 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Luggage Capacity:
Integrated hard saddlebags and top case, providing substantial storage.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)
Braking System:
Linked Integral ABS II: Front brake lever operates front caliper and partially rear caliper; Rear brake pedal operates rear caliper and partially front caliper, with ABS integration.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, integrated turn signals, ample tail and brake lighting for visibility.
Frame Design:
Aluminum composite-cast frame designed for stability and rigidity.
Audio System:
Integrated AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD changer interface (optional). Features speakers integrated into the fairing.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control system for enhanced long-distance comfort.
Windscreen Adjustment:
Electrically adjustable windscreen for optimizing rider comfort and weather protection.
Diagnostic Port:
Features a diagnostic connector for use with BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., MoDiTec), crucial for advanced troubleshooting covered in the manual.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter with every oil change; Air filter every 20,000 km (12,500 miles)
Spark Plugs:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles)
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 API SG/SH or higher, or fully synthetic 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.65 liters (0.69 US quarts)
Coolant:
BMW recommended ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., BMW HT-11 or HT-12) mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio
Common Concerns:
ABS modulator issues (especially on earlier models), potential for rear shock absorber wear, clutch slave cylinder leaks, occasional electrical gremlins due to complex wiring harness.
Maintenance Focus:
The manual is crucial for addressing potential ABS system faults and understanding proper bleeding procedures. It also details maintenance for the integrated heating system.
Heritage Focus:
BMW's long history of engineering excellence in motorcycles, known for innovation, quality, and performance.
K Series Origins:
The K1200LT is part of BMW's K-Series, which debuted in 1983 with the K100, featuring a revolutionary transverse-mounted, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine.
Lt Development:
The LT (Luxus Touren) designation signifies BMW's commitment to creating premium touring machines. The K1200LT evolved from earlier K75LT and K1100LT models, offering increased displacement and touring amenities.
Production Period:
The K1200LT model line was produced from 1997 to 2009, with significant updates over its lifecycle.
Industry Acclaim:
Consistently praised by motorcycle journalists and owners for its comfort, touring capabilities, and innovative engineering.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction for its intended purpose as a long-distance tourer, though complex systems require diligent maintenance.
Manual Certification:
Official Factory Manual, ensuring accuracy and adherence to BMW's technical standards.
