🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K 1200 LT

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 BMW K 1200 LT Riders Manual

Bmw Model Code:

K12LT

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance touring riders seeking comfort, features, and performance

Key Competitors Approx:

Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager

Touring Amenities:

Standard luggage, adjustable windshield, heated components, advanced audio system

Technology:

ABS, potentially integrated navigation (depending on original fitment), cruise control

Motorcycle Type:

Full-dress touring motorcycle

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Rider operation, safety, maintenance, basic troubleshooting for the 2008 BMW K 1200 LT

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle features, controls, instrumentation, and touring capabilities

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for this model and manual type)

Type:

Owner's Manual / Riders Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Brief overview of engine operation and basic care (not in-depth mechanical repair)

Transmission:

Operation and basic fluid checks

Chassis Suspension:

Basic information on adjustments and care

Brakes:

Operation, ABS system information, and fluid level checks

Electrical System:

Instrument cluster, lighting, fuses, battery care

Comfort Features:

Heated grips, seat, windshield, audio system, cruise control

Luggage System:

Operation, loading guidelines, and security features

Operation:

Starting, stopping, riding techniques, and control usage

Maintenance:

Routine checks (tires, fluids, lights), cleaning, storage

Troubleshooting:

Basic issue identification and recommended rider actions (e.g., warning lights)

Safety:

Riding safety, protective gear, emergency procedures

Depth:

Operator-level information, focusing on safe and proper usage; not a repair manual

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if digitally created, but image-based PDFs may not be

Output Quality:

Dependent on the source PDF; typically good for printing at home or locally

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, Boxer-four cylinder

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.4 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

79 mm x 59 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower:

Approximately 100 hp @ 7500 rpm (rated)

Torque:

Approximately 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (rated)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline, 91-98 RON (91-96 AKI)

Fuel Capacity:

24 liters (6.3 US gal), including 4 liters reserve

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual with integrated overdrive

Transmission Options:

None generally available for this specific model year and variant

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 2570 mm (101.2 in)

Width:

Approximately 980 mm (38.6 in) at mirrors

Height:

Approximately 1450 mm (57.1 in) at windshield (adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approximately 312 kg (688 lbs)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 356 kg (785 lbs) (fully fueled, ready to ride)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 550 kg (1212 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Approximately 194 kg (428 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is not rated by governmental bodies in the same way as automobiles)

ABS:

BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

BMW Motorrad ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - Optional on some models/markets

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, integrated auxiliary driving lights (often standard), LED taillight

Frame Construction:

Aluminum composite bridge frame

Wind Protection:

Large adjustable windshield and fairing offering significant weather protection

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Integrated CD player and radio, often with handlebar controls. Some models may have optional satellite radio integration or AUX input.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control for highway comfort

ABS:

Integral ABS is a significant safety feature, combining front and rear braking actuation with ABS modulation.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Motorrad Navigator or provision for aftermarket GPS units

Heated Grips Seats:

Standard dual-zone heated grips and heated rider/passenger seats for all-weather comfort

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Major Service Interval:

Major inspections typically at 20,000 km (12,500 miles) and subsequent intervals, covering valve adjustments, fluid flushes, etc.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW recommends specific synthetic motorcycle oils meeting API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA standards, with viscosity grades like 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Consult specific manual for exact spec like BMW Motorrad Advantec.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (BMW approved)

Transmission Oil Type:

Hypoid gear oil, SAE 75W/90 API GL-5

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear shock absorber, water pump seals, fuel pump, exhaust headers (corrosion/cracking)

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues; thorough diagnosis is key. ABS modulator can be a concern.

Engine Performance:

Generally robust, but ensure proper maintenance of fuel system and cooling.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles Legacy:

BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering innovation and quality since the early 20th century.

K Series Introduction:

The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move towards sophisticated, multi-cylinder engines, often featuring unique engine layouts like the inline-four.

K 1200 Lt Development:

The K 1200 LT evolved from earlier K 1100 LT models, focusing on increased displacement, power, comfort, and advanced touring features to compete in the premium touring segment.

Production Years:

The K 1200 LT was produced from 1997 to 2008, with significant updates in 2003 (K12LT)' and later the K1200LT from 2004 onwards with the new engine architecture.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Of The Year Type:

Consistently recognized in motorcycle publications for its touring capabilities and comfort, though specific 'awards' often vary by region and year.

Customer Satisfaction:

Generally high customer satisfaction for its intended purpose as a long-distance tourer.