Segment:
Luxury Sport-Touring Motorcycle
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki GTR1400, Yamaha FJR1300, Moto Guzzi California
Unique Selling Points:
Characterized by its horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder engine, shaft drive, and premium touring features, offering a blend of performance and long-distance comfort.
Target Audience:
BMW K1200 owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent workshops, and enthusiasts.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of engine components (cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valves, camshafts).
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI) components, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, and ECU control.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and electronic ignition control module (CDI/ECU).
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, coolant hoses, thermostat, and fluid specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust headers, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and lambda sensors.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox components, final drive (shaft drive), universal joints, and spline lubrication.
Brakes:
Brake system components (master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, rotors), ABS system (if equipped), and fluid bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front forks (telescopic or paralever), rear shock absorber, linkage systems, and adjustments.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, and on-board diagnostics (OBD).
Chassis Frame:
Frame integrity checks, subframe, steering head bearings, and fork alignment.
Bodywork Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, luggage systems, and aesthetic components.
Instrumentation:
Dashboard functions, warning lights, and sensor readings.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, clutch fluid changes, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, and electrical fault finding.
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuilds, bottom-end overhauls, valve adjustments, and timing chain service.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox internal inspection and repair, clutch replacement, and final drive servicing.
Brake Service:
Brake pad replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder replacement, and ABS bleeding.
Suspension Service:
Fork seal replacement, fork oil changes, shock absorber replacement, and adjustment procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring harness repair, component testing, sensor calibration, and ECU diagnostics.
Special Tool Usage:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for BMW K-series motorcycles.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Length:
Approx. 2,200 mm (K1200LT)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (K1200LT)
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (K1200LT, with windscreen)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 240-250 kg (K1200RS)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 275-300 kg (K1200LT, with luggage and fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified, but implied by component strength.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km or 2 years, including valve clearance check, spark plug replacement, and fuel filter inspection.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant with corrosion inhibitors (BMW recommends their own coolant).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, output shaft spline wear (requires lubrication), fork seals, ABS modulator failure (older models), and electrical connector corrosion.
Specific Recommendations:
Regular lubrication of the final drive splines is critical to prevent wear. Check fuel line connections for leaks.
Bmw Motorcycles Legacy:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence and innovation.
K Series Development:
The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s with the K100, represented BMW's foray into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder motorcycles, moving away from their traditional air-cooled boxer twins.
K1200 Lineage:
The K1200 series, including the K1200RS (Sport-Touring) and K1200LT (Luxury-Touring), built upon the K-series platform, offering increased power, refinement, and touring capabilities.
Production Period:
1997 - 2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
