Category:
Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Experienced riders, touring enthusiasts, long-distance commuters seeking comfort, performance, and BMW engineering.
Competitors Era:
Honda VFR800/VFR1200F, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours 14, Suzuki Bandit 1250FA.
Engine Layout:
Longitudinal inline-four, transversely mounted for optimal weight distribution and cooling.
Suspension:
BMW's signature Telelever front suspension for precise steering and excellent ride comfort, Paralever rear single-sided swingarm for easy wheel changes and clean aesthetics.
Braking:
Integral ABS II, a sophisticated combined braking system offering enhanced safety and control.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position for long distances, adjustable ergonomics, weather protection from fairings and windscreen.
Engine System:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and repair of the inline four-cylinder engine, including valve train, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, and cooling systems.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive) inspection and repair, gearbox internals.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front telelever suspension, rear Paralever single-sided swingarm, wheel bearing replacement, shock absorber servicing, fork overhaul, steering head bearing maintenance.
Braking System:
Integral ABS II system, hydraulic brake lines, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, brake fluid replacement, rotor inspection.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator, lighting circuits, instrument cluster diagnostics, ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel injectors, throttle body servicing, EVAP system.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe inspection and replacement, catalytic converter information.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, tank removal, body panel repair and replacement.
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and replacement, brake pad replacement, chain/shaft drive lubrication and adjustment.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, overhaul, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower Peak:
Approx. 110 hp (82 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Torque Peak:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON recommended)
Ignition Type:
Digital Electronic Ignition
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (e.g., Castrol Power 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 is a common modern substitute, consult manual for precise specs)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (with filter change)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual, optimized for touring and performance.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil, often a GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil or specific motorcycle transmission fluid.
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width At Handlebars:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)
Height At Seat:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (adjustable seat options available)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 244 kg (538 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 260 kg (573 lbs) (fully fueled)
Max Load:
Refer to manual for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and payload capacity.
Front Tire Size:
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tire Size:
170/60 ZR17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (cast alloy wheels with specific hub mounting)
ABS Type:
BMW Integral ABS II (Combined braking system)
Braking System:
Dual front discs with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc with 2-piston caliper, linked ABS.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight, turn signals.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy frame construction, rider aids through suspension and braking systems.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, multi-function LCD display showing fuel level, engine temperature, gear position, clock, trip meters, and diagnostic indicators.
Audio System Option:
Optional integrated audio system on some models.
ABS:
Integral ABS II, an advanced anti-lock braking system for enhanced safety.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on later models, controlled via handlebar switchgear.
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II or proprietary BMW diagnostic port allowing access to ECU data and fault codes using appropriate diagnostic tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact BMW recommendations.
Major Service Interval:
Significant checks and component servicing usually around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles), including valve clearance checks.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Typically every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad approved coolant (ethylene glycol based, silicate-free, typically blue or green, e.g., BMW's own coolant or equivalent like Motul Motocool Expert).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) brake fluid.
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 75W-140 (check manual for specific viscosity and API classification).
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some early models experienced fuel pump issues; later models and replacements are generally more robust.
Throttle Position Sensor (Tps):
Can occasionally become faulty, leading to erratic engine performance; servicing or replacement might be needed.
ABS Ii System:
While advanced for its time, ABS modulators and sensors can require specific diagnostic procedures and maintenance. Fluid flushing is critical.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Potential for leaks or wear over time, requiring seal replacement or cylinder overhaul.
Bmw Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad, established in 1923, known for engineering excellence, shaft drive technology, and boxer engines, but also innovative inline-four designs.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series debuted in 1983 with the K100, featuring a transverse inline-four engine, revolutionizing BMW's motorcycle lineup beyond traditional boxers. The K1200RS evolved from this platform.
K1200Rs Development:
The K1200RS was introduced to offer a more powerful and sport-oriented touring machine, building on the K-series reputation for smooth power delivery and advanced technology.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)
Production Period:
1996-2005 (with significant updates for the 2001-2005 models covered by this manual).
Touring Capabilities:
Widely praised in period reviews for its long-distance comfort, stable handling, and smooth powertrain, making it a strong contender in the sport-touring segment.
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally high, reflecting BMW's reputation for quality and durability, though specific reliability concerns were noted (as per known issues).
