Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW K1200 RS owners and independent repair shops
Competitors:
Honda VFR, Kawasaki GTR, Yamaha FJR (during the era)
Design Philosophy:
Long-distance comfort with sport-bike performance
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive, authoritative guide for DIY maintenance and repair
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, ECU diagnostics
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox operation, final drive (Paralever system)
Suspension:
Front fork (incl. ABS versions), rear shock absorber, Paralever swingarm
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS operation, caliper service, pad replacement
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, starter, instrumentation
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel tank
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat
Exhaust System:
Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust headers
Bodywork And Frame:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, frame components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, error code explanations
Repair:
Component overhaul, replacement procedures, assembly instructions
Diagnostics:
System checks, electrical component testing, fuel system testing
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions with detailed exploded views and diagrams
Format:
Printed Paperback/Hardcover
Print Quality:
Professional high-resolution printing
Binding:
Perfect binding or stitched binding for durability
Paper Type:
Durable, glossy or matte paper suitable for workshop environments
Type:
Inline-Four Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (1.17 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 108-110 hp @ 7500 rpm (varies by market and year)
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Induction:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON recommended)
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings differ from cars)
Brakes Front:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (BMW EVO ABS optional/standard on later models)
Brakes Rear:
Single 280 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (BMW EVO ABS optional/standard on later models)
ABS:
BMW EVO ABS available as an option or standard on specific later models
Lighting:
Halogen Headlights, LED Taillight
Frame Construction:
Aluminum alloy frame
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, clock, warning lights.
Audio System:
Optional radio/cassette or CD player integration on some models.
ABS:
As mentioned, ABS was a significant technological feature for its time.
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostic capabilities via a dedicated port (manual covers access).
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually
Oil Filter Change:
With every oil change
Valve Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact BMW spec)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant:
BMW Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 90 API GL-4 or GL-5 (check manual for specific final drive recommendations)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear wheel bearings, fuel pump relays, fork seals.
Electrical Issues:
Intermittent electrical connections, particularly around the starter and ignition.
ABS System:
ABS modulator issues on older models, requiring specialized bleeding procedures.
Brand:
BMW Motorrad, known for engineering excellence and innovation in motorcycles.
Successor:
K1200 GT, K1200 LT (different models but evolutionary path)
Production Period:
1996-2004
Key Changes During Production:
Introduction of ABS, minor styling updates, potential minor engine tuning for emissions.
