🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200LT

Year:

1997

Model Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

BMW K1200LT owners seeking to perform their own maintenance, repairs, or understand the technical workings of their motorcycle. Also valuable for independent repair shops.

Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha Venture, Kawasaki Voyager

Vehicle Focus:

The K1200LT was BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, known for its comfort, power, and extensive touring features.

Manual Value:

This factory manual provides authorized procedures and specifications, crucial for maintaining the complex systems of the K1200LT.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Factory Service and Repair

Scope:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (exact count not specified in product info, but 'hundreds of pages' indicates comprehensive coverage)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (maintenance, disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting), Fuel System (injection, pumps, injectors), Exhaust System, Cooling System (radiator, thermostat, coolant), Lubrication System (oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications)

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch (operation, adjustment, replacement), Gearbox (internal components, shift mechanism, fluid specifications), Final Drive (shaft drive, bevel gear, fluid specifications)

Chassis Suspension Brakes:

Front Suspension (forks, steering head bearings, adjustments), Rear Suspension (monoshock, swingarm, linkage, adjustments), Braking System (hydraulic circuits, calipers, master cylinders, ABS system, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures), Wheels and Tires (rims, spokes, tire pressure, sizes, replacement)

Electrical Electronics:

Battery, Charging System (alternator, voltage regulator), Ignition System (ECU, sensors, coils), Lighting System (headlights, taillights, indicators), Instrumentation (dashboard, warning lights), Wiring Diagrams (complete schematics for all circuits), ECU and Sensor Diagnostics

Bodywork Accessories:

Fairings, Seat, Luggage Systems (top case, panniers), Windscreen Adjustment, Body Panel Removal and Installation, Ergonomics

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Chain/Shaft Drive Lubrication, Brake Fluid Replacement, Coolant Replacement, Spark Plug Service, Valve Clearance Checks

Repair Overhaul:

Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, Fuel System Cleaning and Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Common Faults and Solutions, Error Code Interpretation

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures for advanced users.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

Printable (designed for full or partial printing), likely includes clear diagrams and legible text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download, user chooses binding if printed)

Paper:

N/A (Digital download, user chooses paper type if printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Four-stroke, Boxer-twin configuration (despite the 'K' designation, the LT models up to this point used a longitudinally mounted inline-four cylinder engine, but the K1200LT specifically featured a transverse inline-four. *Correction needed based on standard K1200LT specs: It's a transversely mounted, 16-valve, DOHC inline-four cylinder engine.*)

Engine Code:

K589 E45

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.6 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.0 mm x 63.8 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

98 hp (73 kW) @ 6750 rpm

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic 2.2 Fuel Injection with Idle Control (DIC)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (octane rating)

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change

Oil Type:

BMW Motorrad recommended SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (check manual for exact specification)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Engagement:

Clutch operated, constant mesh gears

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Final Drive Oil:

BMW Motorrad recommended Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90 API GL-5 (check manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 2470 mm (97.2 in)

Width:

Approximately 980 mm (38.6 in)

Height:

Approximately 1570 mm (61.8 in) at windscreen highest setting

Dry Weight:

Approximately 295 kg (650 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 500 kg (1102 lbs)

Fuel Capacity:

21 liters (5.5 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

BMW Integral ABS (standard on most models, check specific vehicle configuration)

Braking System:

Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 285 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear)

Lighting:

Halogen Headlight, LED Taillight, Turn Signals

Handling:

Stable chassis geometry, adjustable suspension for rider comfort and load

Ergonomics:

Comfortable seating, adjustable handlebars and windscreen for reduced rider fatigue

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Integrated stereo system with cassette player and radio (later models offered CD compatibility), often with handlebar-mounted controls.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system for effortless highway touring.

ABS:

Integral ABS providing combined braking action and anti-lock functionality on both wheels.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostic capabilities supported by the Motronic system, accessible through specialized tools which this manual will likely reference for troubleshooting.

Electrically Adjustable Windscreen:

Standard on the LT model, allowing for height adjustment via a handlebar switch.

Heated Grips Seats:

Often equipped with heated grips and a heated rider's seat for enhanced comfort in varied weather conditions.

🔧 Maintenance

Initial Service:

Typically around 1,000 km (600 miles) - includes oil change, filter check, chain adjustment (if applicable, though shaft drive here), general inspection.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Air filter, spark plugs, and brake fluid service at specified intervals detailed in the manual.

Major Service:

Valve clearance checks and adjustments typically at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendations.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 20W-50 API SG or higher (BMW Motorrad recommended)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

Coolant Spec:

BMW approved coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)

Common Complaints:

While generally robust, some owners have reported issues with the ABS modulator, starter motor solenoid, and occasional electrical gremlins. Suspension seals can also wear over time. The manual will detail diagnostic and repair procedures for these.

Filter Part Number Example:

Oil filter (e.g., Mann-Filter MW 64/1, Mahle OC 35/1 - exact BMW P/N requires specific lookup or manual reference)

Spark Plug Spec Example:

NGK CR9EK or equivalent (confirm with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), renowned for engineering precision and quality motorcycles.

Lineage:

The K1200LT is an evolution of BMW's K-series 'flying brick' platform, focusing on long-distance touring and luxury.

Generation Start:

The K1200LT was introduced in 1997 as a successor to the K1100LT.

Production Years:

1997-2009 (with significant updates in 2001 and the introduction of the K1200LT R in 2009, this manual covers the initial 1997 model)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reception:

The K1200LT was highly regarded in its segment for its blend of performance, comfort, and BMW's characteristic build quality. It won numerous awards and positive reviews from motorcycle publications for its touring capabilities.