Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair, independent workshops.
Comparison Points:
BMW's K1200LT competed against other large-displacement touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Harley-Davidson (Electra Glide), and Yamaha (Royal Star Venture).
Motorcycle Features:
Comfortable ergonomics, integrated fairings with wind protection, ample luggage capacity, powerful inline-four engine, often equipped with ABS and heated grips.
Benefit:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform complex tasks and reduce reliance on dealership services.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, component diagnosis, lubrication, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, shaft alignment, lubrication, diagnosis.
Drivetrain:
Final drive, driveshaft maintenance, universal joint inspection, rear axle service.
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, suspension component overhaul, swingarm maintenance.
Front Suspension:
Telelever fork service, oil replacement, seal replacement, fork leg disassembly.
Rear Suspension:
Monolever shock absorber service, spring preload adjustment, damping adjustment, linkage inspection.
Braking System:
ABS system diagnosis and service, brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery maintenance, alternator and starter system, lighting, instrumentation, diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump operation, injector testing, fuel pressure regulation, tank removal and cleaning.
Cooling System:
Radiator maintenance, coolant replacement, fan operation, thermostat testing.
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, panel repairs, cosmetic maintenance, seat adjustment.
Electronics Control:
ECU diagnostics, sensor troubleshooting, CAN bus system information (if applicable to generation).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition system checks, brake system checks, tire pressure checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based fault finding, common issue identification and resolution.
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, bodywork repair.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for all major components and systems.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, diagnostic codes.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including troubleshooting of electronic control units (ECUs) and sensor systems.
Scope:
Full A-Z coverage for all repairs, mirroring professional workshop practices.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (approximate, may vary slightly by sub-model)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm (typical for this generation)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 98-100 hp @ 6750 rpm (depending on specific model year and tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (depending on specific model year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic (typical)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 95 (RON)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 liters (with filter change)
Recommended Oil:
SAE 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher, JASO MA certified)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (BMW recommends specific BMW coolant or equivalent)
Ignition Type:
Digital ignition system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement Interval:
Oil filter with every oil change; air filter every 20,000 km; fuel filter every 40,000 km (typical).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km.
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 40,000 km.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 Synthetic (API SG/JASO MA)
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-4/GL-5)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (BMW recommended or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, rear main seal, alternator brushes, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, brake pads.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes exhibit intermittent electrical faults due to wiring loom issues or connector corrosion; the manual provides extensive diagnostic procedures for these.
Fuel Injection Issues:
Occasional issues with fuel pump or injector clogging, addressed by specific cleaning and testing procedures in the manual.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
Known for engineering innovation, performance motorcycles, and luxury vehicles.
Key Changes From Predecessor:
Increased engine displacement, improved fuel injection system, enhanced chassis dynamics, more integrated touring features.
Production Period:
Introduced in 1999, production ran until 2009 (with the later 1600cc generation taking over).
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
