🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K 1200

Model Variants:

K1200RS, K1200GT, K1200LT, K1200S, K1200R, K1200R Sport

Year Range:

1998-2008

Model Codes:

K589 (K1200RS), K1200GT, K1200LT, K12S, K1200R, K1200R Sport

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Sport-Touring and Luxury Touring motorcycle segment.

Target Audience:

Riders seeking long-distance comfort, performance, advanced technology, and BMW's reputation for quality and engineering.

Key Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Honda ST1300, Kawasaki Concours 14, Yamaha FJR1300, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

Engine Configuration:

Unique transverse inline-four engine (early models) and longitudinal inline-four (later models), contributing to distinctive handling characteristics and cooling efficiency.

Suspension Technology:

Innovative Telelever front suspension (K1200RS/GT/LT) and Duolever front suspension (K1200S/R/R Sport) offering superior ride quality and feedback compared to conventional telescopic forks.

Shaft Drive:

Low-maintenance shaft drive, ideal for touring and reducing rider attention to chain maintenance.

Integral ABS:

Advanced integrated anti-lock braking systems, enhancing safety and confidence across all models.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnostics, fuel injection ( மோтроник / Bosch Motronic), ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management system (ECU).

Transmission:

Clutch, gearbox (6-speed sequential), final drive (shaft drive), torque converter (for LT), transmission fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Chassis:

Frame, swingarm, front suspension (Telelever/Duolever), rear suspension (Paralever), steering system, wheel bearings, spoke tensioning.

Brakes:

Brake system (ABS EVO/Integral ABS), brake fluid specifications, caliper servicing, master cylinders, brake disc specifications, troubleshooting, bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting system, charging system (alternator, regulator), battery specifications, sensors, actuators, instrument cluster, CAN bus communication, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).

Bodywork:

Fairings, body panels, seat, fuel tank, luggage systems (for LT/GT), lighting, mirrors, accessory installation.

Maintenance:

Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, drive shaft lubrication, brake pad replacement, fluid flushes.

Repair:

Component-level repair and replacement for all covered systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical diagnostics and repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code explanations.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools, interpreting sensor data, checking ECU fault codes.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic rider maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Diagram Clarity:

High-definition, clear, and detailed diagrams and illustrations.

Text Readability:

Crisp and legible text, optimized for on-screen viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Displacement:

1171cc (K1200RS/GT/LT), 1157cc (K1200S/R/R Sport)

Bore X Stroke:

70.5 mm x 75 mm (K1200RS/GT/LT), 79 mm x 59 mm (K1200S/R/R Sport)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (K1200RS/GT/LT), 12.0:1 (K1200S/R/R Sport)

Horsepower:

Approx. 130 hp @ 8,750 rpm (K1200RS/GT/LT), Approx. 167 hp @ 9,500 rpm (K1200S/R/R Sport)

Torque:

Approx. 115 Nm @ 6,750 rpm (K1200RS/GT/LT), Approx. 130 Nm @ 8,250 rpm (K1200S/R/R Sport)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection ( மோтроник)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI recommended)

Fuel Capacity:

21 liters (K1200RS/GT/LT), 19 liters (K1200S/R/R Sport)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed, claw-shifted, constant mesh gearbox

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with universal joint

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated multi-plate wet clutch

Transmission Fluid Spec:

SAE 75W/90 synthetic gear oil (API GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Varies by model (e.g., K1200RS ~2215 mm)

Width:

Varies by model (e.g., K1200RS ~860 mm)

Height:

Varies by model (e.g., K1200RS ~1310 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 240-270 kg (depending on model and equipment)

Gvwr:

Not typically specified for motorcycles, but maximum permissible load capacity is crucial.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Available with ABS EVO or Integral ABS on most models

Braking System:

Hydraulic dual-disc front brakes, hydraulic single-disc rear brake (with ABS options)

Lighting:

Halogen or Xenon headlamps, LED tail lights (on later models), integrated turn signals.

Frame Construction:

Aluminum twin-spar frame for rigidity and light weight.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard on K1200LT, optional on K1200GT. May include CD player, radio, cassette player (on early models), and speaker system.

Cruise Control:

Optional or standard on touring models (GT, LT).

ABS:

Available in multiple generations (ABS EVO, Integral ABS), significantly enhancing braking safety.

Diagnostic Interface:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic port for accessing engine management and other system data.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.

Filter Replacement Interval:

Oil filter with every oil change; air filter every 20,000 km.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 20,000-30,000 km, depending on type.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 40,000 km.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Motorrad Recommended: SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (meeting BMW Motorrad Longlife-04 or similar specifications)

Coolant Spec:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48, blue) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 for Integral ABS models as specified by BMW)

Common Issues:

Starter motor issues, alternator regulator failure, fuel pump problems (especially on older models), clutch slave cylinder leaks, Hall sensor failures, ABS modulator issues, some specific ECU failures.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular cleaning of the final drive shaft and splines, checking tire pressures frequently, ensuring battery health, and promptly addressing any warning lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW Motorrad, renowned for engineering, reliability, and innovative technology, particularly with its boxer twin and inline four-cylinder engines.

K Series Heritage:

The K series, launched in 1983 with the K100, represented BMW's move to liquid-cooled inline engines, offering a different performance profile than their traditional boxer models. The K1200 evolved from earlier K-series iterations, focusing on sport-touring and luxury touring segments.

K1200Rs Gt Lt Evolution:

The K1200RS (1997-2004) was a flagship sport-tourer. It evolved into the K1200GT (2002-2005), offering more touring comfort. The K1200LT (1998-2009) was BMW's flagship luxury tourer, featuring extensive fairings, audio systems, and comfort features.

K1200S R Evolution:

The K1200S (2004-2008) marked a significant shift with a new generation of inline-four engines and the Duolever front suspension, aiming for a sportier performance. The K1200R (2005-2008) was the naked sportbike variant, and the K1200R Sport (2007-2008) was a more aggressive version of the R.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)