Market Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring enthusiasts seeking comfort, performance, and long-distance capability, as well as owners and technicians performing maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Venture
Unique Selling Points:
Long-distance comfort, sophisticated technology for its era, BMW's renowned engineering, powerful inline-four engine, integrated luggage, reverse gear (on some models/years).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the complete, authoritative technical documentation necessary for maintaining and repairing the K1200LT to factory standards, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition, Clutch, Transmission, Final Drive, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Chassis, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count Estimated:
Hundreds of pages
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures for the inline four-cylinder engine, including valve timing, piston and cylinder inspection, crankshaft and connecting rod checks.
Fuel System:
Comprehensive coverage of the fuel injection system, including fuel pump diagnosis, injector testing, throttle body calibration, and evaporative emission control system.
Ignition System:
Detailed information on the electronic ignition system, including ignition coil testing, spark plug specifications, and troubleshooting ignition timing issues.
Clutch System:
Procedures for clutch inspection, adjustment, and replacement of clutch components for the hydraulic clutch system.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Detailed instructions for transmission disassembly, gear inspection, shift mechanism repair, and final drive unit maintenance, including shaft and bearing checks.
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, adjustment, and repair, including fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, and linkage checks.
Brake System:
Detailed procedures for brake caliper overhaul, master cylinder inspection, ABS system diagnostics and troubleshooting, fluid flushing, and pad/rotor replacement.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing procedures for starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting systems, instrument cluster, and electronic control units (ECU).
Bodywork And Frame:
Procedures for fairing removal and installation, seat adjustments, luggage system maintenance, and minor body panel repair.
Chassis And Steering:
Headstock bearing inspection and replacement, steering alignment checks, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain/drive shaft lubrication, brake fluid checks, tire pressure adjustments, and coolant level checks.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon mechanical and electrical issues, including fault code interpretation.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and complete system rebuilds, from engine internals to suspension linkages and electrical components.
Adjustment Calibration:
Procedures for adjusting clutch, throttle cables, suspension settings, and calibrating electronic systems like ABS and fuel injection.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing wear items such as brake pads, tires, batteries, filters, and more specialized components like wheel bearings and drive shaft U-joints.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, factory-level technical information suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on specialized tools and diagnostic equipment required for specific procedures and fault finding.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners throughout the motorcycle, crucial for proper assembly and safety.
Clearances Tolerances:
Essential service limits and tolerances for critical engine and drivetrain components to ensure proper operation and longevity.
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable, allowing for individual page printing or complete manual output.
Binding Type For Print:
Not applicable (digital download), but designed for standard binding methods (e.g., comb, spiral, binder).
Paper Type For Print:
Not applicable (digital download), but typical recommendations would be durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
78.8 mm x 61.8 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Max:
100 hp (74 kW) at 6750 rpm (approximate)
Torque Max:
115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with dual spark plugs per cylinder
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity With Filter:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US qt)
Oil Type Recommended:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher)
Length:
2400 mm (94.5 in)
Height:
1430 mm (56.3 in) (seat height adjustable)
Wheelbase:
1625 mm (64.0 in)
Dry Weight Estimated:
337 kg (743 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
570 kg (1257 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 Liters (5.5 US gal), including 3.5L reserve
Front Suspension:
BMW Telelever
Rear Suspension:
Paralever single-sided swingarm with central spring strut
Front Wheel Travel:
115 mm (4.5 in)
Rear Wheel Travel:
130 mm (5.1 in)
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size:
170/80 ZR15
Front Wheel Type:
Cast aluminum alloy
Rear Wheel Type:
Cast aluminum alloy, single-sided swingarm
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5 x 112 mm (typical for BMW automobiles, but specific for motorcycle hubs)
Crash Test Ratings:
Motorcycle safety ratings are not typically standardized in the same way as automobiles. Focus is on engineering and rider aids.
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on later ones; includes linked braking)
Linked Braking:
Brake lever actuates both front and rear brakes (with ABS integration)
Lighting System:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, rear brake light, and running lights.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control over long distances, contributing to reduced fatigue.
Wind Protection:
Full fairing and adjustable windshield provide significant wind and weather protection.
Audio System:
Integrated stereo radio and cassette player (later models offered CD changer option).
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control system
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital multi-function display (clock, temperature, gear indicator, fault codes).
ABS:
Integral Anti-lock Braking System (optional/standard depending on market and build date)
Diagnostic Interface:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) for fault code retrieval and system analysis.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years
Coolant Type:
BMW approved silicate-free antifreeze (ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (for ABS and non-ABS systems)
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (shared with brake system)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch slave cylinder seals, water pump seals, fork seals, wheel bearings.
Electrical Concerns:
Some owners have reported issues with the ABS modulator, starter solenoids, and general electrical connections due to vibration and age.
Engine Specific Notes:
Regular valve adjustments and proper coolant levels are crucial for longevity. The engine is robust but requires diligent maintenance.
Fuel System Notes:
Keep fuel injectors clean and use high-quality fuel to prevent performance issues. Check fuel pump operation as per manual procedures.
Brand History:
BMW Motorrad, a division of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle design and manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s.
K Series Introduction:
The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, marked BMW's foray into multi-cylinder, fuel-injected motorcycles, evolving from inline-fours to inline-threes and inline-sixes.
K1200Lt Development:
The K1200LT succeeded the K1100LT, representing BMW's flagship touring motorcycle, emphasizing comfort, technology, and performance for extended journeys.
Production Period K1200Lt:
1997-2008 (with significant updates and variations between model years)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)