Segment:
Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW K1200GT owners, enthusiasts, independent repair shops, dealerships
Competitors:
Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours 14
Description:
Powerful inline-four engine, advanced electronics (ABS, ESA), comfortable touring ergonomics, shaft drive, high-quality construction.
Manual Benefit:
Essential for owners wanting to maintain their vehicle, order parts accurately, and perform repairs, saving time and money.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language:
English, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese
Format:
DVD (ISO), Digital Adobe PDF
Page Count Estimate:
Extensive (likely hundreds of pages based on coverage)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, performance tuning, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox (sequential), final drive (shaft drive), lubrication, diagnostics, repair procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system, starter, ignition coils, ECU, ABS, ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), instrument cluster, diagnostics
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front suspension (Duolever), rear suspension (Paralever), bearings, forks, shock absorbers, ESA system components
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS integration, caliper maintenance, disc replacement, bleeding procedures, EVO brake system diagnostics
Bodywork And Fairings:
Panel removal and installation, aerodynamic components, seating, storage, wind deflection systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, chain/drive maintenance, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation, common problem identification and solutions for all major systems
Repair:
Complete tear-down and rebuild procedures for all major components and systems
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, dimensional data, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system analysis.
File Type:
ISO (DVD Image), PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Searchable Text:
Likely, given Adobe PDF format, allowing for keyword searches.
Printability:
All pages are printable
Image Quality:
Tons of pictures and diagrams
Binding Type:
Digital (No physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder
Displacement:
1157 cc (approx. 70.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
12.5:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 9500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
125 Nm (92 lb-ft) @ 6750 rpm (approx.)
Induction:
Electronic fuel injection (BMW's BMS-K or similar ECU)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON recommended)
Oil Type:
Likely BMW Superbike Synthetic or equivalent SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific engine oil.
Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based mixture.
Type:
6-speed, constant mesh, sequential gearbox
Type:
N/A (No automatic option for this model)
Drive System:
Shaft drive via BMW's Paralever system
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch
Gearbox Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil specification (likely SAE 75W-90 or similar).
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 945 mm (37.2 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in) at windshield (adjustable)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1582 mm (62.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 246 kg (542 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 282 kg (622 lbs) (with fluids, ready to ride)
Payload Capacity:
Refer to manual for rider and luggage capacity.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (likely EVO variant for this generation)
ABS Functionality:
Combined braking functionality, potentially with cornering ABS depending on specific system version.
Esa:
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (optional on some models) allowing for on-the-fly preload and damping adjustments.
Lighting:
Halogen or Xenon headlights, LED taillight and indicators.
Ergonomics:
Adjustable windshield, comfortable seating position for long-distance riding.
Audio System:
Optional premium audio system with speakers and CD player (early models) or integrated audio unit. Features may vary by market and specific options.
Instrument Cluster:
Multi-function display with analog tachometer, digital speedometer, gear indicator, fuel gauge, clock, engine temperature, trip meters, and warning lights.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (mentioned under safety)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) may be an optional feature on some models, providing engine torque management.
Diagnostic Port:
BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector, requiring specific BMW diagnostic tools for full system analysis. Manual will cover basic troubleshooting.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact intervals.
Valve Adjustment:
Inspect/adjust typically every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-24,000 miles), check manual for specific interval.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000-40,000 km (12,000-24,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 High Performance Brake Fluid
Final Drive Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific final drive gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5).
Typical Wear Items:
Clutch wear, driveshaft U-joints (though shaft drive reduces this concern compared to chain), suspension seals, wheel bearings, brake pads.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many complex modern vehicles, electrical system issues can arise, often related to sensor failures or wiring harness integrity. ESA system can also require recalibration or component checks.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
While generally robust, fuel pump issues can occur over time. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of engineering innovation, starting with motorcycles in the early 20th century, known for their quality, performance, and distinctive boxer-twin engines before expanding to inline-fours and other configurations.
K Series Evolution:
The K1200GT is part of BMW's K-series, which historically featured transverse inline-four engines (like the K100) before transitioning to the longitudinal inline-four configuration starting with the K1200 series, offering increased power and a different riding dynamic.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Awards General:
The K1200GT was generally well-received for its performance and touring capabilities, often featuring in 'best touring bike' lists by motorcycle publications during its production run. Specific awards may vary.
Reliability Reputation:
BMW motorcycles, including the K-series, are generally known for their robust engineering and build quality, though specific models can have their known issues, which this manual will address.
