Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders, those prioritizing comfort, features, and premium build quality.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
Distinguishing Features:
Exceptional comfort, extensive luggage capacity, advanced rider aids (for its era), powerful inline-four engine, renowned BMW build quality.
Essential Tool:
Indispensable for maintaining the complex systems of the K1200LT, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Parts Ordering:
Facilitates accurate identification of part numbers for ordering replacements.
Cost Savings:
Empowers owners to perform many maintenance and repair tasks themselves, reducing labor costs.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair for the BMW K1200LT motorcycle.
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, parts identification, component tear-down and reassembly.
Estimated Page Count:
Variable, but typically between 500-800 pages for a comprehensive factory-level manual.
Manual Classification:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Primary Language:
English (likely, depending on publication origin)
Digital Format:
Likely PDF (searchable and printable)
Print Format:
Printed physical manual
Engine System:
Complete engine overhaul, component details (pistons, rings, valves, crankshaft, camshafts), lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection system (K-Jetronic or similar).
Transmission System:
Gearbox operation, clutch service, final drive, driveline maintenance.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (Duolever or similar BMW front suspension), rear shock absorber (Paralever or similar BMW rear suspension), wheel bearings, steering system.
Braking System:
Brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid replacement, rotor inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/generator), ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), instrumentation, control units (ECU), ABS control module.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, fuel pressure regulation.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, body panels, seat assembly, luggage systems (panniers, top case), windshield adjustment/replacement.
Comfort Features:
Heated grips, heated seats, cruise control system, audio system (if factory equipped).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based problem solving.
Repair And Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly and assembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of BMW-specific tools required for certain procedures.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering factory specifications and procedures for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed instructions for diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults, including sensor data interpretation if applicable.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the motorcycle.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans or native digital files, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Searchability:
Likely searchable PDF text for quick access to specific information.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments, often glossy for image clarity.
Physical Binding:
Professional binding (e.g., comb binding, spiral binding, or perfect binding) for ease of use and durability.
Engine Type:
Inline Four-Cylinder, Four-Stroke
Engine Displacement:
1171 cc (for K1200LT models typically)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm
Engine Configuration:
Transverse mounted
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 110-112 hp @ 8,000 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque:
Approximately 75-78 lb-ft @ 6,750 rpm (varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition, often with dual spark plugs per cylinder.
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0-4.5 liters (including filter)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 Motorcycle Specific (refer to manual for exact BMW specification)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic actuation, multi-plate wet clutch
Transmission Type:
5-speed sequential manual gearbox
Transmission Variants:
N/A for K1200LT, typically manual only.
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios provided within the manual.
Gearbox Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific BMW gearbox oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for precise capacity.
Length:
Approx. 2,415 mm (95.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,590 mm (62.6 in) at windscreen (adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 279 kg (615 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 298 kg (657 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to manual for exact GVWR
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,570 mm (61.8 in)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
22 liters (5.8 US gal)
Luggage Capacity:
Large integrated panniers and top case, offering substantial touring storage.
Safety Certifications:
CE compliance, DOT (for US market) approved lighting and safety features.
ABS System:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (often linked braking system).
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models.
Lighting System:
Halogen or Xenon headlight (depending on year), LED taillight, ample turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Rigid frame offering stability, intended for high-speed touring.
Audio System:
Integrated stereo system, often with CD player or radio, and speakers.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Motorrad Navigator or provision for aftermarket GPS units.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most K1200LT models for enhanced long-distance comfort.
Heated Features:
Heated grips and heated rider and passenger seats are common luxury features.
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II or proprietary BMW diagnostic port for advanced electronic diagnostics (requires specific tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 6,000 miles, or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Often around 20,000 km or 12,000 miles, involving valve checks, fluid flushes, etc.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years or as per manual instructions.
Coolant Type:
BMW approved coolant concentrate (e.g., Glysantin G48 or equivalent) mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for precise BMW specification).
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic (refer to manual for exact BMW specification).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension seals, fuel pump, ABS sensor issues, starter motor brushes.
Electrical Gremlins:
While generally robust, older models can sometimes develop minor electrical connection issues.
Tire Pressure:
Specific pressures for front and rear tires are critical for handling and tire life; refer to manual.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for innovation, engineering prowess, and durable touring machines.
K Series Development:
The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move into water-cooled, inline-engine motorcycles, evolving over decades.
K1200Lt Introduction:
Introduced in 1999 as the successor to the K1100LT, focusing on enhanced comfort, power, and touring amenities.
K1200Lt Updates:
Received minor updates throughout its production run, including potential ABS enhancements, slight power bumps, and aesthetic refinements.
Production Years:
1999 - 2009 (approximate, exact end year may vary by market or final configuration)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Motorcycle Journal Reviews:
Consistently reviewed positively for its touring capability, comfort, and refinement by major motorcycle publications.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction due to its long-distance comfort and durability.
Mechanical Reliability:
BMW's reputation for robust engineering typically translates to good mechanical reliability when properly maintained.