Category:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking comfortable long-distance touring with a sporty edge, and independent mechanics.
Competitors:
Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird, Kawasaki GTR1400 (later), Yamaha FJR1300 (later), Triumph Sprint ST (later), Ducati ST series (later).
Engine Layout:
Longitudinally mounted inline-four cylinder
Suspension:
Paralever rear suspension, Telelever front suspension (a signature BMW feature offering unique handling characteristics)
Brakes:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance for BMW K1200RS
Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Estimated Pages:
High (Typically 500+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (Assumed based on typical product offerings, actual may vary)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine teardown, assembly, valve adjustment, timing, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (MOTRONIC)
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and maintenance, gearbox overhaul, driveshaft and final drive maintenance, wheel bearing replacement
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork (including ESA - Electronic Suspension Adjustment where applicable for later models, though likely standard on this range), rear monoshock absorber, swingarm, steering head bearings, wheel alignment
Brakes:
ABS II or ABS III system diagnostics and repair, brake fluid replacement, caliper service, pad replacement, rotor inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, alternator and starter motor, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, CAN-bus diagnostics (where applicable)
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter service, muffler replacement, exhaust gasket inspection
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, luggage system attachment points
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain lubrication and adjustment (though shaft drive), tire pressure checks, brake inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, error code interpretation (e.g., ABS codes)
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair
Special Tools:
Listing and usage instructions for BMW-specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine checks to full engine and gearbox rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures and torque specifications.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, flat-four cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 109 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (84.8 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 2.1)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 liters (5.5 US gallons)
Length:
Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 910 mm (35.8 inches) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches) at windscreen (adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 254 kg (560 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 272 kg (599.7 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for odometer, trip meters, fuel level, clock, and warning lights. May include basic diagnostic indicators.
ABS:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) significantly enhances safety, especially in adverse conditions. The manual provides detailed diagnostics for this system.
Diagnostics:
Provision for diagnostic tools to read fault codes from the engine management and ABS systems. The manual details these procedures.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months
Valve Check:
Every 20,000 km
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or as specified
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil meeting API SG or higher / JASO MA
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW approved ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., BMW Blue Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (check specific requirements)
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., BMW recommended)
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., BMW recommended)
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical issues, particularly related to the ABS system or wiring harness chafing, can occur with age. The manual will guide diagnosis.
Clutch Actuation:
Hydraulic clutch slave cylinder leaks or failure can be a concern. Maintenance of the hydraulic system is important.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pump units can wear over time, potentially leading to starting issues or loss of power. The manual details testing procedures.
Telelever Pivot:
Wear in the Telelever pivot bearings can affect steering and handling. The manual covers inspection and replacement.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing high-quality, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer twin engines and touring capabilities. The K-series represented a significant departure with inline-four and later inline-six configurations.
K Series Development:
The K1200RS evolved from the K100 and K1100 series, featuring a more powerful engine and sport-touring focus. It was a bridge between the comfort of the LT models and the sportiness of future K1200S/R models.
Production Years:
1996-2000 (This specific generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany