🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K 1200 R

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 BMW K 1200 R Owners Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sportbike / Naked Sportbike

Philosophy:

BMW's performance-oriented, technologically advanced motorcycle offering a blend of power and agility.

Key Rivals:

Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Triple, Yamaha FZ1, Suzuki GSX-S1000 (competitors in spirit and performance class).

Engine Configuration:

Transverse inline four-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive, final drive

Suspension Technology:

Duolever front suspension, Paralever rear suspension

Braking Technology:

Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on many) with linked braking

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's information, operation, basic maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for this model and year)

Type:

Owner's Manual

File Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, fuel system overview, cooling system, lubrication system basics

Chassis:

Suspension system (front and rear), braking system (ABS details), steering system

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrumentation, basic electrical component identification, fuse box layout (general)

Controls And Instruments:

Handlebar controls, dashboard indicators, instrument cluster functions, warning lights

Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear shifting, braking techniques, operating ABS

Maintenance:

Pre-ride checks, tire pressure adjustment, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid), chain maintenance (if applicable to the model variant described), battery maintenance

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting steps for common indicators and warning lights, emergency procedures

Diagnostic Level:

Owner-level diagnosis and checks; does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.

Repair Depth:

Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or component replacements. Focuses on operation and basic upkeep.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF (assuming a quality digital reproduction)

Printability:

Printable pages for physical reference

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Format:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement:

1171 cc (approximate)

Bore X Stroke:

79 mm x 59 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1 (approximate)

Horsepower:

125 hp @ 8,250 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

117 Nm (86 lb-ft) @ 6,750 rpm (approximate)

Injection:

Electronic fuel injection (EFI), BMW's Digital Engine Management (DME)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Type:

Wet sump

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Type:

None documented for this model year

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated wet multi-disc clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,230 mm (87.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 860 mm (33.9 in) (excluding mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 1,230 mm (48.4 in) (to handlebars)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 217 kg (478 lbs)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 242 kg (533 lbs) (with fluids)

Payload Capacity:

Not specified, typically rider + luggage

Tank Capacity:

19 liters (5.0 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test:

Motorcycles are not typically rated by organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP in the same way as cars. Safety is primarily addressed through design and active/passive features.

Braking:

BMW Integral ABS (optional or standard depending on market), large diameter dual front discs, single rear disc

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED taillight

Frame:

Stressed-engine aluminum frame, designed for rigidity and rider feedback

Ergonomics:

Designed for rider control and confidence

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Multi-function LCD display, analog tachometer, digital speedometer, gear indicator, clock, fuel gauge, trip odometer, warning lights.

ABS:

BMW Integral Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - a significant safety feature for the era.

Diagnostic Port:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for service and fault code reading (requires specialized tools).

ECU:

Digital Engine Management (DME) system for fuel injection and ignition timing.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact timing).

Major Service:

Major inspections and valve clearance checks often at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per BMW's schedule.

Engine Oil:

BMW recommends specific motorcycle-grade oils, typically synthetic or semi-synthetic, viscosity like 5W-40 or 10W-40. Refer to manual for exact BMW approved specifications and part numbers (e.g., BMW Advanced Synthetic Oil).

Coolant:

BMW coolant (ethylene glycol based) with corrosion inhibitors, pre-mixed or concentrate. Part number example: 83 51 2 352 214 (concentrate). Dilute 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid. Replace every 2 years. Part number example: 83 13 0 033 551.

Final Drive Oil:

BMW recommends specific gear oil for the final drive. Typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Part number example: 83 22 2 345 064.

Fuel Pump Relay:

Some K-series models experienced issues with fuel pump relays failing, leading to starting problems.

ABS Modulator:

Occasional reports of ABS modulator failures requiring replacement.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion or loose connections in various electrical connectors can lead to intermittent faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of innovation in motorcycle engineering, known for its boxer engines, shaft drive, and rider-focused technology since the early 20th century.

K Series Origins:

The K series, introduced in the early 1980s with the K100, featured transverse inline four-cylinder engines, a departure from BMW's traditional boxer layout, emphasizing smooth power delivery and advanced technology.

K1200R Development:

The K 1200 R was a significant evolution, taking the power and technology of the K-series and presenting it in a naked sportbike format, offering exhilarating performance.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

Production Years:

The K 1200 R was produced from 2005 to 2008. It was succeeded by the BMW S 1000 RR and later the K 1300 R.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Reviews:

Generally well-received for its performance, handling, and braking, often praised in motorcycle publications of its time for its potent engine and advanced chassis.

Expert Opinion:

Considered a benchmark in the naked sportbike category for its blend of power and sophisticated engineering.