Positioning:
Premium sport-touring and touring motorcycles, targeting experienced riders and long-distance touring enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Concours, Yamaha FJR1300, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on rider comfort, aerodynamic efficiency, powerful inline-four engine, and advanced technology for its era.
Variants Focus:
RS: Sportier touring; LT: Ultimate long-distance luxury touring; GT: Balanced sport-touring performance.
Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system
Transmission:
Gearbox removal, disassembly, assembly, inspection, clutch operation, final drive
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, ABS II, diagnostics
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheel bearings, braking system (including integral ABS)
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, body panels, accessories
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, chain/drive maintenance, brake fluid changes, coolant checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (if applicable, though more likely proprietary BMW diagnostics), sensor testing, ECU function
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic rider maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (K1200RS), 1172 cc (K1200LT)
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64.0 mm (K1200RS), 77.6 mm x 64.0 mm (K1200LT)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition (BMW Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)
Horsepower K1200Rs:
Approx. 130 hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque K1200Rs:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6750 rpm
Horsepower K1200Lt:
Approx. 100 hp @ 7500 rpm (detuned for touring)
Torque K1200Lt:
Approx. 121 Nm (89 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (premium)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are typically not standardized like automobiles)
Braking System:
BMW Integral ABS II (optional on RS, standard on LT) - electronically controlled, linked braking
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight (later models)
Frame Construction:
Aluminum frame, designed for rigidity and weight distribution
Wind Protection:
Aerodynamically optimized fairings and adjustable windscreens for rider comfort and safety at speed.
Audio System Lt:
Integrated Clarion stereo system with FM/AM, cassette player, and speaker system on K1200LT; optional CD changer.
Cruise Control:
Standard on K1200LT, optional on some K1200RS models.
ABS System:
Integral ABS II, providing linked and anti-lock braking for enhanced safety, especially under hard braking or on slippery surfaces.
Adjustable Windscreen:
Electrically adjusted windscreen on the K1200LT for optimal rider comfort in various conditions.
Auxiliary Power Sockets:
Available for powering accessories like GPS or phone chargers.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) - includes valve clearance checks.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
BMW recommends synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40, API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil SAE 80W/90 API GL-5
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.25 liters (0.26 US qt)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio), BMW approved
Electrical Gremlins:
Common reports of intermittent electrical issues, particularly with connectors and grounds due to vibration and age.
Fuel Pump Failure:
Early models could be prone to fuel pump issues; check for proper operation.
ABS Ii Maintenance:
The ABS II system requires specific bleeding procedures and occasional maintenance to ensure proper function. Consult the manual for details.
Suspension Leaks:
Rear shock absorber seals can degrade over time, leading to leaks. Front fork seals also require periodic inspection.
Legacy:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of innovation, reliability, and performance dating back to the 1920s, particularly known for its boxer twin engines before the K-series.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series was BMW's first foray into inline-four cylinder motorcycles, launched in the early 1980s with the K100, moving away from their traditional boxer engine layout for higher performance and smoother operation.
K1200Rs Introduction:
The K1200RS was introduced in 1997 as a high-performance sport tourer, evolving from the K1100RS, featuring a more potent engine and improved chassis.
K1200Lt Introduction:
The K1200LT, launched in 1998, was BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, based on the K1200RS but with extensive modifications for comfort, luggage capacity, and rider amenities.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Production Period:
1997-2004 for the K1200RS, 1998-2004 for the K1200LT.
