🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Model Variant:

Sportbike

Generation:

1st Generation (K589)

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

High-performance sport touring motorcycle, positioned as a premium offering from BMW Motorrad.

Competitive Set:

Competed against other large-displacement sport touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (ST1100), Kawasaki (GTR1000/ZZR1100), Yamaha (FJR1300 - later models), and Ducati.

Key Features Of Vehicle:

Long-distance comfort, powerful inline-four engine, advanced chassis design (e.g., Telelever front suspension on some variants), shaft drive, and BMW's hallmark build quality and engineering.

Manual Value:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving money on dealership service costs and providing the satisfaction of DIY work. Enhances understanding of the vehicle's complex systems.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system (liquid-cooled), and associated components.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle bodies, and ECU control.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, and timing.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Gearbox operation, clutch system (hydraulic), final drive (shaft drive), gearbox oil specifications, and troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, ABS system (if equipped), and electronic control units (ECUs).

Chassis Suspension:

Front suspension (telelever or conventional forks depending on specific sub-model, though K1200RS is typically telelever), rear suspension (Paralever swingarm), shock absorbers, springs, and adjustments.

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, calipers, master cylinders, brake lines), brake fluid specifications, ABS system troubleshooting and service, and maintenance procedures.

Bodywork Fairings:

Fairing removal and installation, body panel repairs, seat, fuel tank, and associated trim components.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire replacement, tire pressures, and wheel specifications.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant checks and changes, brake fluid flushes, drive shaft lubrication, tire pressure checks, and general inspection schedules.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and systematic problem-solving.

Engine Repair Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, repair, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.

Transmission Service:

Clutch adjustment and replacement, gearbox internal inspection and repair, and final drive service.

Electrical Diagnosis:

Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, and troubleshooting of electrical faults.

Suspension And Steering:

Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, steering head bearing maintenance, and suspension adjustments.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, bleeding procedures, and ABS system maintenance.

Bodywork Repair Refinishing:

Instructions for removing and reinstalling body panels, minor bodywork repairs, and fairing component replacement.

Technical Depth Level:

Comprehensive (A-Z coverage, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)

Completeness:

100% complete and intact, no missing or corrupt pages/sections

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing individual pages or entire sections.

Binding Type:

Digital (Instant Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Usability Features:

Viewable on any computer, zoomable, printable, easy to follow step-by-step instructions with illustrations, diagrams, and photos.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.7 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64.0 mm (approx.)

Compression Ratio:

11.0:1 (typical for later models, may vary slightly by year)

Horsepower:

Approx. 109-110 hp @ 7500 rpm (depending on year and specific configuration)

Torque:

Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm (depending on year and specific configuration)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), typically Bosch Motronic

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change (refer to manual for exact spec)

Oil Type:

API SG/SH or JASO MA certified motorcycle oil, SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact spec)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed, constant mesh

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Only manual gearbox offered)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated wet multi-plate clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gearbox Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 (refer to manual for exact spec)

Clutch Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid (shared with brake system)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,260 mm (89.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 970 mm (38.2 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,420 mm (55.9 in) at handlebars/seat height

Dry Weight:

Approx. 245 kg (540 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 273 kg (602 lbs) (fully fueled, including fluids)

Payload Capacity:

Refer to manual for specific load limits

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features General:

Integrated ABS (optional on early models, standard on later ones), strong braking system, stable chassis design, aerodynamic fairing.

Active Safety Systems:

BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), responsive handling.

Passive Safety Features:

Robust frame construction, protective fairing, rider ergonomics designed for stability and control.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Generally minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on functionality and rider feedback. May include analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel level, temperature, and warning lights. Some models might have basic trip computers or clock functions.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is the primary driver assistance feature.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No built-in Bluetooth or smartphone integration)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually (refer to manual for exact spec and conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on operating conditions (refer to manual)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-24,000 miles) (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval)

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (refer to manual for exact spec)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze (BMW recommended or equivalent), mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio) (refer to manual for exact spec)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, fuel pump, regulator/rectifier, wheel bearings, ABS sensor issues (on equipped models), occasional electrical connectors.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular lubrication of the final drive splines is crucial to prevent corrosion and seizure. Proper care of the cooling system is essential for engine longevity. Regular checks of the ABS system (if equipped) are recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of engineering excellence in motorcycles, known for innovation, durability, and performance, particularly in touring and sport touring segments.

Model Line Evolution:

The K1200RS is part of BMW's K-series, which debuted in the early 1980s with the K100. The K1200RS evolved from earlier K-series models, offering increased displacement and a focus on sport-touring capabilities, with the K589 generation representing a significant update and refinement.

Production Period:

1996-2005 (for the K589 generation covered by this manual)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions:

While specific awards for the K1200RS model itself might not be readily available in a general context, BMW motorcycles of this era were consistently praised by automotive journalists and rider communities for their build quality, engineering, and performance as sport-touring machines.